Signal Boosters in Australia: The Risks of Using Illegal Devices
Understanding the Dangers and Consequences of Unlicensed Signal Boosters in Australia
9 March, 2023 by
Signal Boosters in Australia: The Risks of Using Illegal Devices
Ben

Mobile connectivity

has become increasingly important for daily life, the demand for signal boosters has risen. These devices, when used correctly, can enhance signal strength and improve the stability of cellular networks. However, in Australia, it is essential to be aware of illegal signal boosters that can cause significant problems.

In our modern lifestyle, being able to make a call or receive a text inside is a pretty basic need. Illegal signal boosters are unlicensed and unregulated devices that can interfere with the operation of cellular networks. These devices do not have the sophisticated hardware to be able to negotiate with and protect the cellular networks, they can generate excessive interference, leading to dropped calls, lost connections, and network outages. The companies who make them have not had to go through all the regulatory requirements either and are therefore significantly cheaper.

Using an illegal signal booster in Australia is a serious offense, and using or installing an illegal signal booster is just not worth the risk.

"Penalties for breaching the rules can be a fine of up to $1.375 million or up to 5 years in prison."

https://www.acma.gov.au/devices-we-prohibit

Here are some of the illegal online offerings available in Australia... As you can see they have a very attractive price-point but is it really worth the risk?



Boyd Brown, the Telstra Country Wide area manager, has expressed concerns about the increasing use of illegal mobile repeaters in rural Western Australia. These devices are cheap and easy to install, but they can cause significant interference to the mobile phone network, wiping it out entirely.

According to Brown, Telstra has detected about a device a week on average for the past year, which is significantly higher than the previous 18 months. He warns that these are only the ones they have found, and there are likely many more out there.

While illegal mobile repeaters cost about $70 on the internet, 10 times cheaper than telco-approved amplifiers, the cost to the community is huge. Telstra is sending out tech teams to locate and remove these illegal devices. Brown said that in many cases, people are not aware that the devices are banned and illegal.

The use of illegal mobile repeaters is a growing problem in rural Western Australia. These devices can wipe out the mobile phone network and cause significant interference. While they may be cheap and easy to install, the cost to the community is high, and Telstra is taking action to remove them.

abc.net.au

To avoid these severe consequences, it is essential to purchase a licensed and regulated signal booster from a reputable dealer. In Australia, signal boosters must be licensed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to ensure they meet strict technical standards and are compatible with cellular networks.

Using illegal signal boosters in Australia can lead to severe consequences. Always purchase a licensed and regulated signal booster from a reputable dealer to ensure optimal performance and avoid legal issues.

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