In Australia, the ownership and operation of mobile phone jammers is strictly forbidden. This prohibition is in place due to the disruptive nature of these devices, which interfere with mobile communications and obstruct the ability to make calls, including those to emergency services.

Nonetheless, certain valid applications of mobile phone jammers necessitate exemptions.

We are collaborating with Corrective Services NSW regarding the implementation of mobile phone jammers within correctional facilities.

Mobile phone jammers in prisons

Incarcerated individuals are prohibited from possessing mobile phones within correctional facilities.

Correctional officers have the capability to employ mobile phone jammers to disrupt the signals of any mobile devices that inmates may illicitly bring into the facility.

The deployment of mobile phone jammers within correctional facilities could disrupt the mobile phone networks in the surrounding areas.

We collaborate with Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) to guarantee that the deployment of jammers does not disrupt authorized mobile phone usage.

Use of jammers by CSNSW

Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) is authorized to deploy mobile phone jammers at the Lithgow and Goulburn Correctional Centres, as stipulated by the Radiocommunications (Exemptions - Corrective Services NSW) Decision 2021.

The exemption is a result of CNSW's implementation of mobile phone jammers during trials conducted at Lithgow Correctional Facility from 2013 to 2018 and at Goulburn Correctional Facility from 2019 to 2021.

The trials carried out by CSNSW effectively prevented inmates at Lithgow and Goulburn Correctional Centres from unlawfully utilizing mobile phones, without disrupting mobile phone users in the surrounding areas.