Prison cellphone block will be phased in

The Government has confirmed moves to combat illegal cellphone use in prisons.

The Department of Corrections has signed a deal with Telecom and Vodafone that will see jamming technology introduced into most prisons around the country.

Full details are still to be fleshed out as the initiative is phased in over the next few months, because the Government wants to make sure people living near prisons are not affected.

That concern is likely to see Mt Eden Prison in central Auckland left out of the programme.

Vodafone spokesman Tom Chignell says the company is pleased to be working with Corrections and the Government to solve the problem.

He says Vodafone is keen to find a solution that has the minimum impact on their legitimate customers.

His views are echoed by his Telecom counterpart Greg Patchell who says they are keen to ensure the technology works.

- NEWSTALK ZB