Residents near the Ballari Central Prison face mobile network issues following the repair and upgrading of the jail’s jammers. Previously capable of blocking only 2G signals, the jammers can now block 4G signals after recent maintenance work.
The upgraded jammers, intended to prevent inmates from using mobile phones, now have an extended range affecting areas up to 2 kilometers outside the jail. Consequently, local residents have been struggling with mobile connectivity, with complaints coming in from multiple network users.
The ten jammers installed at the Ballari Central Jail had been non-functional for several years but were recently repaired on April 15 following directives from the Central Jail Department. Ballari’s historic central prison, spanning around 16 acres and dating back to British rule, has held everyone from freedom fighters to hardened criminals.
The Directorate-General of Prisons has received complaints regarding network disruptions in areas including Durga Magudi Circle, ASP Circle, the railway station, and the District Collector’s office. Locals and travelers have reported sudden signal losses, prompting higher authorities to instruct prison officials to restrict the jammer’s range to within 200 meters of the jail premises.
Technicians have been deployed to limit the impact and avoid inconvenience to the general public. The network issues have even affected offices like the Ballari District Police Superintendent’s office and the offices of ASP and IG near Durga Magudi, leading to formal complaints from officials.
Responding to the situation, Ballari Central Prison Superintendent R. Latha said, “The jammers, which had been malfunctioning for years, have now been upgraded. We have received complaints from the public regarding the disruptions, and based on instructions from higher authorities, steps are being taken to ensure the jammers do not cause inconvenience outside the jail premises.”