Parts of Contraband Cellphone Rules Now in Effect

Parts of an FCC March 24 order on contraband cellphones in correctional facilities took effect Friday, after Office of Management and Budget approval, said a notice in Friday's Federal Register. Other parts take effect Feb. 12. "In the Report and Order, the Commission streamlined the process of deploying contraband wireless device interdiction systems -- systems that use radio communications signals requiring Commission authorization -- in correctional facilities," the notice said. "The action will reduce the cost of deploying solutions and ensure that they can be deployed more quickly and efficiently." Commissioners approved rules and a Further NPRM on contraband devices in March designed to speed permitting of contraband interdiction systems (see 1703230056).