New Delhi, July 4 (Agency) The government on Monday warned e-commerce companies against illegally selling wireless jammers. It also directed the general public on the proper use of wireless jammers and boosters or repeaters. The Department of Telecom (DoT) said the use of cellular signal jammers, GPS blocker or other signal jamming devices is generally illegal, except specifically permitted by the Government of India. It warned all e-commerce companies from selling or facilitating the sale of wireless jammers on their online platforms.
”It has also been stated that it is unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, import or otherwise market signal jamming devices in India, except as permitted under the guidelines mentioned,” the DoT said. ”With regards to signal booster/ repeater it has been stated that it is unlawful to possess, sell, and/ or use mobile signal repeater/ booster by any individual/ entity other than the licensed Telecom Service Providers,” it added. Commenting on the development, Lt Gen Dr S P Kochhar, DG, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said,” “We welcome the Department of Telecommunications advisory to combat the challenges posed by the installation of signal repeaters/boosters.
Citizens are unaware that buying, selling, installation and possession of Mobile Signal Boosters (MSBs) is an illegal and punishable offence under Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and India Telegraph Act, 1885.” ”Its unauthorised use adversely interferes with telecom services and we are glad that the Government of India has recognised its significance in delivering a flawless network and telecom experience to citizens across the country. This advisory will help spread awareness and make citizens cognisant of the debilitating effects that repeaters have on the overall network. Telecom service providers are committed to working with the Government in its ambition to build a network which can help the telecom sector achieve its goal of digitally connected India,” he said.