Pentagon extends ban on wireless devices

In a Sept. 25 Pentagon memorandum, the July 30, 2001 moratorium was extended "until security vulnerabilities are fully assessed, a wireless design for the Pentagon is developed, and appropriate policies and procedures are established to support the responsible introduction of wireless technologies into Pentagon and swing space facilities and common IT network."

Under the new policy, the moratorium allows the use of existing support for wireless services already in operation as of July 30, 2001; the deployment of additional end-user devices if supported by currently installed telecommunications network infrastructure; and contracts for equipment such as cell phones and pagers to be renewed.

Connection to a classified network or computer, and synchronization with information technology devices that are not approved are prohibited. Punitive action is required for repeated violations, it said.