19 jammers in Bengaluru Central Prison likely to be sent to Bhopal for recalibration

A survey revealed that the disruptions to 4G and 5G networks were caused by the 19 jammers that were installed in the Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara, in Bengaluru, to enhance disruption alongside the Tower-Harmonics Call Blocking System (T-HCBS).
| Photo Credit: K. Bhagya Prakash

In an effort to resolve network disruptions in the vicinity of the Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara in Bengaluru, the Prison and Correctional Services Department has directed Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to recalibrate 19 jammers installed in the prison.

According to sources, the jammers are likely to be sent to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh for the necessary frequency modifications.

Finding of survey

A two-day survey conducted by TCIL had found weak cellphone and wi-fi signals within a 2.5 km radius of the prison. The survey also revealed that the disruptions to 4G and 5G networks were caused by the 19 jammers, which were installed to enhance disruption alongside the Tower-Harmonics Call Blocking System (T-HCBS).

The survey was ordered by the Prison Department at the insistence of the Chief Minister’s Office. The decision to recalibrate the jammers to reduce their frequency was taken during a meeting on March 11.

Said a source privy to the meeting, “The Prison Department directed TCIL to send the jammers to Bhopal, where its factory is located. Recalibration must be done there to reduce the frequency. Since the modification cannot be carried out locally, sending them to Bhopal is a technical requirement. Another meeting will be held this week to discuss the issue further. Removing all jammers at once may not be feasible, as it would jeopardise prison security.”

The meeting, called by the Prison Department, was attended by officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Plight of residents

In 2024, residents began facing network disruptions after the Prison Department installed T-HCBS in January 2024. Following protests, Airtel installed a mini tower in August to boost the network, briefly improving accessibility for two months. However, the problem resurfaced with the installation of 19 jammers.

A resident of Parappana Agrahara told The Hindu, “Nearly 20 families have vacated their homes due to network issues. Since wi-fi signals are also affected in some areas, it has become nearly impossible to live here. Although ‘To-Let’ boards have been put up, no one is inquiring about renting houses due to the network problem.”