Company to deploy contraband interdiction system

DEBORD — ShawnTech Communications says there is a potential for accidental call blocking in the surrounding community during the deployment of a contraband interdiction system at the United States Penitentiary Big Sandy.

Meryl Prince of ShawnTech said the company does not expect any problems but is required to notify the public.

“It would only affect the immediate vicinity,” Prince said.

According to Prince, ShawnTech is awaiting word on the deployment date.

On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission Wireless Bureau confirmed that ShawnTech, based out of Miamisburg, Ohio, is among five companies with complete applications to be CIS operators to help address contraband phones in correctional facilities. The other four are CellBlox Acquisitions, Tecore Networks, SOC and OmniProphis.

ShawnTech’s CIS can detect contraband mobile devices in a physical location within a facility and provide intelligence data that includes phone numbers dialed, text message content and device identifiers.