Blocking mobile reception....

[R1Geezer]

Is there a readily available material that could be used to block mobile phone signals? I know, lead! I mean some sort of practical shielding that could be put up in cinemas etc to stop phones going off? If so why don't the cinimas etc use it? It would also help in snooker matches etc. Obvious BGB chances here!

[squarebear]

You could try one of these things Geezer:
http://www.geeksarese...by-block-that-signal/

[ll_billym]

The cheapest way to do this is to jam the signal by transmitting noise on the frequencies used by the phones at a higher power than the signal that is in the air.

However as those frequencies are regulated I don't believe it is legal to do this unless you have a license - which is probably why it isn't done at the moment.

Most metals are good at blocking microwaves but you need comprehensive covering as those waves are persistant little so and so's and I guess the cost is just too much.

[ChuckFickens]

Apart from the fact that you can get banged up for up to two years for using any device to block mobile phone signals in the UK.

http://www.ofcom.org..../enforcement/jammers/

[scotman]

Chuck is correct about actively interfering with phones. There are materials that can be used for wall covering but I believe they are very expensive.

[R1Geezer]

It seems that jamming is mostly illegal, but what about materials blocking signals is that ok? I mean what if a paint was invented that stopped the signals for example, or perhaps a board like a sheet of plywood for example? Is there anything like that in a work in progress state?

[squarebear]

I would doubt it if it's illegal.

[heathfield]

Mobile phones don't work when you're inside one of our big local shopping malls. Lots of complaints about it, but no-one's been able to come up with the reason.

[scotman]

have alook here

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8279549.stm

[R1Geezer]

that sounds like just the job scotman, so why don't cinemas use it?

[Old_Geezer]

No incentive ?

Folk should act responsibly and put their mobiles on vibrate in cinemas and similar places..

[scotman]

I haven't heard anything about this recently but I think the cost was, and probably still is, prohibitive

[another-view]

"Should" being the word but many people especially teenagers don't do this.