Ofcom launches consultation to boost mobile signals

The proposed regulations will support the creation of a wider range of indoor mobile repeaters, which can be used in residential properties to amplify a mobile reception. The proposals will see more of the so-called ‘signal boosters’ become available to be self-installed without a licence.

Ofcom said it will make the regulations around ‘signal boosters’ technology-neutral, allowing the use of 5G repeaters as well as 2G, 3G and 4G devices, provided they meet certain technical requirements.

A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “Repeaters are devices that can help people with a poor indoor mobile phone signal get better indoor coverage . They work best when there is a good outdoor signal that can be boosted indoors. We are now consulting on proposals to extend the range of static indoor repeaters available for people to buy and install themselves without a licence.

“In order to help the public identify repeaters that can be ‘legally’ used without a licence – rather than ‘illegal’ devices that risk causing interference – we will also publish on our website a list of mobile phone repeaters that we understand comply with the technical requirements of our licence exemption regime.”