The Tribune

CELLPHONE service in the eastern part of New Providence has been experiencing disruption – and BTC yesterday identified jamming systems at Fox Hill prison as the source.

In a statement last night the company said: “Without the prior knowledge or consent of BTC, the Prison Service this past weekend expanded its ‘Cell Jamming’ technology and heightened the antennas carrying same, creating severe cell service disruption to customers across the East New Providence.

“BTC was able today to get onto the grounds of the prison and – with the assistance of the Prison authorities and its vendor – correct the issues affecting cellular voice and data services on the eastern portions of New Providence.”

The company explained that compounding the situation was the inability to access the prison grounds as soon as the issue was identified. The statement said:

“BTC was able quickly to identify that the ‘cell jamming’ technology was the source of the issue; however unfortunately, it was not until late Monday morning that company technicians were able to get onto the prison grounds and work with the vendor to have the equipment shut off.”

Cell jamming technology is used to discourage the prison population from unauthorised cell phone use on the compound. BTC is working with prison officials to prevent a repeat of the situation.