DoT holds up Illegal Mobile Network Boosters in Delhi

Wireless Monitoring Organisation, Department of Telecom (DoT), with the support of relevant authorities and mobile operators conducted inspection rides 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.

GK Reddy, Engineer in Chief, Wireless Monitoring Organisation, DoT says, “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 listing of such illegal repeaters from their website and such Companies have responded positively.

According to Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) of DoT, installation, possession or selling of illegal repeater is punishable offence as per 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.

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/Guest houses to boost mobile signals. These illegal equipment interfere with all mobile networks, impacts signal quality and degrades network experience in the entire area. Mobile operators invest heavily in acquisition of spectrum & network rollout to enhance customer experience however the illegal booster causes interference with the mobile network. Authorities were called to crack down on these installations and take strict action.