[LINK] Jamming GPS seems to be pretty easy
Roger Clarke
Roger.Clarke at xamax.com.au
Thu Jan 9 14:49:47 AEDT 2014
Melbourne cabbie fined over GPS jammer
Ry Crozier
itNews
Jan 9, 2014 1:21 PM (1 hour ago)
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/369108,melbourne-cabbie-fined-over-gps-jammer.aspx
Radio comms could be blocked in fight for passengers.
A Melbourne taxi driver has been fined $850 after pleading guilty to
using a GPS jammer.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - which
regulates spectrum usage in Australia - noted the Magistrates Court
conviction in a brief blog post today:
[
http://www.acma.gov.au/Citizen/Consumer-info/All-about-spectrum/High-risk-devices/taxi-driver-convicted
[>The potential consequences of GPS jammer use are serious. They can
substantially degrade or disrupt critical military and civilian
applications by blocking radiocommunications signals used for the
radionavigation-satellite service.
[>
http://www.acma.gov.au/Citizen/Consumer-info/All-about-spectrum/What-is-it-and-why-you-need-it/devices-prohibited-by-the-acma#rnss
The conviction appears to be the result of a sting by the ACMA and
Victorian Taxi Services Commission that was carried out at Melbourne
city and airport taxi ranks in early-to-mid 2013.
The two-stage joint operation saw ACMA inspectors set up a spectrum
analyser near taxi ranks and speak to around 300 drivers about the
issue of GPS jamming.
Two drivers were reportedly charged with breaking radiocommunications
laws. Both were due to face court last month. Other drivers were
"reprimanded" or "given their marching orders", according a Herald
Sun report.
Allegations of jammer use among Melbourne cabbies were aired back in 2012.
[
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-15/melbourne-cabbie-lifts-lid-on-fare-scam/4131258
[From July 2012, i.e. 18 months to get a Magistrates' Court
conviction and fine.]
The devices are said to be used by drivers to mask the location of
the cab, allowing them to get a job even if they are not in the area.
The ACMA said that jammer usage offences are "not trivial", nor are
the potential consequences which include six-figure fines and jail
time.
[Radiocommunications Act ss. 189-201, esp. s.197
[ http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ra1992218/
The regulator is concerned that unauthorised jammer usage could
disrupt military or civilian radio communications networks.
It will continue to target GPS jammer usage under its compliance
regime for 2013-14.
--
Roger Clarke http://www.rogerclarke.com/
Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd 78 Sidaway St, Chapman ACT 2611 AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 2 6288 6916 http://about.me/roger.clarke
mailto:Roger.Clarke at xamax.com.au http://www.xamax.com.au/
Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Law University of N.S.W.
Visiting Professor in Computer Science Australian National University
More information about the Link
mailing list