November 18,2023 Stealth RF has submitted our comments to the FCC Docket 13-111 regarding Phone Jamming Solutions in Non-Federal Correctional Facilities. We shared our insights and experiences in implementing jamming solutions to prevent criminals from using cell phones in prison.
Our position supports the allowance of jamming in U.S. prisons, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all equipment used is manufactured in the United States, particularly considering the sensitivity of legal communication networks.
The response document sent to the FCC can be viewed at this link
Key takeaways:
- Who We Are: We’re Cellantenna International Inc (DBA Stealth RF), a Woman Owned Small business in the U.S. Our gear is MADE IN THE USA.
- What We Do: We’re all about stopping bad guys from using radio communication, including C-UAS (drones) and, super importantly, cell phones in prisons. We’ve been at this for over 23 years.
- Our Experience: We’ve deployed and tested technology, going back to 2007 with our Surgical jamming test in 2007 Leiber Corrections South Carolina, the first IMSI catcher in a federal facility in 2010, and various managed access platforms in the USA. We have deployed jamming at various facilities around the world.
- Our stuff works globally and handles 2G up to 5G, plus WiFi, BLE, and Bluetooth.
- Our Solutions (The Toolkit): We offer a few ways to tackle the problem:
- Jamming: “Outside In,” DAS-based “Inside Out,” and “MicroJamming” (cell-by-cell).
- Managed Access: Redirecting unauthorized phones (can use a whitelist/blacklist). Legal phones stay connected (911 gets routed right).
- IMSI Catching & Sensors: Finding out who has a phone and exactly where they are.
- Scan-Jam: Detect a phone, then jam just that specific area (near-field).
- Who We Sell To: Only government agencies with the right authority (the AHJ). We don’t sell to the public.
- The AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction): The government end-user needs to be the final decision-maker on deploying jamming, just like fire marshals handle public safety comms in buildings. They have to follow the rules and are ultimately responsible.
- One Size Does NOT Fit All: There’s no single perfect solution. The right choice depends on the facility’s location (rural vs. urban), signal levels, construction, and budget.
- Jamming is the “Hammer” approach (stop all phones).
- Managed Access is the “Pest Control” approach (reduce risk).
- Managed Access might be better for big urban facilities, while jamming could be cheaper for rural ones.
- Technical Stuff & Safety:
- Deployment must use the best engineering practices.
- We have to follow health and safety rules (like 47 C.F.R. rules).
- Forget Equipment Certification: Jamming is designed to destroy communication, not transmit a clean signal. It uses different ‘destructive’ methods (barrage, noise sweeping, etc.). You can’t set a standard for a jammer product like you do for a normal transmitter.
- System Certification is Key: The FCC should focus on certifying the entire system deployment and design, not the individual product. Testing the whole system is what matters to make sure the public isn’t affected.
- Rules for Deployment: The company installing the system must ensure:
- Jamming signals outside the facility are weaker than the incoming tower signal (e.g., at least 20 dB less).
- Out-of-band interference is within current FCC standards.
- Uplink interference is minimal so legal phones can still talk.
- The system needs proper planning (like IBWAVE) and should be reviewed by groups like the CTIA or carriers.
- Money Talk (Budgeting):
- CAPEX: Pay for everything upfront. Tough for budget-conscious prisons.
- OPEX: Pay monthly (like a utility). We own the gear, you pay for the service. Much easier for budgets.
- Policy: Buy American! We think all jamming equipment for prisons must be Made in the USA. Foreign-made gear (like “Chinese” equipment) has been deployed without proper controls, causing interference and security threats. Requiring U.S. manufacturing keeps things controlled and creates American jobs.
- Final Word: Jamming should be legalized as an option for prison authorities (the AHJ). Let them choose the best combination of tools (jamming, managed access, etc.) that fits their goals and budget to keep cell phones out of criminal hands.
CellAntenna International Inc ( DBA STEALTH RF) , a Woman Owned Small Business , manufactures Vehicle and Man-pack amplification systems for lawful mobile phone intercept solutions providing detection, interception and disabling of cell phone communication. Made in the USA, products include Jamming (Export) , PLTE, IMSI catching, signal detection, MGTRON ®signal generator, CA-Companion. Our experience includes design engineering and installation of Distributed Antenna Systems(DAS) in prisons and secure facilities
For more information go to https://stealthrf.com/