UCC has received complaints from the national telecommunications operators about interference caused by the unauthorized use of repeater stations (also known as signal boosters) aimed at boosting the mobile network signals.
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Most users end up boosting their current weak signal in order to get better voice quality or faster data speeds especially those located in-network “blind spots”. This however causes interference in the network signal as the boosted frequency could end up interfering with another similar frequency within the same area.
According to UCC “The unauthorized repeater stations amplify the radio signal noise environment, thus causing signal interference to mobile networks of the duly licensed network operators, which affects the quality of service of the affected network.”
Section 21 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013 stipulates that;
A person shall not, without a license issued by the Commission—
(a) establish or use any radio station or provide radio communication services;
(b) sell, let, hire or otherwise dispose of any radio communications apparatus;
(c) manufacture, possess, install, connect or operate any radio communications apparatus or interference-causing apparatus.
Therefore, the use of network signal repeaters contravenes the Uganda Communications Act 2013 and regulations issued thereunder. UCC has therefore warned the general public against the unauthorized sale, purchase, installation, and use or operation of repeater stations/devices except where a licensed mobile network operator provides and configures such for use.
