DoT impedes illegal mobile network boosters in Delhi

Wireless Monitoring Organisation, Department of Telecom (DoT) has conducted an inspection ride on several locations across Delhi to take down illegal mobile signal repeaters installed by individuals.

These locations included both residential and commercial establishments in Ashok Vihar, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, South Extension With this exercise in Delhi, 33 illegal repeaters were removed and 40 notices were given to remove the identified ones with immediate effect.

Installation, possession, or selling of illegal repeater is a punishable offense as per the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Heavy fines may be imposed on owners of several premises who have installed these illegal repeaters, According to the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) of DoT.

Illegal mobile signal repeaters have become a major nuisance and are one of the biggest reasons for customers facing network issues like call drops and low data speeds.

These illegal repeaters are installed by individuals/establishments at homes/offices/PG/Guesthouses to boost mobile signals. This illegal equipment interferes with all mobile networks, impacts signal quality, and degrades network experience in the entire area.

Mobile operator invests heavily in acquisition of spectrum & network rollout to enhance customer experience however the illegal booster cause interference with the mobile network. Authorities were called to crack down on these installations and take strict action.

Speaking on the inspection GK Reddy, Engineer in Chief, Wireless Monitoring Organisation, DoT said “Our drive against illegal mobile signal boosters is an ongoing campaign, in this year only we have removed more than 400 such devices from different parts of Delhi and our drive will continue in coming days as well.

We advise people not to use any illegal repeaters as it is causing huge interference in the mobile network”

He further adds that online platforms have also been issued notices to remove a listing of such illegal repeaters from their website and such Companies have responded positively.