Mobile Reception Problems? A Word of Caution to Repeater and Mobile Signal Booster Consumers
Mobile phone signal boosters and repeaters are available to almost anyone who wants to improve their current reception. Though if you are having coverage problems, don’t be tempted to try and boost your signal with an illegal mobile repeater – because if you do, things could get really ugly, and poor reception could be the least of your problems.
The use of an unlicensed mobile phone repeater and signal boosters can carry a five-year jail term per offence on violating individuals, and/or up to a $1.05 million court fine.
ONLINE PRODUCTS
Despite government warnings, people still tend to purchase repeaters and signal boosters online because the products are undeniably cheaper.
A number of websites still try to pass these illegal devices off as a legitimate solution to signal problems.
Some even claim these devices – which are also described as mobile phone signal boosters or enhancers – are approved by the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA). Don’t be fooled. They are not.
It’s for this reason that you won’t find these devices for sale through your mainstream telecommunication companies.
As with any online purchase, check the website’s credentials – the website should give a name, address and contact number of those running it. Some addresses are a façade and phone numbers are redirected. Even if the domain name or e-mail address ends with ‘.au’ it may still be based overseas making it more difficult to seek reparation in the event of a problem.
The use of these devices – many of which originate from suppliers in China – can cause substantial interference to devices and infrastructure that rely on the mobile network.
BLOWING THE WHISTLE
Please be warned that these websites listed below are selling illegal mobile coverage repeaters and boosters:
- amplifyaustralia_com
- cellboosteraustralia_com
- mobilerepeateraustralia_com
- signalboosteraustralia_com
Some other sites are illegally supplying equipment to Australia
- gsm-repeater_com/product_info.php?products_id=29
And here is an Australian Domain “.au” website (a trace on the Domain name owner brings up many suspicious websites registered by the same person)
- cellphoneboosters_com_au
- signalbooster_com_au
Also be aware that Rising Connection has found some Auction sites which were also selling illegal devices in Australia. Here are some examples:
- alibaba_com/countrysearch/AU/mobile-signal-booster.html
- alibaba_com/countrysearch/AU/cell-phone-booster-supplier.html
- ebay_com_au/bhp/mobile-phone-booster
- ebay_com_au/sch/Signal-Boosters-/68030/i.html
- ebay_com_au/bhp/3g-repeater
In addition, this eBay guide is not applicable to Australia as it does not address the regulatory requirements set out by law and by the ACMA:
- ebay_com_au/gds/Signal-Booster-Buying-Guide-/10000000177629618/g.html
SUMMARY OF AUSTRALIA’S PROHIBITION ON MOBILE PHONE BOOSTERS
You cannot legally use a booster or repeater for better mobile phone reception, Reasons:
- A booster or repeater is classed as a Radio Transmitter in licenced radio spectrum.
- You need a licence to operate a Radio Transmitter in licenced radio spectrum.
- The booster would be re-transmitting in the same radio frequency spectrum covered by the Spectrum licences owned by the various mobile service providers (the Carriers such as Optus, Telstra & Vodafone).
- You cannot legally transmit in any of the frequencies allocated to the carriers by their spectrum licences, without their permission.
MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE
For advice about coverage or signal strength, always speak to your mobile provider first.
If you have mobile coverage issues that your Telco has not been able to resolve to your satisfaction, feel free to contact us for a solution that complies with the Australian Radio Communications Act 1997 and related amendments.
Our team and partner have the knowledge, experience and access to resources to successfully improve mobile coverage in most parts of Australia, servicing varying sizes of businesses in both Rural and Metropolitan areas, complying within the legal framework of the Australian Radio Communications Act 1997.
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