On 18 Dec 2005 19:44:19 -0800, "John S." > wrote:

>
wrote:
>> John S. wrote:
>> > Dave Head wrote:
>> > > One group wants to do this - theater owners.
>> > >
>> > > http://upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?St...7-074635-6362r
>> > >
>> > > The FCC almost certainly will never allow this.
>> > >
>> > > Of course, the theaters could do it without FCC permission, passively, by
>> > > covering theater walls with wire mesh (underneath a suitable decorative facade,
>> > > of course) so that _no_ radio or TV signals penetrate. Of course, if the place
>> > > catches fire, the police and fire 2-way radios won't work to any outside radios
>> > > either.
>> > >
>> > > What to do about this? I talk to people that cite people blabbing on cell
>> > > phones as one reason they don't come to the theater. Is it the real reason, or
>> > > is it a case of "Any excuse is a good excuse" for something they don't want to
>> > > do any more anyway, for some other reason like price.
>> > >
>> > > Its been a long time since anyone actually bothered me by _talking_ on a cell
>> > > phone, but they do bother me quite regularly by opening it up and creating a
>> > > distracting light from its display. I can ignore it, but would rather that
>> > > this doesn't happen.
>> > >
>> > > People blabbing to _each other_ are a _much_ bigger distraction for me, but the
>> > > theaters _will_ throw these people out if you report it.
>> > >
>> > > Dave Head
>> >
>> > The technology is already available and in use. Cell signals can and
>> > are electronically blocked - you can buy the device on the net. Why do
>> > you think cell signals disappear the moment you walk in the hospital
>> > front door.
>> >
>> > Actually I think it is unfortunately necessary since some people are
>> > rude enough to not turn their cell phones and blackberries off during a
>> > movie.
>>
>> These things may be available, but they are absolutely illegal to use
>> within the USA.
>>
>> If the cell signal goes away in a hospital ER, its likely because of
>> the shielding created by the "concrete and steel" construction of the
>> building itself.
>>
>
>There are three regional hospitals within 30 miles that I've been to
>more than once as a visitor. Full length glass windows that are easily
>12 feet high are not eliminating the signal. When you walk through the
>glass doors the signal is gone within 3 feet. It's being phased out by
>something. The concrete and steel construction has an effect, but it
>isn't consistent. My 12 story large office building made of concrete
>and steel allows cell reception in it's center, with no windows
>visible.

Interesting.

If they're jamming, they are playing with fire. The FCC _will_ go after them
and the fines _start_ at $10,000.

Dave Head