Crackdown on sale of illegal cellular signal boosters urged

MANILA, Philippines — The government, through the National Telecommunications Commission, should crack down on sellers of illegal repeaters and signal boosters as these cause network jamming and distort mobile signals in the vicinity, an advocacy group said.

“These so-called boosters claim to enhance weak mobile signals in some areas, yet end up doing greater harm to more people,” said CitizenWatch co-convenor and former congressman Kit Belmonte.

”As a result, there are slow or failed connections, dropped calls, voice quality issues and even loss of cell phone signals,” he said.

He warned that the use of these devices could block cell signals and disrupt critical service during disasters or automated elections, leading to profound repercussions.

Belmonte also urged telcos, e-commerce and social media platforms to do their part in stopping the proliferation of such devices.

“These devices are easily bought and sold online,” Belmonte said. “The platforms must realize that the items they are selling are illegal and interfere with the signals of the legitimate cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) operators.”

Illegal repeaters are indoor or outdoor antennas and wireless adapters that boost network coverage. They interfere with airwaves and mobile signals for other customers.

Meanwhile, cell signal jammers block the signal and prevent anyone from using the service. This is usually used in concert halls or places of worship as well as in high-security areas to prevent disruptions.

Belmonte said that on some occasions, even the landlords or homeowners themselves are known to install the illegal devices with the notion that it would help boost network signals.

“A few persons may benefit, but in the end, it is all the other users in the vicinity of these illegal repeaters that suffer because these devices negatively affect the quality of the telecommunication services in the area,” he said.

NTC Memorandum Order   01-02-2013 prohibits the sale, purchase, importation, possession, or use of cellular mobile repeaters and portable cell sites. Only licensed CMTS operators, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and other government agencies involved in national security or safety, authorized by the NTC, are allowed to purchase, import, possess, and use such devices.

“Among other things, the use of these boosters or jammers can be considered stealing as non-registered individuals use a spectrum that they have not paid for. It’s a disservice to all the other consumers and even to telcos who are investing heavily to expand and improve network coverage,”  Belmonte said.