DoT wireless wing takes down 70 illegal signal repeaters across Delhi

Amid continuing crackdown against illegal signal boosters, the Department of Telecommunications’ Wireless Monitoring Organization, International Monitoring Station along with local authorities took down 70 illegal repeaters and served 18 notices to individuals and establishments in Hauz Khas and Connaught Place from 18 February to 22 February.

“In 2020, we removed approximately 400 illegal mobile signal boosters. We started an awareness drive from 18.02.2021 to 24.02.2021. This campaign is against illegal mobile signal boosters which lead to call drops and lowering of mobile network connectivity,” said Devendra Rai, IRRS, Engineering-in-Charge, Wireless Monitoring Organization, DoT.

According to Rai, people voluntarily surrendered repeaters and reported an improvement in network connectivity in their areas.

According to the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) of DoT, installation, possession or selling of illegal repeater is a punishable offense as per the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
Furthermore, the Act authorizes heavy penalties on owners of several premises who have installed these illegal repeaters.

It is important to note that these illegal repeaters lead to network issues such as call drops and poor data speeds besides causing network quality degradation.