WASHINGTON � The Federal Communications Commission recently issued a $34,912,500 fine against Chinese electronics manufacturer and online retailer C.T.S. Technology. The commission says the company illegally marketed and sold signal jamming devices to U.S. consumers.
�In today�s mobile world, cellular, GPS, and other signal jamming devices seriously jeopardize communications, business operations, and public safety,� said Enforcement Bureau Chief Travis LeBlanc said in a press release. �Marketing or selling these devices to the public is unlawful and comes with substantial penalties.�
In 2014, C.T.S. Technology marketed 285 jammers to U.S. consumers through its own websites and third party platforms. The company�s website falsely claimed that some jammers had been approved by the FCC, and advertised that the company could ship signal jammers to U.S. consumers.�
Devices known as �jammers� are radio frequency transmitters that intentionally block, jam, or interfere with wireless communications, such as cellphone calls, GPS systems, Wi-Fi networks and first-responder communications.
Following an investigation by the FCC�s Enforcement Bureau, the commission proposed and also ordered the company to ensure that its marketing complied with federal law, according to a press release from the FCC.
Although the company did not respond to the Notice of Apparently Liability for Forfeiture, it has since taken several measures that appear to bring its marketing into compliance with U.S. law.
To report the sale or use of an illegal jammer, contact the FCC through theFCC online complaint portal.
�
