Phones Lose Signal around the Pope

A very committed Catholic, Mr. Kim was waiting for Pope Francis to pass by for hours, and managed to take a picture of the waving Pope with his mobile phone.

Mr. Kim, very excited to show off to his friends through KakaoTalk, was unable to do so. He realized that his mobile phone had no signal, and had not had one for a while. This didn't happen inside the official event venue with its impenetrable security guards, but in the open outdoors. What was the reason?

This situation is very likely because of the police and the actions of the Preparation Committee for the Pope’s Visit to Korea on August 15.

Security authorities transmitted interference signals that affected mobile telecommunications inside the venue as well as along routes of the Pope's visit for this safety.

Communication was especially blocked more strongly along the routes that the Pope would take than at the official venue itself.

A police associate explained, “In the movement routes of the Pope, especially outdoors, unexpected situations might occur. Electronic transmissions must be strictly prohibited accordingly.”