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Court Mulls Revealing Secret Government Plan To Cut Cell Phone Service

An anonymous reader writes with the latest in the ongoing legal battle over revealing details of Standing Operating Procedure 303, the government's plan to cut mobile phone service during an emergency. "A federal appeals court is asking the Obama administration to explain why the government should be allowed to keep secret its plan to shutter mobile phone service during 'critical emergencies.' The Department of Homeland Security came up with the plan—known as Standing Operating Procedure 303—after cellular phones were used to detonate explosives targeting a London public transportation system. SOP 303 is a powerful tool in the digital age, and it spells out a 'unified voluntary process for the orderly shut-down and restoration of wireless services during critical emergencies such as the threat of radio-activated improvised explosive devices.'"

2 of 191 comments (clear)

  1. Really? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    "after cellular phones were used to detonate explosives targeting a London public transportation system."

    They better block all frequencies just to be safe. It would also be a good idea to block light and sound too just in case someone uses a "clapper". While they're at it, stop time. The bad guys might use an egg timer.

  2. Re:'fail-dangerous' device. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Incoming text:

    "Dear Verizon Customer: Our Terms Of Service have changed, please click on..." *BOOM*