FCC Greenlights Prison Phone Jammers: Contraband Crackdown
Published Date: 11/26/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to help prisons stop illegal cell phone use by allowing new tech like radio signal jammers to be used safely and legally. This change affects correctional facilities, tech providers, and public safety groups, aiming to boost security without messing up emergency calls. Comments on this plan are open until December 26, 2025, with replies due by January 12, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Risk to 911 and Wireless Emergency Alerts
The FCC acknowledges that jamming solutions block affected frequencies and, unlike managed access systems, may be unable to allow 911 calls or Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to reach public safety answering points. The Commission is seeking comment on whether 911/E911 rules should apply to jamming leasees and on technical measures to protect public safety communications.
Deauthorizing Contraband Phones in Prisons
The FCC proposes to change its rules (amending 47 CFR 1.903(c)) so that subscriber operation of a "contraband wireless device" inside a correctional facility would not be authorized by the Commission. That change would let departments of correction (DOCs) and their contractors deploy jamming solutions in prisons without those operations being treated as authorized wireless service.
Safe Harbor for Wireless Carriers Negotiating with DOCs
The FCC proposes a "safe harbor" where a wireless provider would not face enforcement for continuing to authenticate contraband devices in a correctional facility if (1) no DOC is actively seeking an RF solution in that provider's area, or (2) the provider actively participates in good-faith negotiations (or completed such negotiations) with the DOC/solutions provider seeking a lease to authorize a jamming or other contraband interdiction system.
Authorizing Jammers via Spectrum Leasing
The FCC proposes to let jamming solutions be authorized through spectrum leases (leveraging existing CIS leasing rules). Eligible lessees would include DOCs or solutions providers contracted with a DOC, with certification (e.g., on FCC Form 608) that the equipment has valid part 2 equipment authorization; the FCC also seeks comment on whether wireless licensees should be eligible to operate such systems directly.
45-Day Good-Faith Lease Negotiation Rule
The FCC proposes a good-faith negotiation rule requiring wireless providers to negotiate leases with DOCs or solutions providers seeking jamming solutions; if no agreement is reached after a 45-day period, the DOC/solutions provider may apply for a non-exclusive overlay license as a fallback. Parties that fail to negotiate in good faith could be ineligible for the proposed safe harbor.
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