FCC FINES FLORIDA DRIVER $48,000 FOR JAMMING CELLULAR &
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS DURING WORK COMMUTE
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2016 – The Federal Communications Commission today issued a
$48,000 fine against Jason R. Humphreys for using a cell phone jamming device in his car during
his daily work commute to and from Tampa, Florida. Mr. Humphreys’ illegal operation of the
jammer continued for up to two years, caused interference to cellular service along Interstate 4,
and disrupted police communications.
“This case highlights the danger posed to public safety by use of a single signal jamming device,
which can disrupt all wireless and public safety communications in the area,” said Travis
LeBlanc, Enforcement Bureau Chief. “These devices may not be used by the public under any
circumstances.”
FCC Enforcement Bureau agents opened the investigation after receiving an interference
complaint from a local wireless service provider. Using FCC equipment designed to detect the
source of the interference, the agents identified Mr. Humphreys while he was using the jammer
during his commute. Enforcement Bureau agents worked closely with the Hillsborough County
Sheriff’s Office, whose officers stopped Mr. Humphreys’ vehicle while he was operating the
jammer. In April 2014, the Commission proposed to fine Mr. Humphreys $48,000 for illegal
signal jamming. Mr. Humphreys failed to respond to the proposed fine. Today’s order fully
affirms and imposes the $48,000 fine.
It is a violation of federal law to market, sell, import, or use a signal jammer in the United States
and its territories, except in very limited circumstances involving United States Armed Services
or the United States Department of Justice. Cell and other signal jamming devices operate by
transmitting radio signals that overpower, block, or interfere with authorized communications.
Jammers are designed to impede authorized communications, thereby interfering with the rights
of the general public and legitimate spectrum users. They may also disrupt critical emergency
communications between first responders, such as public safety, law enforcement, emergency
medical, and emergency response personnel. Similarly, jamming devices can endanger life and
property by preventing individuals from making 9-1-1 or other emergency calls or disrupting
communications essential to aviation and marine safety.
Read More:
Forfeiture Order against Mr. Humphreys
2014 Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture against Mr. Humphreys