The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said it is "well advanced" in its review of the use of mobile phone jammers across the country. of current laws banning mobile phone jammers and examines the need for regulation of mobile phone jammers to safeguard access to legal communications.

It is understood that a previous government test of mobile phone jammers in urban areas failed because the radius of the celluar block could not be prevented from jamming the mobile reception of residents. ACMA chair Chris Chapman said it is important to assess the pros and cons of mobile phone jamming.

"There would be clear public benefit in inhibiting the use of mobile phones to prevent criminal and potentially life-threatening activities [but] the use of jammers may have implications for the integrity of mobile networks, including the use of Triple Zero," Chapman said in a written statement.

"Wide consultation with all stakeholders is appropriate before the ACMA concludes the regulatory arrangements needed to allow the use of mobile phone jammers in correctional facilities."

While laws introduced in 1999 banning the use of jammers in Australia have remained unchanged amid government review in 2003, such laws in other countries . The UK and Japan, for example, allow anyone to own a jammer as long as they do not use it. Canada, France, Italy, Norway and others allow the police or prison officials to use jammers.