a method for selectively shunting an acoustic driver within an electronic device detects the presence of a squelch signal from a local emitter and automatically shunts the acoustic driver in response to the detection , free of any communication back to the emitter . the squelch signal originates from an emitter which is positioned extrinsic to the device , and can be broadcast so as to define a zone of influence within which the acoustic drivers of electronic devices will be squelched . in lieu of an acoustic driver , a vibrator can be activated to quietly alert the user of the incoming message while the squelch signal is present . as a result , the invention enables a proprietor to a greater degree of control over ringing and beeping noises generated by such devices when positioned within a designated space . a broadcast system for defining the zone of influence and electronic devices that include circuitry that implement the method are also disclosed .