# Technology triumphs over the self-absorbed putz! Cell phone jammers! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 17, 2004, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738 "2004-10-17T23:56:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2004, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/1 "2004-10-17T23:56:26Z")
[Priests in Mexico have applied Israeli counterintelligence](http://www.adn.com/24hour/technology/story/1739533p-9569924c.html) to thwart those with the least intelligence of all: Mr. or Ms. Oh-Too-Important to shut off their damned cell phone when ringing/talking is inappropriate. I’ve carried one for years, but there are places where I put it on silent and others where it just gets shut off. Churches, movies, restaurants, concerts-places where people have a right to concentrate on a religious service, or enjoy the entertainment/meal they’ve paid for without some cretin blabbing about shit that could have waited an hour or more. Now I can only pray for speedy FCC approval of these devices in the US. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/2 "2004-10-18T00:14:10Z")
I have no cite to offer in support of this, but I do recall reading several years ago that such countermeasures are illegal to use in the United States. There is nothing either new, or particularly Israeli about the technology. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/3 "2004-10-18T01:09:41Z")
> [@kaylasdad](#): > > I do recall reading several years ago that such countermeasures are illegal to use in the United States. Yes, see [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=281384) in GQ in which **astro** linked to a purveyor of cell jammers, only to be told by **samclem** that he may have no pie tonight. ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/4 "2004-10-18T01:18:43Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > There is nothing either new, or particularly Israeli about the technology. The ones in the linked story are Israeli-made. That’s all. ---
**Author:** ![Bangiadore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5a626/32.png) [@Bangiadore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bangiadore)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/5 "2004-10-18T02:13:52Z")
I _shall!_ And no one will know but me! ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/6 "2004-10-18T02:39:00Z")
I do have one of these. Not all that impressed. To get guaranteed results I have to be close enough to the cellphone-weilding cretin to see their pores. Moderately reliable results at 10 feet. At 20 feet, unless we’re indoors and I’m between the cellphone user and any windows in the joint, I might more effectively cross my eyes at the offender and mutter “Oogy Boogy”. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/7 "2004-10-18T04:11:09Z")
I don’t care if places of business uses them or churches or theaters or what not but when they do, they better post an obvious sign that they are doing so. My mom was in a coma and ICU for 28 days. I did not turn my phone off for nobody, silent ring yeah, but not off. If I had to go someplace that I knew my phone would not work I made other arraignments to receive info but if some fool of an individual or place cuts off an accepted means of communication without notification, then their ass is mine. I know about blind spots and metal roofs etc. That is not a deliberate circumstance, it is the nature of the technology. Jammer’s are used with intent and their use really really should be posted so as a choice to go in there or not can be made. I am not part of the 99% that is rude with cell phones but I do take my communication seriously and when it is important I want it there and not be at the mercy of every asshole who can afford a jammer. YMMV ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/8 "2004-10-18T05:04:52Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > At 20 feet, unless we’re indoors and I’m between the cellphone user and any windows in the joint, **I might more effectively cross my eyes at the offender and mutter “Oogy Boogy”**. I humbly submit that the recipient of a cross-eyed “Oogy Boogy” would be far too distracted to answer his or her mobile phone… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![buttonjockey308](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@buttonjockey308](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buttonjockey308)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/9 "2004-10-18T06:24:46Z")
As much amusement as they might provide, I think Gus has the right idea. Too much depends on cellular communications in this day and age to let any run down schmuck with a 80 dollar piece of technology interfere. ---
**Author:** ![Scissorjack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Scissorjack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scissorjack)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/10 "2004-10-18T08:14:56Z")
Besides, hurling them on the floor and repeatedly jumping up and down on them while screaming, “Die, foul engine of Satan! Die!” is much more fun. Cheaper, too. ---
**Author:** ![Gala\_Matrix\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4da419/32.png) [@Gala\_Matrix\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gala_Matrix_Fire)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/11 "2004-10-18T10:27:43Z")
I hope that people who are on the edge of their seat waiting for a life or death phone call don’t then go seek entertainment in the same movie theater in which I’m watching a movie. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/12 "2004-10-18T12:15:18Z")
> [@bluethree](#): > > I hope that people who are on the edge of their seat waiting for a life or death phone call don’t then go seek entertainment in the same movie theater in which I’m watching a movie. How about doctors, then? Or volunteer firefighters? Is your petty annoyance at rude cellphone users important enough to keep legitimate cellphone users (who normally HAVE their phones on silent ring anyway) from receiving legitimate emergency calls? ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/13 "2004-10-18T12:24:03Z")
> [@bluethree](#): > > I hope that people who are on the edge of their seat waiting for a life or death phone call don’t then go seek entertainment in the same movie theater in which I’m watching a movie. I have a cell phone for one reason and one reason only: So my son’s caretakers can reach me in case of an emergency. If I go out, it defeats the purpose of having the phone if I turn it off or leave it home. That said, I keep the phone on “vibrate” and check the number of the caller before answering it. If it’s the daycare or Gramma, I leave the room to answer it. If it’s not, it goes to voice mail so I can deal with it at my leisure. I realize that not everyone is as considerate. These people are twits. Robin ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/14 "2004-10-18T12:30:27Z")
Hear, hear, **MsRobyn**! I also only keep my phone on (and silent) for child care and hospital work. Why the heck (oh, wait, we’re in the Pit) Why the fuck can’t people grasp this neato silent feature AND remember that it takes four rings to go to voicemail - plenty of time to make it to another room?! (And yes, if there might be an emergency, I sit on the aisle at the movie theater so I don’t have to trip over feet while I’m leaving.) Cellphones don’t incur mind-numbing wrath in people, people incur mind-numbing wrath in people. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/15 "2004-10-18T12:38:08Z")
Nice to know I can set my watch by these cellphone threads. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/16 "2004-10-18T12:40:29Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > How about doctors, then? Or volunteer firefighters? Is your petty annoyance at rude cellphone users important enough to keep legitimate cellphone users (who normally HAVE their phones on silent ring anyway) from receiving legitimate emergency calls? Surprisingly, the armageddon did not come before the advent of cell phones, even though there were emergencies. A good emergency plan for doctors and volunteer firemen has a checkdown list, in case the fireman or doctor is in the subway, or is otherwise immediately unavailable. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/17 "2004-10-18T12:43:57Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > A good emergency plan for doctors and volunteer firemen has a checkdown list, in case the fireman or doctor is in the subway, or is otherwise immediately unavailable. Or watching sky captain and the world of tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/18 "2004-10-18T12:51:32Z")
What did people do in the days before cellphones? Did emergencies go unattended? Of course not, we had different ways of contacting people, like calling the restaurant or theater directly. The primary difference here is that nobody would try to call you unless it were a true emergency. OTOH, if some crank wants to jam everyone’s phone in his vicinity, that ain’t right. Reserve this sort of thing for theaters, restaurants, churches, or similar places that desire a quiet atmosphere (and don’t have it), and make sure you have signs up. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/19 "2004-10-18T12:56:49Z")
> [@World Eater](#): > > Nice to know I can set my watch by these cellphone threads. Don’t you have a clock in your cellphone? Luddite. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2004, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738/20 "2004-10-18T12:59:26Z")
> [@This Year's Model](#): > > Don’t you have a clock in your cellphone? Luddite. My cellphone is straight out of the Flintstones. A big shell with no wire attached. No clock either. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-triumphs-over-the-self-absorbed-putz-cell-phone-jammers/269738.md?page=2)