NYPD Terrorism Plan: Disrupt Cell Service

The NYPD is asking for federal permission to disrupt cell phone service in NYC in the event of another terrorist attack, citing the use of mobile devices to coordinate last year's bombings in Mumbai.

A draft copy of [NYPD Chief] Kelly’s statement to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security says the NYPD believes the Mumbai attacks could be a model for other low-tech attacks. It was not clear whether the NYPD has the means to disrupt electronic communications for a small group of terrorists without shutting down cell phone service to a large part of New York City. Kelly said that in the India attacks, the terrorists had handlers who used cell phones and other portable communication devices to order the killing of hostages and adjust tactics during the siege of Mumbai.

Cell service in NYC was mostly unavailable in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 as systems became overloaded by panicked residents. The NYPD has not said how they plan to disrupt service if another attack comes.