In 2021, FCC previously allowed correctional facilities to identify contraband wireless devices and send disabling requests to wireless carriers.[1] But Managed Access Systems (MAS) and especially "MAS Evolved" required formal roaming agreements with wireless carriers so the systems could authenticate, capture, and deny contraband phones.[2]
MAS operators told the FCC they had been trying for years to finalize roaming agreements but faced months-long delays, unreturned emails, and even situations where carriers sent non-functional SIMs for testing. Companies reported carriers often gave less than 24 hours notice of changes, or prisons only discovered changes after systems broke. Agreements included high costs and "termination for convenience" clauses, meaning a carrier could cut off the MAS operator at will, leaving prisons with sunk costs and no service continuity.
On and on they go.[4] So now they are going to get jammed.
At least one major flaw came up: FirstNet.[1] Apparently they contracted with AT&T and in their infinite greed allow commercial SIMs to attach to Band 14.[2] So all prisoners apparently have to do is get AT&T service.
AT&T: where your bars are imaginary but your bill is real.
esbranson•5mo ago
MAS operators told the FCC they had been trying for years to finalize roaming agreements but faced months-long delays, unreturned emails, and even situations where carriers sent non-functional SIMs for testing. Companies reported carriers often gave less than 24 hours notice of changes, or prisons only discovered changes after systems broke. Agreements included high costs and "termination for convenience" clauses, meaning a carrier could cut off the MAS operator at will, leaving prisons with sunk costs and no service continuity.
On and on they go.[4] So now they are going to get jammed.
[1] https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-divis...
[2] https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-20-791A1_Rcd.pdf
[3] https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/104192908201701/1
[4] https://recnet.com/ecfs/?docket=13-111
esbranson•5mo ago
AT&T: where your bars are imaginary but your bill is real.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FirstNet_Authority
[2] https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/10503031430991/1