Technology: Hong Kong considers jamming cell phones

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I have sympathy for this idea.

Technology: Hong Kong considers jamming cell phones

By HELEN LUK, Associated Press

HONG KONG (February 22, 2001 12:30 p.m. EST http://www.nandotimes.com) - Amid frustration at the endless ringing and chattering surrounding cell phone use in Hong Kong, the Office of Telecommunications said Thursday it may restore silence to some public places by jamming mobile phone systems.

Many Hong Kong citizens welcome the idea.

Christine Lam, who works in a trading firm, was caught up in the suspense of the mountain-climbing drama "Vertical Limit" when she was rudely distracted.

"A man behind started talking very loudly on his cell phone, arranging to meet his friend afterward," said Lam, 48. "I find it very disturbing that these people have no regard for others."

Hong Kong's 6.9 million people have more than 5.2 million mobile phones -- making it one of the most densely cellular places on the planet. The mobile mania hit a low point last year when a doctor got into trouble for talking on his cell phone while performing surgery.

Perhaps realizing that restrictions could make customers unhappy, telecommunications officials are carrying out a public consultation before deciding on the cell phone jamming plan.

Jeff Lam, operations manager at a local movie house chain, the UA Cinema Circuit, likes the idea of some regulation.

"The audience should be free from the disruption from other people's phone calls while they are watching a film," Lam said.

Andy Ho, a 28-year-old computer engineer, said cell phone users could be more courteous, but cutting off reception defeats the purpose of carrying the phones.

"What if I have urgent calls?" he asked. "I think as long as I turn my phone on vibrating mode and go out to talk, it won't affect other people."

Salesman Pan Lau, 28, suggested the government could designate some buffer areas, for example, in the corridors outside cinemas, so that people can make calls without offending others.

Signs remind people to switch off their phones in public venues, and some restaurants have signs on each table indicating cell phones are not allowed. But stubborn cell phone addicts often pay no attention.

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2001


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