ART launches a call for comments on the use of "scramblers" in theatres and auditoriums

Paris, 6 December 2001

A recent law has opened the way for the use of devices preventing the use of cellular telephones in theatres and auditoriums, both for transmission and reception.

Before this measure can be enacted, Autorité de régulation des télécommunications (ART) must take a decision defining the technical conditions for the use of these devices. Such a decision will be submitted to the Minister of telecommunications for approval.

For this measure to be applied as quickly as possible, ART considers it necessary to consult players on this important and sensitive subject. This is why it published a call for comments today on the use of devices preventing the use of cellular telephones on certain sites in France.

Persons interested in this subject are invited to submit their observations to ART before 7 January 2002. The call for comments deals with the technical and industrial aspects of the devices, but also on the impact and means of application of this operation.

Following this consultation, ART will draft a decision before the end of the winter, which will then be submitted to the Commission Consultative des Radiocommunications (CCR) for its opinion. In accordance with directive 98/34/CE which requires that other Member States of the European Union and the European Commission be informed, the draft will then be sent to the Commission, which will have three months to make any comments and request any modifications.

Given the legal deadlines for these steps, the use of these devices should be approved by early summer 2002.

Until then, ART repeats that the use of this type of device is prohibited and is punishable by law.