Mangaluru: Centre Flags Excessive Jammer Interference at District Jail

Mangaluru: Centre Flags Excessive Jammer Interference at District Jail

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 30, 2025: The Union Ministry of Communications has directed Karnataka prison authorities to reassess mobile signal jammers installed at the Mangaluru District Jail after they were found to be suppressing mobile networks far beyond the prison premises.

In a communication to the DIG (Prisons), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said all mobile and Wi-Fi bands near the prison were “highly suppressed”, with jammer signal strengths measuring around –70 dBm. The interference reportedly extended up to 900 metres with –80 dBm signals, and remained detectable—though weaker—up to 2.5 km at nearly –100 dBm.

The ministry has instructed that jammer strength be confined strictly within the jail to avoid disrupting telecom services for the public in surrounding areas.

District Prison Superintendent Sharanabasappa said companies maintaining the jammers have been asked to limit their range to the prison premises.

Meanwhile, DIG (Prisons) K.C. Divyashree has written to Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), seeking immediate rectification of network disruption affecting both the prison interior and neighbouring localities. TCIL has been asked to take prompt action and submit a compliance report to the jail superintendent.