The French Ban Theater Cell Phone Use

[rich6880]

French Cinemas Silence Cell Phones

2 hours, 21 minutes ago Technology - PC World


Peter Sayer, IDG News Service

Film screenings and theater performances in France may soon be free from the unwanted interruption of ringing cell phones, following a decision by the French Minister of Industry Patrick Devedjian.



Devedjian signed into law a provision allowing cinema and theatre owners to install cell-phone jammers to prevent their customers from making or receiving calls during performances.


The change, proposed by the Autorite de Regulation des Telecommunications (ART), the French telecommunications regulator, will take effect once it is published in the Journal Officiel, the French paper of record.


Would-be jammers must take care not to disrupt calls outside the auditorium, and not to interfere with the ability to make emergency calls.

Long-Awaited Decision

The French cinema industry has been calling for the right to jam cell phones for years, the French Ministry of Industry, Economy, and Finance says in a statement.


Adding to mounting government and industry rhetoric against the copying of films and music, it says the move showed Devedjian's support for cinemas, which it called "the industry's trump card against the rising threat of piracy."


A survey conducted by French market research company TNS Sofres in 2002, when the ART announced a public consultation on jammers, found that 72 percent of French people questioned were strongly in favor of mobile phone jammers in theaters.


The proportion in favor was the same for phone owners and non-owners alike, while among regular cinema- and theater-goers, the proportion in favor of jammers was slightly higher.

[Critic]

Oh no! What will Homme Inconsidéré de Mobilophone do now? =)

[twopiece]

I have to say that I agree with the move. There are still one of two phones that ring during a movie even with all the reminders that are flashed on the screen beforehand.

It may not be a popular move here as I can see a lot of people being against it.

[MOTOhooligan]

My problem is, what about doctors, etc. who have a valid reason for having their wireless phones on during a movie and don't get important calls? And how will they come up with a jammer that allows 911 (or the French equivalent) to receive calls. I think it's bollocks and will never work. Too many problems. I do think people need to pay more attention and not be rude by leaving the phones on during movies, plays, etc. I just find it amusing that France, not exactly a bastion of manners or polite people, is the first country to implement something like this.

[ZaphodB]

Originally Posted by rancidhooligan My problem is, what about doctors, etc. who have a valid reason for having their wireless phones on during a movie and don't get important calls? And how will they come up with a jammer that allows 911 (or the French equivalent) to receive calls. I think it's bollocks and will never work. Too many problems. I do think people need to pay more attention and not be rude by leaving the phones on during movies, plays, etc. I just find it amusing that France, not exactly a bastion of manners or polite people, is the first country to implement something like this.

Absolutely no idea, though if there's a way to allow calls to 112 (the French equivalent of American 911 and British 999), theoretically they could allow doctors (with whatever proof) to register their phones at the theatres and prove that they are on vibrate only.

I'm sorry you don't find the French polite -- I have only ever had one problem there, and the man in question was pakistanais. They're extremely polite every time I go.

[bobolito]

Originally Posted by rancidhooligan My problem is, what about doctors, etc. who have a valid reason for having their wireless phones on during a movie and don't get important calls? And how will they come up with a jammer that allows 911 (or the French equivalent) to receive calls. I think it's bollocks and will never work. Too many problems. I do think people need to pay more attention and not be rude by leaving the phones on during movies, plays, etc. I just find it amusing that France, not exactly a bastion of manners or polite people, is the first country to implement something like this.

I agree with you. I want to see how on Earth they will jam cell phones without jamming emergency calls.

If you ask me, in the US, the only thing they should jam is Nextel's PTT. I can always hear that stupid "breep" in the middle of movies.

[viewfly]

And why is France the only country out of 65 worldwide that I cannot (or does not allow) text SMS messages to be sent to?

[MOTOhooligan]

Originally Posted by ZaphodB I'm sorry you don't find the French polite -- I have only ever had one problem there, and the man in question was pakistanais. They're extremely polite every time I go.

Actually I've met one nice French woman and two very rude French men so they're 66.6% rude and 33.3% nice, IMHO.

[twopiece]

The women are nicer but I've come across a few that were absolute pains to be around. The guys take the cake though, pretty much all were a$$holes. This is why I don't have an urge to visit France. UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, yes... France , no.

[Critic]

I believe that doctors, law enforcement, etc., would have to do what they would do in a live ("legit") theater - leave their phone at a guest services desk with the theater number and approximate seat location, and an usher would have to come into the theatre and get them if there's an emergency.

[crood]

How about simple common courtesy? Leave the phone on vibrate and go out to the lobby to take the call.

[MOTOhooligan]

Originally Posted by crood How about simple common courtesy?

Well, if everyone used common courtesy we wouldn't need cell phone jammers. It seems anymore common courtesy is not that simple.

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by crood How about simple common courtesy? Leave the phone on vibrate and go out to the lobby to take the call.

That would mean people need to use Common Sense, which we all know is getting hard to find anymore.

[Etorres777]

I know that when i'm in a movie theatre, I put my phone on vibrate. I HATE IT, when people don't turn them off or atleast put them on vibrate.

[Andy]

I also put my phone on Vibrate during a show so I don't disturb anyone during a show. I would, personally, be strongly against using Jammers in theatres, because what if you are waiting for someone's phone call(you shouldn't be during a show, but anyways) or what if someone really has to get a hold of you... I don't see phones going off to often in movie theatres, they should, rather, find a way of fining people who's phones go off during a show.

[Critic]

Vibrate is a good alternative, but it's not a total solution. The vibe function in most phones makes a decent amount of noise. (I know the vibe on my old Moto v60 was loud enough to wake me out of a sound sleep - and the phone was across the room!) So while the ringers aren't going off any more, you've now got "BZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZ" to contend with.

Plus, it's not just a sound issue anymore. Sure, someone might put their phone on vibrate, or even silent. But especially with newer, color screen phones (and even more especially with those idiotically tricked-out Nokias and Nextels), if they flip the damn thing open in the middle of a dark theater, it's like a tiny sun exploded in the corner of your eye. I want to watch the movie, but all I can do is look at the ******* sending a text message to his buddy. Ugh!

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Critic Vibrate is a good alternative, but it's not a total solution. The vibe function in most phones makes a decent amount of noise. (I know the vibe on my old Moto v60 was loud enough to wake me out of a sound sleep - and the phone was across the room!) So while the ringers aren't going off any more, you've now got "BZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZ" to contend with. Plus, it's not just a sound issue anymore. Sure, someone might put their phone on vibrate, or even silent. But especially with newer, color screen phones (and even more especially with those idiotically tricked-out Nokias and Nextels), if they flip the damn thing open in the middle of a dark theater, it's like a tiny sun exploded in the corner of your eye. I want to watch the movie, but all I can do is look at the ******* sending a text message to his buddy. Ugh!

Yeah, I know, some people are dumb and think they have to text during a show... then just stay somewhere where you won't disturb others and don't go to a movie!!!
If they start jaming some theatres here I would most likely choose to go to a theatre that would not jam cellphones from receiving a signal, since even though I put my phone on vibrate/silent I still want to be available in case of an emergency, etc.

[crood]

To me, the argument that people need to get hold of you is bogus, unless you're a doctor. People went to movies for about a century before cell phones. People need to accept that sometimes they are unavailable.

[Gabriel]

Originally Posted by crood People went to movies for about a century before cell phones

agreed. i have always argued this point... another example is that all of the sudden, children are not safe (according to their parents) if they dont have a cell phone... i never had one when i was growing up, and whenever i needed to call my parents, there was always a pay phone available!

i agree on shutting every cell phone in the theaters. now, one question: some buildings are made of a certain material that does not allow cell phone waves to enter. what is this material? what makes a building have no reception? maybe, instead of using jammers, theaters can use this property of buildings!

[roamer1]

Originally Posted by Gabriel agreed. i have always argued this point... another example is that all of the sudden, children are not safe (according to their parents) if they dont have a cell phone... i never had one when i was growing up, and whenever i needed to call my parents, there was always a pay phone available!

The problem is that (in the US and Canada anyway; I can't speak for the rest of the world) cell phones are killing off payphones...so the statement that "a payphone is always nearby" no longer rings true (yes, pun intended.)

-SC

[bobolito]

The material to block cell signals is called metal! Notice how on most elevators you lose reception because they are basically steel boxes.

[bobolito]

Originally Posted by Critic Vibrate is a good alternative, but it's not a total solution. The vibe function in most phones makes a decent amount of noise. (I know the vibe on my old Moto v60 was loud enough to wake me out of a sound sleep - and the phone was across the room!) So while the ringers aren't going off any more, you've now got "BZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZ BZZZZZZZZZ" to contend with.

You better check your phone to see if it runs on Diesel. Most phones should not make that loud vibe noise.

[Mobile Mike]

It figures some shmucks out there ruin it for the rest of us. I guess consideration for others is almost non-existent these days.
Oh well...

[MOTOhooligan]

Originally Posted by bobolito You better check your phone to see if it runs on Diesel. Most phones should not make that loud vibe noise.

No, I think it's a Moto thing, my Timeport's vibe would wake me out of a sound sleep from across the room too... the ringer, however could do it from the house next door.

[Gabriel]

i say jam every movie theater (just the theater, not the lobby), church, and classroom...

by the way, theaTER or theaTRE?

[MOTOhooligan]

Originally Posted by Gabriel i say jam every movie theater (just the theater, not the lobby), church, and classroom...

Funny you should mention that...

Churches, Theaters, Others Use Blockers To Hush Cell Phones
MONTERREY, Mexico (AP)--It was the reporters who noticed first. Unable to call their editors while covering the weddings of the rich and famous, they asked the priest why their cell phones never worked at Sacred Heart. His reply: Israeli counterintelligence.

In four Monterrey churches, Israeli-made cell phone jammers the size of paperbacks have been tucked unobtrusively among paintings of the Madonna and statues of the saints.

The jarring polychromatic din of ringing cell phones is increasingly being thwarted - from religious sanctuaries to India's parliament to Tokyo theaters and commuter trains -by devices originally developed to help security forces avert eavesdropping and thwart phone-triggered bombings.

The Indian parliament had jammers installed after politicians ignored requests to turn off their cell phones and legislative sessions were constantly interrupted.

In Italy, universities started using the blockers after discovering that cell phone-savvy teenagers were cheating on exams by sending text messages or taking pictures of tests.

The four Roman Catholic Churches in this northern city began using the devices, from Tel Aviv-based Netline Communications Technologies Ltd., after an insurance salesman imported them as a personal favor for a priest.

"There are still many people who don't understand that being at Mass is sharing a moment with God," said the Rev. Juan Jose Martinez, a spokesman for archdiocese. "Sadly, we had no other choice but to use these little gadgets."

Purchased for about $2,000 each, they can be turned on by remote control and emit low-level radio frequencies that thwart cell phone signals within a 100-foot radius.

Users get a "no service" or "signal not available" message on their cell phones.

Although Mexico has no law against the devices, the private use of cell phone blockers is illegal in the United States and most Western countries.

But the tide is turning.

Japan allows public places such as theaters and concert halls to install jammers, provided they obtain a government-issued license. And last week, France's industry minister approved a decision to let cinemas, concert halls and theaters install them - as long as provisions are in place so emergency calls can still be made.

Canada had considered allowing blocking in similar situations. But Industry Canada, which regulates the country's telecommunications, decided against it, saying the devices could infringe on personal freedom and affect public safety by crippling communication with law enforcement and security agencies.

Officials at Netline, which sold its first jammer in 1998, say they are selling thousands of jammers a year and have expanded their business throughout the world.

They're far from the only manufacturers. The devices are sold the world over, with dozens of suppliers selling them on the Internet.

Tokyo-based Medic Inc. sold thousands of its Wave Wall jammers before the government stepped in and regulated their use to venues with live performances. Commuters still buy mobile jammers to shut up chatty train passengers, even though their use is illegal.

In Scotland, businessman Ronnie McGuire, owner of Electron Electrical Engineering Services, imported Taiwan-made cell phone blockers and sold them to hotels, restaurants and bars until a local newspaper reported his activities, which were illegal in Britain.

McGuire has said he will still import the Taiwanese devices but sell them for export only to countries where they are allowed.

Loreen Haim, the director of marketing and sales for Netline, wouldn't say how many devices the company sells per year or what country buys the most.

In Mexico, the main clients have been banks looking to stop would-be robbers from communicating with their accomplices and the Mexican government, which is planning to use them at prisons, Haim said.

In Monterrey, the Sacred Heart church, a baroque temple favored by Mexico's elite for weddings, church officials acquired their blockers two years ago.

"Whenever there was a wedding, cell phones would ring every five minutes," said Bulmaro Carranza, a parish clerk. "It was a real problem because there were times when even the groom would forget to turn his cell phone off."

For months, the devices went unnoticed until reporters covering the weddings began complaining that their cell phones never worked.

Since word of the jammers went public, priests from around Mexico have been calling to find out how to get them, said Carranza.

At Sacred Heart, a device at the entrance to the church and another by the altar are turned on right before every Mass. Still, priests remind parishioners to turn off their phones before beginning the services, hoping good cell phone etiquette will eventually catch on.

The other Monterrey churches with the devices - The Rosario, San Juan Bosco and Our Lady Queen of the Angels - are also frequented by wealthier parishioners, Martinez said.

"For a lot of them, the cell phone is a necessity. But that shouldn't prevent them from having good manners and remembering that one must respect sacred places," Martinez said.

Margarita Escobedo, a Catholic who goes to church at least twice a week and volunteers at the San Genaro church, says she would welcome the jammers in her parish, where cell phones are becoming a nuisance.

"Those who bring cell phones to church are not committed to God," Escobedo said. "It's very distracting to be praying and suddenly hear birds chirping or techno music."

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Gabriel i say jam every movie theater (just the theater, not the lobby), church, and classroom... by the way, theaTER or theaTRE?

I am against jamming classrooms. As long as students are more or less responsible with how/when they use their phone during class time I see no need for this. What if we have something happen at a school(like someone taking hostages, etc.), students could at least SMS their parents to let them know they're okay.