Ofcom mulls changes to regulation for signal boosters

UK regulator Ofcom has proposed amending rules relating to signal boosters and is asking for some input.

Ofcom describes indoor mobile repeaters – or signal boosters – as devices typically used in residential properties to amplify a mobile signal.

As a brief history of its interests in the niche area, in 2018, it introduced regulations that allowed the use of a limited range of them without a licence and it extended the scope of this exemption in 2022.

One of these regulations state that static indoor repeaters designed to boost a 4G mobile signal must also repeat a 2G and/or a 3G signal.

However, certain repeaters already manufactured and purchased on the basis that they are licence-exempt may no longer be able to fulfil the requirement to repeat the 2G/3G signal, claims Ofcom, because operators are starting to switch off their 3G signals to concentrate on delivering 4G and 5G services, and the regulator expects them to also switch off their 2G signals in future.

“We are therefore today seeking views from stakeholders on whether they agree that this particular requirement no longer remains necessary or proportionate,” states the press release. “We are also proposing to update the technical requirements to enable in-vehicle mobile repeaters to amplify some 5G signals.”

Ofcom is looking for responses to its consultation by 4 December 2023.

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