Restricted Areas
Cellular telephones (“cell phones” and "mobile
phones") have had a dramatic impact on our daily
communication patterns. The
technology is convenient and many people enjoy the benefits of
instant communication. There
are, however, many situations in which cell phone / mobile
phone usage presents certain challenges.
When these challenges occur, the
proprietor of the space may establish a cell phone / mobile
phone Restricted Area.
We have found five basic reasons for
establishing Restricted Areas for cell phones / mobile phones.
Integrity - When
the
use of cellular phones contradicts the rules of an establishment
and threatens the integrity of the institution.
For example, in a prison where organized crime can
continue to run their organizations through the use of cellular
phones.
Privacy - When the
proprietor of a space is trying to control the experience within
his domain, and cellular phone usage does not fit the scenario. For example, in a mosque or church where cellular
phones would disrupt prayers.
Productivity - When the
use of cellular phones lowers the productivity of workers.
Usually this is because talking on the phone distracts
the worker from assigned tasks and the employer is faced with
increased costs and/or reduced revenues.
For example, in a factory or office building, a single
worker spending ten minutes a day on the phone for personal
purposes costs an employer more than a man-week per year in lost
productivity.
Safety - Cellular
phone usage within some particular areas can be dangerous.
Hospitals and airplanes are examples.
Security - When the
use of cellular phones is prohibited to protect the confidential
nature of the building and the people, products or documents
within it, or to preserve the integrity of the institution.
This could be for national security or for
protecting trade secrets discussed at Board of Directors
meeting.
A good
reference document from the UK illustrating the numerous
applications for cellular phone restricted area can be found
here.
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