Non-adjustable signal jammers can only transmit specific target signals, which limits their effectiveness in some cases. A high-risk security expert in Johannesburg pointed out that the signal jammers used in Parliament have a power of 120-150 watts and a frequency cut-off range of up to 150 meters. This device cannot encrypt signals received by aircraft or block signal frequency transmissions above 100 meters. In some high-risk areas, such as Afghanistan, such jammers are used to counter the explosion of remote-controlled bombs, but more powerful equipment is needed to block aircraft communications.
National Security Minister David Malobo explained that the parliamentary signal interruption was caused by operational errors. The operator failed to dispatch the equipment correctly, affecting the normal communication of some mobile phone users. Malobo said that the National Security Agency is investigating the matter and may take disciplinary action against those responsible. Such measures should only be taken at important events attended by the president and deputy prime minister and when threat and risk assessments are conducted to avoid similar incidents from happening again.
Portable signal jammers can be incorporated into VIP protection plans to counter potential threats. However, experts point out that these devices can only transmit mobile phone signals and cannot block threats on a wider scale. The use of signal jammers is common in government meetings and private enterprises, although this is illegal in South Africa. Jammers interfere with signals in a certain area by generating about 2W of power superimposed on the incoming signal, so that even if the mobile phone tries to connect to the signal tower, it will not be able to successfully connect.
Experts also mentioned that private companies use jammers to increase production efficiency and combat corporate espionage. This is illegal in South Africa, but searching the Internet for "mobile phone or signal jamming device" will bring up a large number of related websites with information on device specifications and how to use them. Police have found that human traffickers and truck hijackers use GPS jamming devices to evade tracking. Although the use of jammers is illegal in South Africa, experts believe that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, so these devices are sold to overseas buyers.
Non-adjustable jammers can only transmit specific target signals, which is insufficient in some cases. For example, when responding to local threats, the device used by Parliament can only transmit mobile phone signals and cannot block wider signal transmissions. In order to deal with more complex threats, more powerful and flexible jammers are needed. This also highlights the importance of choosing the right equipment for different occasions to ensure the effectiveness of security measures.
Although signal jammers have their limitations in some applications, their role in improving security, preventing illegal communications and protecting confidential information cannot be ignored. In the future, as technology continues to advance, jammer equipment will become more diverse and powerful to meet a wider range of security challenges.