Mobile industry rejects cinema blackout idea

MOBILE phone operators have registered their opposition to any attempt by cinema owners to install jammers that force patrons to observe mobile phone etiquette.

The Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) says that localised signal interceptors, that would make certain spots ring-tone free, would be very difficult to develop and also limit the use of emergency calls.

ICIA director Tommy McCabe said that the use of such interceptors would be a “drastic response” for what was essentially a behavioural issue.

He said: “We are essentially saying that this is a behavioural matter and the way to tackle this is not by installing interceptors.

“It would be very difficult to develop interceptors that could be confined to one building and did not disallow emergency calls.

“Implementing interceptors in the network from a practical viewpoint would involve significant network re-design to accurately limit call restriction to the intended area.”

The ICIA, which lobbies on behalf of Vodafone, O2, Meteor and Nokia, was reacting to recent reports that the owners of cinemas and theatres were investigating how interceptors could be used to keep performances ring-tone free.

Mr McCabe says parents in particular wanted to keep their phones on silent throughout performances so that they could be informed if anything happened to their children.

He accepted that 10 years ago the majority of people managed without any mobile communication but he said that times had changed and people’s expectations now demanded a constant point of contact.

He said: “(This issue) can and should be addressed through public education and communication to the public in designated areas. It is the ICIA’s view that there is already high compliance with mobile etiquette.

“On a practical level, there is also the silent facility on mobile phones that allows, for example, parents of children some peace of mind by ensuring that they can remain in contact with babysitters while at the cinema.”