Satellite Phone Signals Jammed By Libya

Some reports are stating that the Libyan government may be jamming satellite signals.  This could be an effort to block media news and communications from outside Libya. 

Samer Halawi chief executive officer of Thuraya Satellite Communications, told Al-Arabiya television that the Libyan government was jamming Thuraya’s satellite transmissions.  Thuraya is a leader in providing satellite voice and data communications in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  Thuraya headquarters is based in the United Arab Emirates.

Monday Al-Jazeera issued a statement Monday saying it was being jammed by Libya.  Tuesday Al-Jazeera posted the frequencies at which the single could be acquired.  The local Daily Star was told by the Lebanese Telecommunications Regulatory Authority that Libya was jamming new channels from that country as well.

As demonstrations increase in Egypt, the government is blocking the Internet and cellular phone service for a number of days.  In Libya, The Internet was disrupted on Feb 19 local time for several hours.  Libya had periods during the rest of that weekend when few could communicate in or out of the country.  Since then communication has been normal.

The Libyan government attempting to block communication in and out of the country show that Muammar Gaddafi is desperate and his position as leader may be coming to an end.

It is not known if the Iridium or Inmarsat satellite phones have been disrupted by the Libyan jamming.  It would seem only certain frequencies have been jammed so one would assume not all satellite phone service has been disrupted.

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