ISED looks to exempt police forces from jammer ban

New federal regulations would allow various law enforcement agencies to use mobile phone jammers that interfere with radiocommunication signals. Jammers transmit signals on the same frequencies used by cell towers and mobile networks, thereby obstructing a mobile device's ability to access the internet, send messages, or make calls. The proposed changes, published in the Canada Gazette over the weekend, would allow 27 police forces across the country to use jamming devices for training and operational purposes. The use of jammers is currently banned in Canada, though the federal industry minister can issue exemptions for specified individuals or organizations. Since 2015, Ottawa has only approved exemption orders for the Correctional Service of Canada, Department of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), leaving many local and regional policing outfits to become reliant on the RCMP when jammers are needed for law enforcement efforts. “The RCMP has communicated to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) that, due to operational constraints, it has become challenging to sustain this level of support,” read the proposed regulations. “Allowing certain other law enforcement agencies to use jammers will decrease their dependency on the RCMP and empower them to fulfill their operational requirements related to jamming in a more independent and timely manner than would otherwise be possible.” Once the regulations take effect,, the Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, Vancouver Police Department, Edmonton Police Service, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and 22 other agencies would be pre-approved by ISED to use jammers under the Radiocommunication Act. The ban would also extend to public officials and third-party agencies procuring jamming devices on behalf of police forces. Under the proposed changes, jammer operators would be required to minimize the device’s interference or obstruction of external communications. Officials responsible for using jammers will also be required to undergo training programs and register with ISED. The new regulations were published following engagements with various law enforcement agencies, as well as the Radio Advisory Board of Canada and NAV Canada. Other stakeholders and interested parties have until Oct. 18 to provide feedback or commentary on the proposals. Last week, the Liberal government tabled amendments to the Radiocommunication Act, as well as several other laws, in an effort to reduce red tape and bureaucratic burdens. Bill S-7, which was introduced in the Senate, currently sits at second reading in the Upper Chamber. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

ISED looks to exempt police forces from jammer ban

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|October 13, 2026

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

ISED looks to exempt police forces from jammer ban

Regulatory | By Davis Legree |October 13, 2026

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Q&A: Should Canada have a unique international dialing code?

Liberals propose amendments to Radiocommunication Act in effort to reduce red tape

OPINION: Cybersecurity legislation has passed. Now the real work begins

Related Stories

Liberals propose amendments to Radiocommunication Act in effort to reduce red tape

Canada, France reach spectrum coordination agreement for Atlantic region

Petitioners ask ISED to pump brakes on cell tower consultation

Telcos, municipalities at odds over federal cell tower policy

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|October 13, 2026