With the recent attemp by by Louisiana Congressman Billy Tauzin to
restrict scanner listening in the U.S., one would think that scanners
are the only piece of radio receiving equipment that can listen to
cell phones.
Actually cellular phones can be heard on televisions and VCRs as well as
all types of test equipment. In fact some cell phones bleed through on
standard stereo sets. But, how about the cellular telephones themselves?
The fact of the matter is that just about all cellular phones, from
what we have determined, including the supposedly secure digital phones
can very easily be placed into a "test" mode with the push of a couple
of keypad buttons, or the jumpping of a wire being the most difficult.
The professional snoops and industry insiders have been using cellular
phones to snoop on other people's private telephone conversations that
are carried over the cellular channels. In fact we are in possession
of very detailed instructions on how to place several brands of cell
phones into this "test" mode.
Since many times used cellular phones can be found in flea markets for only
a few dollars as compared to hundreds of dollars for scanners it is quite
evident that the "pros" will use cellular phones themselves in order
to snoop. Also, this method of putting cellular phones in the "test"
mode is well known among cellular customers as a means to spy on
other users!
So, if scanners are outlawed is it likely that the cellular telephone
conversations will be any more secure. The answer is of course not, but
the CTIA and bill sponsors would like you to think so.