Cell Detect Proposes Inmate Bracelets to Curb Contraband Cellphones

Cell Detect explained its approach to curbing use of contraband cellphones in prisons, which targets prisoners and not the network, during last week’s meeting at the FCC convened by Chairman Ajit Pai (see 1802070048). Cell Trax is “designed to eliminate illicit cell phones in prisons and jails by detecting, reporting and eventually jamming only those devices that are in close proximity to the inmate actually using the cell phone,” the company said in docket 13-111. Cell Trax offers a small, lightweight bracelet to be worn by inmates. “When a cell phone is detected, the Cell Trax bracelet immediately reports the inmate’s identity to a cloud-based computer, which processes the alert and notifies officers in real-time,” the company said. “The Cell Trax bracelet will also be capable of emitting a low-power, short burst, jamming signal precisely timed to prevent the illicit cell phone from receiving responses from the tower.” The company wasn't listed among those attending in an FCC-written ex parte filing on the meeting last week, which described the discussion in broad terms.