[anonymousiam]

Not much of a difference really. Mainly just that LE uses their own equipment instead of that of the carrier. This brings up a separate FCC issue: Why is it okay for LE to transmit on the cellular bands for this purpose, when it provably can interfere with emergency communications (such as a 911 call)?

[jagged-chisel]

It’s a huge difference. The technical difference is that law enforcement is doing an end-run around the carrier to have phones just give up information. Carriers have zero control over that.

[ta999999171]

Sure they do! (Assuming you're not kidding.)

Make the cell connections a secure protocol, instead of something any asshole with an antenna can spoof & create a portable "cell tower".

[vageli]

> Sure they do! (Assuming you're not kidding.)

> Make the cell connections a secure protocol, instead of something any asshole with an antenna can spoof & create a portable "cell tower".

A single carrier likely couldn't do that without coordinating with other carriers (as a client roams to a new net).

[jagged-chisel]

Yes, they could have that control. But they currently do not.