DoT issues advisory on proper use of wireless jammer and booster

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an advisory on the proper use of wireless jammers and booster/repeaters. The use of jammers, GPS blockers, or other signal jamming devices is generally illegal except with specific permission by the Government of India.

A wireless jammer or signal jammer intentionally jams authorized signals such as cellular communications, personal communications, and navigational communications by radiating strong radio energy of similar frequencies.

States/Union Territories, Defence Forces, and Central Police Organizations can procure models approved by the Government of India and use jammers. The examination conducting bodies under Union Government/State Government/Union Territory are also allowed to install jammers from authorized vendors and approved models after prior permission from the competent authority.

Private sector organizations and private individuals cannot procure or use jammers in India. It is also unlawful to advertise, sell, distribute, import, or otherwise market jammers in India.

Signal boosters/repeaters on the other hand are a kind of amplifier which is used to improve cell phone signal reception. The unauthorized use of mobile phone boosters can adversely interfere with and disrupt telecommunication services by jeopardizing the quality and coverage of such services.

This causes inconvenience to mobile phone users and can also hamper access to emergency call services from mobile phones creating a risk to public health and safety. It is unlawful to possess, sell, and use a mobile signal repeater/booster by any individual entity other than licensed telecom service providers.