LA mulls blocking cell phones in hot spots

May 16 2004 - 01:23 PM ET | In The News
Sheriff Lee Baca and other law enforcement authorities want cell phones to be blocked in popular Las Angeles locations like LAX, the Staples Center, the Rose Bowl and Universal Studios. All part of an anti-terror plan, authorities want the ability to turn on jammers in said locations if an attack is expected. The discovery that cell phones played a roll in the Madrid bombings was a major factor behind the LA plan. Since cell phone jamming equipment is illegal, the FCC will have to approve any plan the local authorities come up with. It is not clear when this could be inacted or appear on a ballot. Here is an opinion piece on the topic that raises some good points.