In relation to the various publications in the press about the deactivation system of mobile phones in the Central Prisons, for the proper information of citizens, the Department of Electromechanical Services (THMI) clarifies the following:
The system in question was installed in order to deactivate mobile phones using the applied 2G, 3G and 4G technologies and other communication technologies that allow the use of the Internet. Due to the delay in the installation of the system, penalties for delay were imposed on the Contractor, amounting to €100,000.
THMY provided for the system to be upgradeable to disable future technologies and satellite frequencies. Therefore, prices for the upgrade equipment were included in the Contract. As a matter of fact, it would not have been possible for the contract to include equipment that would have allowed the system to have from the beginning capabilities related to non-applied technologies.
At the beginning of the year 2021, 5G Technology was introduced in Cyprus while communication via a new satellite was put into operation, as well as the operation of mobile telephony in the occupied territories on frequencies different from those existing in the Republic of Cyprus. At that time the need for upgrading the system arose, in order to deactivate the new, now known, technologies.
THMY, setting the upgrade of the system as a priority, proceeded with the upgrade procedures, although the issuance of the operating license of the existing system was still pending before the Competent Authority. The license was issued on 03/09/2021, after the relevant checks the Competent Authority found that there was no interference of any kind to both the systems of the telecommunication service providers and the mobile and wi-fi systems of the citizens, outside the fenced area of the prison. The Department of Prisons' eagerness to upgrade the system without delay is understandable, but the Department could not proceed with the upgrade procedures without the issuance of the system operating license by the Competent Authority.
With the interference issue resolved and the operating license issued, THMY immediately proceeded with the process of awarding the new System Upgrade Contract. The new Contract was signed on 15/02/2022, with an implementation schedule until June 2022.
The contractor, citing mainly issues of raw material shortage due to Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, requested an extension of the project completion date. His request was brought before the Competent Bodies for approval. To date, no extension has been granted and thus the stipulated penalties for delays have been imposed.
On November 21, 2022, the Contractor informed THMY that it has completed the system installation work. THMY therefore proceeded with the relevant audits which were performed on December 2, 2022, at which time it determined that there are several sections within the prison's fenced area where the system is not functioning and needs further adjustments.
It is noted that because the system is single, the upgrade and reconfiguration work affects legacy 2G, 3G and 4G technologies.
THMY, informed the Contractor that it will proceed with a re-test of the system on December 16, 2022, and invited the Contractor to proceed with the relevant adjustments. On December 15, 2022, the Contractor informed the Department that faulty air conditioning equipment was identified in four (4) individual units of the system, near the antenas, and therefore the system would not be ready for testing until December 23, 2022. The Contractor, at its own expense and in accordance with the Contract, shall proceed with such repairs. It should be taken for granted that THMY does not intend to take delivery of the system if all requirements of the Contract are not met.
Additionally, citizens are advised that the system does not record conversations or text messages and that the Department has not received any request and/or instructions to upgrade the system in this regard.
Finally, it is noted that, the system cannot resolve the problem of cell phone insertion within the jail. Since technology will not stop evolving, inevitably, and the system will not be able, without continuous upgrades, to disable the various new technologies. Therefore, the solution to the problem of mobile phone use cannot be based solely on the electronic system. The system is a complementary tool that will help solve the problem, but it is not the solution. We have repeated this position many times to stakeholders in various meetings.
(ΘΓ/ΝΓ/ΣΧ)
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