Mobile signal loss is not always a network problem
A phone or cellular device losing service may be caused by weak coverage, congestion, a damaged antenna, building attenuation or a network fault. It can also be caused by local RF interference or deliberate jamming.
Our cell phone jammer detection service measures the cellular RF environment and looks for abnormal signals that coincide with the loss of service.
Legacy cellular
Investigate interference affecting GSM-based alarms, telemetry, trackers and communications.
Data links
Examine RF activity where LTE devices repeatedly drop or stop transferring data.
Modern networks
Assess local interference while keeping ordinary coverage and network behaviour in the diagnosis.
What does GSM jamming detection involve?
Cellular networks use multiple bands and technologies, so a useful investigation begins by identifying the operator, device and service affected. Spectrum measurements can then focus on the relevant frequency ranges and compare normal network activity with suspect interference.
- Unexpected high-level RF signals in cellular bands
- Broadband or swept interference
- Interference affecting multiple operators or devices
- Events that correspond with tracker or telemetry failures
- Location-specific cellular disruption
Cellular trackers and telemetry
Many GPS trackers use GNSS to determine position and a cellular network to report that position. A failure can therefore occur in either part of the system. Measuring both the GNSS and cellular environment can help determine whether the device cannot calculate its position, cannot communicate it, or is suffering from a completely different fault.
Important: a “no service” message alone does not prove deliberate jamming. The RF spectrum needs to be measured before making that conclusion.
How we investigate cellular jamming
Identify the affected technology
We determine the device, network, band and nature of the service failure.
Measure the relevant spectrum
Professional analysers are used to observe signal levels, occupancy and abnormal RF activity.
Compare with a known-good state
Where possible, the suspect period or location is compared with normal operation.
Investigate the source
Persistent and measurable interference may be suitable for direction finding and source location.
Business and security applications
Cellular interference can matter to more than mobile phones. It can affect alarms, payment terminals, remote-monitoring equipment, vehicle trackers, IoT devices and industrial telemetry. Where a recurring problem has operational or security consequences, an independent RF investigation can provide evidence for the next decision.