Australians wanting to improve mobile reception in their homes are using amplification equipment purchased online, but may be unaware that doing so is dangerous, illegal and can result in a jail term, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has warned.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So-called mobile phone repeaters increase signal stability by wirelessly replicating and broadcasting mobile signals. When placed in an area of good reception, they can increase connectivity in nearby areas.
Repeaters are commonly used by telcos and can be operated by licensed individuals with written permission from their provider, but unlicensed use can cause substantial interference to devices and infrastructure that rely on the mobile network.
The authority said many online listings and websites claimed the devices were legal and harmless.
However, it is illegal to use or possess one without a licence.
In Australia, the unlicensed use of a mobile phone repeater can carry a two-year jail term per offence for individuals, or up to a $255,000 fine per offence for body corporates.
"Contrary to the misinformation spread by some overseas-based internet traders, mobile phone repeaters cannot be used in Australia without written authorisation from your carrier," ACMA chairman Chris Chapman said.
"Australian consumers face dangers in purchasing unlicensed mobile phone repeaters online and need to be aware of the activities of unscrupulous internet-based suppliers".
Suppliers, which can appear to be based in Australia, use online ad campaigns to ensure their products are promoted in highly visible web services like Google.
In April, NSW Fair Trading served a cease and desist order on one such supplier, Mobile Repeaters Australia.
Commissioner Rod Stowe said the company and other suppliers of "second-rate" equipment were "putting at risk the whole community for the sake of their own financial gain".
One website selling mobile repeaters to Australians carries products it claims will broadcast a signal over 5000 square metres. Smaller modules, which are listed as working over 250 square metres, are being sold on the same site from $300.
In a fact sheet aimed at educating consumers about mobile phone repeaters, the ACMA suggests those having coverage issues contact their telco.
Both Telstra and Optus sell specialised repeaters or antenna devices, which are configured to operate without adversely affecting the network, to customers with spotty indoor coverage.
