FCC imposes US$35m fine on maker of jamming gear

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced its intention to issue a fine against CTS Technology Co Limited (CTS), a Chinese electronics manufacturer and online retailer, for allegedly marketing 285 models of signal-jamming devices to US consumers.

The FCC also ordered CTS to take certain remedial actions to come into compliance with US federal law.

The FCC applied the maximum fine allowed to each jammer model allegedly marketed by CTS, resulting in a planned fine of $34,912,500, making it the largest fine in history.

In addition to the fine, the Commission is ordering CTS to cease marketing illegal signal jammers to US consumers and provide information to the FCC about any persons and entities in the US that purchased its devices.

“APCO congratulates the FCC for the action it is taking against CTC,” said APCO President Gigi Smith. “This high-profile enforcement action serves as an important reminder and caution to manufacturers and the general public alike, that federal law bans the marketing, importation, and use of signal jammers, period.”

“And there is very good reason for this clear prohibition - simply put, operation of signal-jamming equipment can directly and immediately endanger the safety of the general public and first responders.”

“Whether jammers operate to prevent wireless calls to 911, disrupt emergency dispatch and first responder communications, or interfere with many other forms of communication including GPS, we fully support the FCC’s heightened attention to combatting this illegal and dangerous activity,” Smith added.