DoT issues advisory against use of signal jammers and repeaters by private organisations and individuals

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an advisory against the use of cellular signal jammers, GPS blockers or other signal jamming devices by the general public, deeming it illegal unless specifically permitted by the government.

In a memorandum issued in public interest on July 1, the DoT clarified that only states, union territories, defense forces and central police organisations can procure and use jammers approved by the government.

The advisory stated that private sector organisations and private individuals cannot procure or use jammers in India.

Jammers can also be used by examination conducting bodies under the union/state government or union territories from authorised vendors and approved models after seeking prior permission from competent authority.

Further, the DoT stated that it is unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, import or otherwise market jammers in India, except as permitted by the government guidelines.

Not just jammers, the DoT has deemed the use of mobile signal repeaters and boosters by individuals as unlawful. The memo said that the unauthorised use of repeaters can adversely interfere with and disrupt public telecommunication services by jeopardising the quality and coverage of such services.

Earlier in January, the DoT had issued a stern warning to e-commerce companies including Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Alibaba, Aliexpress, Ebay and others against facilitating the sale of wireless jammers.