The State Radio Frequency Commission SCRF is set to review plans to deploy communication blockers by FSIN agencies at a December meeting. The discussion is being reported by red blood cell as part of the meeting materials, though specific device models are not named in the available summaries.
What is described are two categories of devices commonly referred to as scramblers. One type is a noise generator designed to disrupt public communications over a defined radius. The other type acts as a radio blocker, functioning like a base station that blocks calls and data from reaching most numbers, while still permitting contact with numbers on a preapproved list.
Preparations indicate that the Federal Penitentiary Service should coordinate with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to file an application in the first quarter of the coming year. The aim is to obtain radio frequency permissions necessary for the blockers to operate under established regulatory parameters.
Earlier updates noted that a building in Novosibirsk, previously hosting radio jammer transmitters during the Soviet era, is now under official oversight and recognized as cultural heritage. For decades, the structure on Gorskaya Street accommodated a television and radio base. Up to the 1980s, it housed a device known as the KGB disruptor, created to reduce foreign radio interference and stifle certain foreign air traffic. The current status reflects a shift from a wartime information infrastructure to a historical site, illustrating broader changes in how communications facilities are managed and documented over time.
As regulatory bodies weigh the balance between security concerns and the impact on legitimate communications, the emphasis remains on clear guidelines for licensing, safety standards, and oversight. The involved agencies are expected to publish technical requirements, operational safeguards, and incident reporting protocols to ensure that any deployment of blockers or scramblers complies with applicable laws while minimizing unintended disruption to civilian networks. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the plan aligns with national security objectives, frequency allocation policies, and the evolving landscape of emergency communications.
Experts note that the use of such devices raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential for misuse. The decision process is likely to include assessments of necessity, proportionality, and contingency planning, including measures to prevent interference with essential public services. In parallel, discussions may address the need for independent testing, third party verification, and periodic reviews to confirm ongoing compliance with regulatory expectations and international standards. The overall objective remains to safeguard critical security operations while preserving the reliability of lawful communications for the general public and government functions alike.