In a movie or concert, the phone rings unexpectedly, not just a bad memory? Industry Minister Patrick Devedjian hopes so. On October 10, she issued an order approving the installation of “jammers” in theaters and movie theaters to disable mobile phones.
Ended more than three years of floating. Because the law of July 17, 2001 (defining various regulations of a social, educational and cultural nature) “allows” this type of jammer for transmitting and receiving (…) in the theater yard. Then, Telecom issued a decision to “set the technical terms for using these devices.” The decision was sent to the Ministry of Industry in late June 2003 and must be approved before it can be applied.
He added that this was done by Patrick Devedjian, who was concerned that cell phone ringtones “may have a “disastrous effect” on [operator]’s revenue and therefore on the bottom line of the movie,” he added. He explained on the microphone of France Info. He said that the installation of such filters or interference devices will be the responsibility of movie theaters, theaters and concerts. Remember, since September 9, 2002, the Orientation and Programming Act also authorizes the use of GSM jammers in prisons.
Icing on the cake
However, the Minister recalled in the press release two principles that must be followed by the performance hall and the manufacturer. On the one hand, “interference cannot cause the success rate of calls outside the room to drop.” On the other hand, their “location must not hinder the use of rules applicable to emergency calls.”
This measure inspired Jean Labbé, the president of the French Film National Association. He welcomed the decree on France Info’s Airwaves program, “It is the result of the long-standing requirements of different cinemas.” For him, after working hard to improve the comfort and commitment of the room, “approved portable jammer are icing on the cake.”
Others are far from sharing this passion. One of the three mobile operators told ZDNet: “This is a major decision.” “These cuts may bring about safety and urgent appeals.” In 2001, all operators were unsuccessful in requesting an ART consultation on this topic. Withdraw the measure.
The challenges of Brussels and several EU countries, in Orange, have the same story: “Good communication is enough to solve the problem of dignity in the theater,” a spokesperson said. As proof, he said: Although the number of customers equipped with mobile phones has doubled in a few years, inappropriate actions will not necessarily increase.
The operator highlighted the “citizen campaign” that has been in place for several months to encourage customers to turn off or vibrate mobile phones in trains or movie theaters. And worried that these filter devices may overflow: “Who knows if this will not cause problems for neighbors upstairs or people on the street?” the orange spokesperson asked. France.
Henri Asenkat, chairman of the Association of Cellular and Professional Radio Communication Manufacturers and Industries (Acirp*), also affirmed his rejection of the process. He said: “We had a long conversation with ART and explained to them that because the ethics of the manufacturer requires us to build a network, we are not cheap.”
“We also claim that this violates European regulations.” In 2001, these manufacturers tried to convince ART that the regulations violated several European guidelines (**), but to no avail. Although the United Kingdom, Denmark and Finland and the European Commission itself provided some detailed opinions on the principle of targeting jammers, the regulatory agency forwarded its decision to the Ministry of Industry in June 2003.