A Kapiti Coast man has been sentenced for supplying illegal radio jamming transmitters after a combined effort between government agencies.
The man admitted supplying radio jammers and transmitting outside the terms of his radio licence and was fined $2000 in Porirua District Court last month.

“This is a good example of government agencies working together to reduce crime in the community,” says Radio Spectrum Management National Compliance Manager, Chris Brennan.

“Radio jammers are increasingly being used as part of criminal activity. Our team of inspectors works hard to stop criminals getting access to this type of equipment.”

The Ministry of Economic Development laid charges under the Radio Communications Act after Police found the transmitters during a house search for drugs.

Background Q&A

What is a radio jammer?
An electronic device that deliberately disrupts or jams radio signals including cellphones and GPS. They were often used in wartime to block the enemy’s radio messages. Today, radio jamming is becoming increasingly used by criminals to block mobile phonecalls.

Is anyone in New Zealand legally allowed to have a radio jammer?
It is illegal to import, manufacture, sell or use a radio jammer in New Zealand.

Just one organisation – the Department of Corrections – is licensed to use radio jammers. That licence relates to maintaining prison security.

Who is Radio Spectrum Management?
The branch of the Ministry of Economic Development that manages New Zealand’s radio spectrum. Its work includes regulating radio licences, allocating frequencies, administering the accreditation of radio engineers and certifiers, investigating radio frequency interference, and enforcing electromagnetic and radio compliance of electrical, electronic and radio products.