FCC Chair Wants to Let Prisons Jam Illegal Cellphones

The Federal Communications Commission said on Oct. 28, 2026, that it will vote on a new rule that would allow state prisons and jails to use cellphone jammers. The goal is to block inmates' use of illegal cellphones, which could let them continue criminal activity through outside contact. The planned vote is set for the agency's open meeting on Nov. 19.

What the proposal would allow

The proposal would let state and local incarceration facilities opt in to using jammers. Use of the technology would not be required. Because any technology that interferes with communications signals is illegal for non-federal parties to use, the rule would create a formal pathway for some facilities to use signal blocking tools.

Federal testing and possible expansion

In 2018, the Federal Bureau of Prisons began testing 'micro-jamming' in federal prisons to block unauthorized cellphone use by inmates. The FCC's move could open similar tools at the state and local levels and provide a formal pathway for federal facilities to jam signals as well.

Prior concerns and new standards

The proposal marks a reversal from previous FCC policies that did not allow jammers to reduce illegal cellphone use in prisons. Earlier concerns said the technology could interfere with emergency and public safety communications and could create security risks by putting more jamming tools where bad actors might exploit them. If the new rules are adopted, correctional facilities would need to meet standards, including proving that the jamming solution does not cause harmful interference outside designated geographic areas.

Other prison policy changes

The FCC has changed its approach toward prisons under the current administration before. In July 2025, the department said it would delay implementing a cap on rates charged for prison phone calls.

Sources: Engadget