New Zealand claims IT breakthrough to stop prisoners' phones

New Zealand claims IT breakthrough to stop prisoners’ phones
New Zealand claimed a crime-busting breakthrough on Wednesday with new technology to jam mobile phone calls within prison walls.

Corrections Minister Damien O’Connor said an agreement to combat the use of mobile phones by prisoners signed with Telecom New Zealand and Vodafone was believed to be a world first.

“While all parties recognised the huge benefits for society from preventing the abuse of cellphones in prisons, it is important that the technology does not interfere with lawful users close to prison sites,” he said.

Mobile phones are banned in New Zealand jails but they are reportedly regularly smuggled in and used to organise criminal activities.