They are everywhere. Just a simple Google search can find more than a dozen mobile signal enhancers, including popular e-commerce sites. Although DoT (Ministry of Telecommunications) conducts regular raids across the country and has strict laws prohibiting the use, sale, and possession of mobile signal repeaters, the proliferation of such illegal devices is still rampant.

Earlier this week, the wireless monitoring organization and the International Monitoring Station, which are part of DoT, together with a joint team of local governments and mobile operators raided several locations in New Delhi and removed installations in homes, shops, and other commercial establishments. . As part of the recent crackdown, approximately 70 illegal repeaters were removed, and 18 notifications were issued requesting the immediate removal of identified repeaters.

"In 2020, we have removed about 400 illegal mobile signal boosters. We launched a promotional campaign to make people aware not to use illegal mobile signal boosters. This activity is aimed at causing calls to drop Mobile network connection with illegal mobile signal boosters that reduce the call rate,” said Devendra Kumar Rai, head of IRRS, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s wireless monitoring organization, in a statement.

But why do people use this kind of equipment a lot? According to the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, DoT can impose heavy penalties on the owners of such illegal repeaters. Experts say they are widely used for four reasons: easy availability, effortless installation, lack of consumer awareness, and declining quality of mobile services (voice and data) in many parts of India.

"The problem with unauthorized boosters is that they will reduce the quality of service for others, forcing others to also install these boosters, which will damage the signal quality of the entire area," said a telecommunications consultant who did not do so. . Hope to be cited.

The claims of illegal equipment sellers are also shocking. These devices not only claim to ensure faster data speeds (uploads and downloads) and fewer dropped calls, but they also reduce radiation levels and extend battery life. The device claims to support multiple users using 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies at the same time, and can span different types of devices (smartphones, feature phones) and networks (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea, BSNL).

Although telecom operators have made huge investments in networks and spectrum, quality of service (QoS) has been hit, especially in densely populated areas. Although TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) regularly audits that QoS is satisfactory; users often complain about dropped calls and poor data speeds.

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