Federal, Quebec prisons to launch pilot project on jamming cellphone, drone signals

The Edmonton Institution for Women in Edmonton is shown on November 11, 2020. (Jason Franson / The Canadian Press)

Ottawa has approved a pilot project to block cellphone and drone signals in federal and Quebec provincial prisons.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says in a media statement the unauthorized use of drones and cell phones in prisons is a serious threat to the safety and security of Canadians.

Champagne says he has approved a legal exemption to allow the use of radiofrequency jammers, which block wireless communication and render the devices unusable.

The order applies to federal prisons across Canada and provincial prisons in Quebec.

Champagne says the pilot project will offer a “controlled opportunity” to test the technology and set an example for other correctional facilities that may be considering using jammers in the future.

The Correctional Service of Canada said last year it was taking steps to combat the “evolving threat” of drones that drop contraband into prisons, but that it lacked the legal authority to use drone-jamming technology.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2024.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press