Globe warns vs cell broadcaster use for disinformation

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. has cautioned the public against messages coming from illegally used cell broadcasters.

Globe yesterday issued a statement calling on the public for vigilance amid reports of illegal use of cell broadcasters, which spoof or mimic cell towers and obstruct communications.

These devices have also been used to spread disinformation, according to the Ayala-led telecommunications company or telco.

“We’d like the public to know that cell broadcasters are being used to send out suspicious messages so that on their own they can manage these unsolicited messages,” said Emmanuel Estrada, Globe head of regulatory development and strategy, corporate and legal services group.

“The illegal use of this equipment can interfere with telecommunications services causing the quality of mobile signals to drop. At the same time, the proliferation of unwanted messages will confuse the public and to some extent, cause disinformation,” Estrada said.

Globe said the use, sale and purchase of these cell broadcasters are regulated by the National Telecommunications Commission.

To date, the use of these equipment, as allowed by law, is to provide emergency alert warning messages during disasters and emergencies.

Globe also reiterated its warning against the use of illegal repeaters, cellular signal blockers and jammers, which also interfere with mobile phone signal.

It said illegal use of repeaters causes dropped calls, poor call quality and SMS transmission delays, among others.

On the other hand, the unauthorized use of cell signal jammers totally blocks mobile phone signals, which may delay critical services in case of disasters, emergency situations and even automated polls.

Globe said it undertakes routine scanning of areas prone to illegal repeaters and online sites, which sell these devices illegally, to help the government identify the user of these devices.

Globe sends its scanning results to the NTC for proper action.