[LINK] Jamming GPS seems to be pretty easy

[Roger Clarke]

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