Mangaluru: Officials have assured that the mobile network disruptions caused by the 5G jammer installed at the district jail will soon be addressed. Jail superintendent Yashoda Vantigodi acknowledged public complaints and confirmed that corrective measures are underway.
She noted that similar challenges were faced in Bengaluru and Belagavi jails, but adjustments to the jammer’s power settings effectively resolved the issue in Bengaluru. A similar strategy will be implemented in Mangaluru to balance security needs with public convenience.
Residents near the jail, including those in PVS Circle, have reported severe network failures, affecting emergency calls. A senior citizen recently suffered a medical emergency but was unable to call an ambulance, enduring distress throughout the night. Jio network users frequently experience ‘busy’ signals despite their phones being idle. Animal rescue teams have also struggled to receive distress calls, delaying aid for injured animals.
In a critical case, the family of a heart attack patient attempted to reach cardiologist Dr. Padmanabh Kamath, who resides nearby, but repeated call failures worsened the situation. Authorities have directed TCIL’s technical team to rectify the issue while ensuring jail security remains intact.
Residents have urged the administration to explore alternative solutions, such as mobile detectors, to curb illegal phone use inside the prison without disrupting public services. Given the proximity of schools, hospitals, and colleges, locals stress the urgent need for a lasting resolution.
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