180 illegal antennas, 89 network boosters seized
Use of such equipment results in distortion of mobile signal hence impacting genuine customers
In a joint raid carried out by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and telecom operators on Wednesday, 180 illegal antennas and 89 network boosters were seized from a Thane-based shop. The items were intended to be supplied for unauthorised use in Mumbai as well. The use of such equipment results in distortion of mobile signal, hence hampering the quality of services provided to genuine customers.
The action was spearheaded by DoT's wireless monitoring organisation that conducted the raids in various parts of Thane. The purpose was to check availability of boosters and antennas sold illegally.
According to the DoT officials, the raid was led by Deputy Director Prakash Sonkamble as telecom operators have been consistently raising their concern in this regard. As per Indian Telegraph and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Acts, use of such wide-band signal boosters is illegal and liable for heavy penalty.
The illegal use of such devices leads to the degradation of telecom services instead of solving signal issues. In simple words, using signal boosters is like having illegal electricity or water connection from the main supply, which leads to improper distribution for others who are paying for the service, officials said.
“Telecom operators invest heavily in acquiring spectrum for better customer experience, but the quality of services takes a significant hit because of these boosters. It interferes with the airwaves making it capable of distorting mobile signals for other customers in the vicinity of the booster,” said a telecom operator company's representative.
Owing to the adoption of such devices, a lot of hardships are also faced by the customers such as intermittent fluctuations, call drops, call failure, high latency and interference.