According to a Monday official statement, the Department of Telecom has advised e-commerce sites against selling specific telecom equipment such as wireless jammers and network boosters that need approval from the government to be sold.
In the past four to five years, the DoT has brought up the subject several times and even carried out raids to check for unauthorized equipment sales.
“It has been reported that using GPS blockers, mobile phone signal jammers, or other signal jamming equipment is generally prohibited, except when explicitly authorized by the Indian government. In India, private businesses and individuals are not permitted to buy or use jammers, “in a statement, DoT.
Additionally, it was noted that signal jamming devices could not be advertised, sold, distributed, imported, or otherwise marketed in India unless specifically approved by the rules mentioned above, according to the DoT.
The statement said, “Concerning mobile signal repeater/booster, it has been indicated that it is forbidden to possess, sell, and use by any individual/entity other than the licensed Telecom Service Providers.”
On January 21, the government issued a notice cautioning all e-commerce businesses against promoting or assisting in selling wireless jammers in their online stores.
The Ministry of Commerce, Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Customs have received copies of the Notice mentioned above and have been asked to take the proper action.
According to the telecom trade group, Cellular Operators of India, the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and the India Telegraph Act of 1885 make it unlawful and punitive for people to purchase, sell, install, or possess mobile signal boosters (MSBs).
“We are happy that the Indian government has acknowledged the importance of this technology in providing residents all around the nation with a faultless network and telecom experience because its unauthorized usage negatively affects telecom services.
“This advice will raise awareness among the public and make people aware of the detrimental consequences repeaters have on society as a whole,” COAI director general SP Kochhar said.
