Illegal devices may disrupt cell phone signals

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF Mildenhall, England --  Upon arrival to the UK, Airmen assigned to RAF Mildenhall are warned against the use of certain U.S. cordless phones in country. What Airmen might not know is that using such devices may be preventing someone in the local area from placing an emergency phone call.

Cordless home phones, not to be confused with cell phones, purchased for use in the U.S. are interfering with cell phone towers here in the UK, said Tech Sgt. Duane Vandross, RAF Mildenhall Installation Spectrum manager. The interference occurs because cordless phones manufactured for use in the U.S. and Canada operate on a different frequency band than cordless phones designed for use in the UK and throughout Europe.

In addition to cordless phones, certain baby monitors purchased for use in the U.S. and Canada may cause the same disruption to the frequency.

According to the UK Office of Communications, to prevent disruption of emergency services communications, the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 2006 bans the use or possession, without authorization, of all long range cordless telephones or other such devices not designed to operate on approved UK and European frequencies.

If caught using these devices, Ofcom has the authority to issue a £5,000 fine.

To ensure a device complies with EU specifications, look for an imprint or sticker on the base of the phone or baby monitor with a "CE" (Conformitѐ Europѐene) label. If that label is missing, do not use the phone.

To play it safe do not use any cordless phone or baby monitoring device purchased in, or for use in, the U.S., said Vandross. Also make sure the "CE" label on the device is the correct one. Many confuse it for a similar label which stands for "consumer electronics."

Approved cordless phone models and baby monitors are sold in the Base Exchange and through local merchants.

For more information, please contact the RAF Mildenhall Installation Spectrum Management office at DSN 238-3737 or commercial 01638 543737.