By the end of April, the State Radio Frequency Commission plans to deliver to the Federal Penitentiary Service a practical resource consisting of devices designed to block cellular communications within the department’s facilities. This initiative aims to curb inmate use of mobile phones, a topic that has drawn attention in recent newspaper reports citing Commission materials as the source of information.
The Commission specifies that the frequencies targeted include those used by 2G, 3G, LTE networks, and Wi‑Fi. The blocking equipment is intended solely for use inside penitentiary and corrective institutions, with measures in place to prevent any harmful interference beyond these secured zones.
Alongside the rollout, the State Radio Frequency Committee calls on the Federal Penitentiary Service to keep exploring additional approaches to intercept cellular communications that do not rely on radio interference. The goal is to find methods that maintain the integrity of external mobile networks while ensuring tight control within correctional facilities.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has announced plans to draft and approve new operating conditions for the blockers. These rules will enable effective suppression of signals from mobile operators within the Federal Penitentiary Service’s territory, while avoiding any disruption to operators outside the controlled area.
Historical context remains relevant: in October 2021, the Russian government adopted rules governing the blocking of mobile communications in colonies and pre-trial detention centers to prevent prisoners from accessing external networks. This background informs ongoing discussions about balancing security needs with broader communications access and rights in correctional settings.
The topic resonates with similar efforts in other countries, where authorities seek reliable ways to manage on-site communications in prisons while minimizing unintended effects on public networks. Stakeholders emphasize that solutions should be precise, transparent, and compliant with prevailing telecommunications regulations, ensuring that any blocking technology respects user safety, privacy, and due process. In practice, this means clear limitations on when and where blocks operate, careful monitoring for interference, and ongoing evaluation of alternative strategies such as enhanced supervised access, controlled device management, and robust incident reporting. The overarching objective is to reduce the potential for illicit communication without compromising legitimate connectivity for staff and authorized services within the facility.
As policy discussions advance, experts note that any intervention must be carefully calibrated to target specific frequencies and services inside facilities, with rigorous testing and oversight. This approach helps align security objectives with the practical realities of modern communications, including the needs of emergency responders and the rights of individuals who rely on mobile networks outside the prison system. The evolving framework should also consider cross-border implications and harmonize with regional standards so that measures taken in one jurisdiction do not inadvertently create interference or confusion for neighboring areas. In Canada and the United States, for instance, regulators emphasize minimizing disruption to commercial networks while pursuing lawful public safety goals, illustrating a broader trend toward precise, accountable use of signal-blocking technologies in controlled environments.