HK to jam cell phones in public places

Hong Kong has plans to intall cell phone jamming systems in theaters, restaurants

By Kristie Lu Stout
CNN.com Writer

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- To restore silence in mobile-crazy Hong Kong, the Office of Telecommunications plans to put phone jamming systems in public places.

Hong Kong citizens have filed requests to OFTA for a mobile phone block in cinemas, restaurants and libraries.

The plan will have a significant impact on Hong Kong's 6.9 million people who own more than 5.2 million cell phones -- making Hong Kong one of the most densely mobile populations in the world.

The cell phone craze at one point seduced a doctor to take mobile phone calls during surgery last year.

Hong Kong's theaters, cafes and clubs are littered with messages asking its customers to switch off their phones.

Signs in the Hong Kong Jockey Club, for instance, advise its visitors "phone off or membership off." But stubborn mobile users often ignore the warnings.

Aggravated by the endless mobile phone prattle, restaurant and theater managers have asked OFTA to restore order to their places of business.

"We have received requests from some bodies including cinema operators to see if it is possible to install jamming devices in cinemas," says OFTA spokesperson Diana Foo.

Telecommunications officials -- wary that immediate mobile reception jams would spark a protest -- insist that it is taking gradual measures to consider the jamming plan.

"We think this may have some public concern, and great influence on the public. We are planning to do public consultation and are still working on the details," says Foo.

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Office of the Telecommunications Authority, Hong Kong

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