Wireless Jammers & Boosters

Wireless jammer or signal jammer, intentionally jams/ blocks authorized signals such as cellular communications (2G/3G/4G etc.), personal communications (WiFi etc.), navigational communications (GPS etc.) by radiating strong radio energy of similar frequencies. Whereas mobile signal booster/ repeater is a kind of amplifier, apparently used to improve cell phone signal reception

The use of such jammers, GPS blocker or other signal jamming device is generally illegal, except specifically permitted by the Government of India. And it is also unlawful to possess, sell, and/ or use mobile signal repeater/ booster by any individual/ entity other than the licensed Telecom Service.

Telecom industry body Cellular Operators of India said citizens are unaware that buying, selling, installation and possession of mobile signal boosters is a punishable offence, they should take the government’s permission for sale.

The DoT has raised the issue several times in the last 4-5 years and even conducted raids to check illegal sales of these equipment. It has been stated that the use of cellular signal jammers, GPS blocker or other signal jamming devices is generally illegal, except specifically permitted by the government of India.

Private sector organizations or private individuals cannot procure or use jammers in India. It has also been stated that it is unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, import or otherwise market signal jamming devices in India, except as permitted by the government guidelines.

Through signal boosters or repeaters, users can amplify the cell phone signal reception. But unauthorised use of such products results in disruption of public telecommunication services which jeopardises the quality and coverage of the networks. The mobile phone signal booster is a repeater system that makes use of an amplifier to add gain or power to the reception in different directions. The use of these external boosters is to receive and transmit signals to a cellular tower with greater power and sensitivity.

The department had issued a notice on January 21 warning all e-commerce companies from selling or facilitating the sale of wireless jammers on their online platforms. The DoT also clarified the entities that were eligible for acquiring signal boosters, stating that only Telecom Service Providers were eligible for acquiring signal boosters and repeaters. The reason behind this is, Ecommerce companies in India are looking at a market opportunity worth $400 Billion by 2030 in the country.

It has become the largest creator of unicorns in India’s startup ecosystem with 23 e-commerce unicorns made so far, with 16 soonicorns. The warning comes as the DoT is preparing for the 5G spectrum auction later this month. The DoT is working with the telecom sector regulator TRAI and the Ministry of Communication to auction off a total of 72 GHz spectrum across multiple bands, including mid-band and mmWave bands.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, President & CEO, VARINDIA