Selective interceptors for the UMTS terrestrial radio access network

This paper proposes an interceptor for the UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), for security purposes. An interceptor is a device that helps the UMTS core network to block undesired communications inside protected areas, according to user equipment (UE) identity. Interceptors are operator-controlled equipment. They can even be portable (for example, to be used temporarily during events under extraordinary security regulations), and they do not interfere with operator spectrum. Thus, they are a legal alternative to mobile phone jammers, which are strictly banned in the European Union.