The handheld cell phone blocker looks like a packet of cigarettes. It can jam all the major mobile phone frequencies, including GSM 900/1800, 3G, CDMA GSM, DCS and PHS. It also blocks the L1 frequency from GPS satellites. Now although it says it’s high power, and 3W is fairly high powered for a handheld transmitter, the range maxes out at about 20 metres. It also has a 1,600mAh battery, and it will work while it’s charging.

Now if that’s not enough TLA nonsense for you, you can also pick up a version that kills wifi signals (but not GPS). The lengths some people will go to beat their Farmville addiction. US$208.99 oh and I’m pretty sure these things are illegal in most countries.

United Kingdom: illegal to use, but legal to own. Installation in jails has been proposed
United States: Cell phone blocking devices are used by federal officials under certain circumstances. Privacy rights of property owners may affect the policy and application of law within buildings. Contact the FCC for permit applications and waivers. For radio communications, it is illegal to operate, manufacture, import, or offer for sale, including advertising (Communications Act of 1934). Blocking radio communications in public can carry fines of up to $11,000 or imprisonment of up to one year. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 may overide the Communications Act of 1934.
Australia: illegal to operate, supply or possess
Belgium: illegal to sell, possess and operate (licensed part of the spectrum)
Canada: illegal, except by federal law-enforcement agencies who have obtained approval
People’s Republic of China: Used by the Education government department as a method of thwarting cheating in schools. During major end of year exams, mobile phone jammers are used in areas surrounding high schools to prevent students inside from receiving calls or text messages, which may be used for illicit purposes. In some municipalities however, rather than the use of jammers, mobile signal towers close to schools are temporarily shut down for the duration of the week as exams are in progress.

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