Tow truckers 'jam' cellphones at accidents

By Natasha Joseph

Some of Cape Town's tow truck drivers are almost certainly using sophisticated "cellphone jammers" to ensure that accident victims cannot contact other tow truck drivers or even emergency services.

According to research by a member of the Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre, cellphone reception is "compromised" at the scene of car accidents whenever certain tow truck operators arrive.

Andre van der Merwe, the national chair of the South African Towing and Recovery Association (Satra), said he had "no doubt" some operators were using cellphone jamming equipment and urged motorists to report drivers scrambling cellphone signals.

A member writes in the Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's latest newsletter: "The objective is very simple - no cellphone access, no help can be summoned... the victims are forced to use their towing services.

"This also interferes with medical services and can result in unnecessary complications... If you do experience cellphone access problems at an accident scene, move away about 30 metres and try again, your signal should be restored."

Cellphone jamming equipment transmits a wide-band, low-power jamming signal in the cellphone bands. Banned in many countries, it may be used in South Africa only with an "appropriate transmitting licence" from the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa).

An Icasa spokesperson did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Van der Merwe said he did not know of specific drivers using cellphone jamming equipment, but had "no doubt" this was happening. He urged motorists who were victims of jamming to report drivers to Icasa.

natasha.joseph@inl.co.za

• This article was originally published on page 3 of The Cape Times on October 06, 2008