Attorney General Alan Wilson applauds upcoming FCC vote on prison cellphone jamming rules

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Today, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson applauds an announcement from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it will vote next month on final rules that would allow correctional facilities to jam contraband cellphones.

"This is something I’ve fought for for years because criminals behind bars are using contraband cell phones to order hits, intimidate witnesses, and continue committing other crimes,” Attorney General Wilson stated. “I applaud Chairman Carr’s leadership to ensure we keep contraband out and our communities safe.”

The proposed rules, would allow, but not require, state and local correctional facilities to use cellphone jamming technology to combat contraband devices.

In September 2025, General Wilson joined a 22-state coalition in a letter supporting this proposed rule that would allow state prisons to use cell phone jamming technologies to disrupt cellular transmissions coming from contraband cellphones.

In March of 2025, General Wilson joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general urging Congress to take action to combat the threat of these contraband cellphones.

“This is not a partisan issue-it’s a public safety issue,” Attorney General Wilson said. “I’m thankful that the FCC is taking the necessary step to ensure criminals can no longer exploit our prisons to continue harming the public.”

You can watch the announcement from the FCC here.