In the commercial transportation industry, technology integration has become widespread across every system. Automated fleet management and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) tracking solutions have aided companies in streamlining operations, enhancing driver safety, and ensuring compliance with regulations. However, the use of GPS jammers and cell phone jammers can disrupt the functioning of GPS tracking devices, causing problems for fleet owners attempting to maintain real-time tracking and control of their fleets.
Despite being illegal, the use of GPS jammers remains a concern for the transportation industry, even though it is not prevalent in the United States.
Understanding GPS Jammers: A Definition and Explanation
GPS jammers refer to compact, powerful radio frequency transmitters that disrupt authorized communication devices such as cell phones, GPS, Wi-Fi networks, and toll readers.
The Functioning of GPS Jamming Devices: An Explanation
GPS receivers function by detecting and using low-power microwave signals transmitted by GPS satellites. GPS jammers work by overpowering these satellite signals with higher-power radio signals that have a shorter range. This creates a “noise” that deceives GPS tracking systems into believing that no GPS signals are available – a technique commonly known as “spoofing.”
What do GPS jammers look like?
Since devices that can block GPS come from a number of manufacturers, they vary greatly in shape, size and dimensions, making them hard to spot within a driver’s vehicle. Most commonly, GPS blockers work over short range, and are small enough to plug into a power supply like a cigarette lighter or iPhone and block the signal to a GPS tracker installed within the vehicle cockpit.
Are GPS tracking jammers illegal?
Yes, GPS jammers are illegal in the United States and Canada. The FCC carefully regulates radio communication devices and has taken action in the past where signal jamming devices have been used or known to be sold. Despite this, GPS jammers and signal blockers can be easily ordered online.
GPS Jammers increase security risks
Some may see GPS jammers as a means for drivers (and companies) to sidestep telematics mandates and measures in order to gain a competitive edge, or because of concerns over personal privacy. But any fleet vehicle that uses anti-tracking devices risks introducing insecure hardware into a vehicle and allowing hackers to gain access to the onboard telematics systems and tamper with GPS systems like navigation, positioning and more. GPS jamming devices also pose a significant risk to public safety and security.
In addition, in the event a vehicle is stolen, GPS jammers make it more difficult for law enforcement to locate the vehicle, impacting a company’s scheduling lineup and, possibly, its bottom line should the missing vehicle not be found. That’s why fleet owners should pay careful attention to any modifications that drivers make to their vehicles.
How GPS Jammers Affect Fleet Operations: An Overview
Fleet managers rely on GPS tracking systems to monitor driver behavior and vehicle performance, which is crucial for ensuring fleet safety and optimizing operational costs. However, GPS jammers inhibit accurate vehicle tracking, including measuring distance traveled, time on the road, and detecting speeding or aggressive driving incidents. This can result in non-compliance audits, hefty fines, and unaddressed vehicle maintenance issues, ultimately impacting revenue and safety.
Preventing the Use of GPS Jammers: Strategies for Fleet Managers
Fleet owners and managers need to proactively identify and address potential GPS jamming threats. This can be achieved by staying up-to-date on the capabilities of their GPS tracking devices and navigation systems, and monitoring Non Reporting Unit (NRU) trends to identify any issues with GPS trackers installed in vehicles. It’s also important to identify network weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
Routine IT network maintenance and troubleshooting can help prevent data tampering, reducing the risk of GPS jamming. Furthermore, clearly communicating company policies on vehicle usage, and enforcing strict policies against the use of prohibited devices such as GPS jammers can act as a deterrent for employees. By taking these steps, fleet managers can mitigate the impact of GPS jamming and ensure the continued safety and efficiency of their operations.
