The desire for a cellphone-free zone around their vehicles is shared by many drivers. However, the actions of a Florida man, who reportedly created such a bubble during his daily commute, did not necessarily contribute to a safer highway environment.
According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, Jason R. Humphreys from Seffner, Florida, had been using a cellphone jammer in his Toyota Highlander sport-utility vehicle for up to two years during his daily commute. However, both the FCC and the local sheriff were able to locate and apprehend him.
Humphreys informed the FCC that he employed the jammer to prevent individuals from engaging in cellphone conversations while operating a vehicle. In Florida, it is permissible to talk on a cellphone while driving, even without a hands-free device, although texting while driving is prohibited.
Not only do signal blocker prevent consumers from making emergency calls, but they can disrupt critical communications by safety agencies, the FCC said. Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies confirmed that firsthand when they pulled Humphreys over. They said their two-way portable radios lost contact with the dispatcher as they got close to the SUV.
The regional mobile operator, Metro PCS, which is currently owned by T-Mobile USA, was the one who alerted the FCC about a potential issue on a section of Interstate 4 between Seffner and downtown Tampa, approximately 12 miles apart. On April 29, 2013, Metro PCS informed the FCC that their cell towers along the route were facing interference during the morning and evening rush hours. In response, the FCC conducted an investigation using direction-finding techniques and discovered strong wideband emissions originating from a blue Highlander.
FCC agents and sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop on the SUV, engaged in conversation with Humphreys, and proceeded to thoroughly search the vehicle. During the search, they discovered the vehicle cell phone jammer concealed behind a seat cover on the backseat, as confirmed by the FCC. According to the FCC, Humphreys reportedly admitted to using the jammer during his daily commute for a duration of 16 to 24 months. Subsequent testing revealed that the device had the capability to disrupt cellular signals across three different frequency bands.
Humphreys is facing charges for engaging in the unauthorized operation of a jammer, utilizing an illegal device, and intentionally causing interference.