When I first read the title to this article about jamming cell signals in France, I thought they were nuts. Then after closer reading I found myself agreeing with what they were saying. With the understanding that emergency numbers can still be called and received, French theaters will have the option of jamming cell transmissions with their partitions.

The government’s industry minister has approved a decision to let cinemas, concert halls and theaters install cell phone jammers — on condition that emergency calls can still get through, officials said Monday. Jean Labbe, president of the National Federation of French Cinemas, said the measure was a response to “a long-standing request” from cinemas of all sizes.