Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 28: The network issues caused by the 5G mobile jammer installed at the district jail here are expected to be resolved soon, officials have assured.
Responding to a media report highlighting the difficulties faced by local residents, jail superintendent Yashoda Vantigodi acknowledged the complaints and confirmed that efforts are underway to find a solution. She stated that similar issues had occurred in Bengaluru and Belagavi jails, but the problem was resolved in Bengaluru by adjusting the jammer’s power levels. A similar approach will be taken in Mangaluru to minimize inconvenience to the public while maintaining security inside the jail.
Residents living near the jail, including those in the PVS Circle area, have reported severe mobile network disruptions, making it difficult to make emergency calls. A senior citizen recently fell ill and was unable to contact an ambulance due to network failure, leaving him in distress throughout the night. Calls made to Jio network users frequently result in a ‘busy’ response, even when the phone is not in use. Local animal rescue teams have also faced difficulties receiving distress calls regarding injured animals, leading to delays in providing medical aid.
In a recent case, the family of a heart attack patient tried to contact cardiologist Dr Padmanabh Kamath, who resides near the jail, for urgent advice. However, repeated call attempts failed, worsening the patient’s situation.
Authorities have instructed TCIL’s technical team, responsible for installing the jammer, to address the issue promptly. Adjustments to the jammer’s power settings will be made to ensure that the network remains accessible to residents without compromising jail security.
Local residents have urged the jail administration to explore alternative solutions, such as using mobile detectors to curb illegal phone usage inside the prison, instead of disrupting network services for the general public.
With several schools, colleges, and medical facilities in the vicinity, residents have emphasized the urgent need for a resolution to prevent further hardships, especially for elderly citizens and those in medical emergencies.