IM-MOBILE-ISED
Oct 19 2003
http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/page ... eid=106694
Drivers stranded as signals from masts jam car key fobs
Exclusive By Tim Rider
MOBILE phone masts are causing chaos for thousands of motorists - by jamming their engine immobilisers.
The problem leaves drivers who park cars close to masts unable to start them again, while some find they can't even unlock their doors.
The fault - caused by powerful radio waves interfering with the weaker ones sent by key fobs - is now the most common reason for stranded drivers to call out the AA or RAC.
Patrolmen have learnt how to tinker with the electronic systems to get the cars going again. But those immobilisers they can't get going have to be retuned at a cost of around £50 and there have been cases of immobilisers having to be replaced.
The new problem with masts - which have already been blamed for causing cancers - has affected all makes of vehicle. Now senior technical experts from car makers, mobile phone companies and the emergency breakdown services are holding talks to find a solution.
One victim was Stephen Guy, 24, from Manchester, who was buying an engagement ring for his girlfriend at the Trafford Shopping Centre when the immobiliser in his Chrysler Neon burned out. He had parked on the roof car park, close to one of the phone masts.
"The security guard told us it happened quite a lot," said Mr Guy.
He was able to get into the car, but the key fob was disabled and the car would not start - and a new immobiliser cost him £600.
A spokesman for Orange said: "We understand Government regulations stipulate it is up to individuals to ensure their frequencies do not clash with ours."
Tim Shallcross, of the AA, said: "Key fob transmitters have very weak signals, and if there is a more powerful device nearby these signals are often blocked."
He advised drivers to point their key fob much closer to the car to lessen the chance of the signal being interfered with by mobile phone masts.
Or if you can move the vehicle some distance from the mast - by towing or pushing - then try the key fob again, and it might work.
CANCER BLAMED ON MOBILE RADIATION
/RADIATION from mobile phone masts has been blamed for cancers among people living nearby.
PEOPLE suffering from epilepsy are thought to be more prone to attacks if they live near a mast.
BY the end of the year there will be 40,000 phone masts in the UK.
PYECOMBE, Sussex, has the highest concentration of masts, with 12 in a population of 100.