Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC UPHOLDS FINE FOR JAMMER USED BY DALLAS COMPANY TO BLOCK EMPLOYEES’ PHONE USE
Federal Law Prohibits the Use, Sale, Marketing, or Shipping of Signal Jammers
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WASHINGTON, January 27, 2022—The Federal Communications Commission today upheld a $22,000 fine for use of a signal jammer by Ravi’s Import Warehouse in Dallas, Texas.  Federal law prohibits the operation of signal jammers in the United States. 

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau started an investigation with a site visit and interview by an FCC agent from the Dallas Field Office following a complaint of interference by AT&T.  The company owner confirmed that Ravi’s used a jammer to prevent its employees from using their mobile phones at work.  The owner admitted that her son had been warned by an AT&T representative that such operations were illegal.  She told the FCC agent she had disposed of the device and was unwilling to retrieve it for the agent or identify where it was.  The owner did, however, offer to sell it to the agent, who refused.

Following the investigation, the Bureau proposed a fine, sent notice to the company, reviewed its response, including any new information, and then issued a final fine – formally called a Forfeiture Order.  The company petitioned for reconsideration which the Bureau denied.  Ravi’s then petitioned the full Commission for review and a reduction in the fine amount.  As the Commission agreed with the Bureau’s legal analysis, the Commission today adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order to affirm the fine and order payment.

Signal jammers may not be lawfully used in the United States.  The law says no one shall “willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this chapter or operated by the United States Government.”  Moreover, jammers cannot be certified or authorized for use in the United States as their primary purpose is to block or interfere with authorized radio communications.  This prohibition applies to the manufacture, import, sale, offer for sale, or shipping of jammers.  The only exception is for certain limited, direct use by the United States government itself.

Action by the Commission January 27, 2022 by Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 22-10).  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington approving.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel issuing a separate statement.

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).