Japan allows public places such as theaters and concert halls to install utility scrambler cell phone blocker signal, provided they obtain a license issued by the government. And last week, the French Minister of Industry approved the decision to let cinemas, concert halls and theaters install them – as long as provisions are in place so that emergency calls can still be made.
Canada had considered allowing blocking in similar situations. But Industry Canada, which regulates the country’s telecommunications, has decided not to do so, saying that these devices could undermine personal freedom and harm public safety by paralyzing communications with law enforcement and of security.
Netline officials, who sold its first cell phon jammer in 1998, say they sell thousands of jammers a year and have expanded their business around the world.
They are far from the manufacturers alone. The devices are sold worldwide, with dozens of vendors selling them over the Internet.
They are far from the manufacturers alone. The devices are sold worldwide, with dozens of vendors selling them over the Internet.
In Scotland, businessman Ronnie McGuire, owner of Electron Electrical Engineering Services, imported Taiwanese cellphone blockers and sold them to hotels, restaurants and bars until a local newspaper reported on his activities illegal in Britain.
Mr. McGuire said he would still import Taiwanese aircraft, but would sell them for export only in the countries where they are licensed.
Loreen Haim, director of marketing and sales for Netline, will not say how many devices the company sells each year or which country buys the most.
In Mexico, key customers are banks seeking to prevent potential thieves from contacting their accomplices and the Mexican government, which plans to use them in prisons, Haim said.