Globe warns public vs use of illegal repeaters

Globe Telecom warned the public anew against the use of illegal repeaters as this interferes with its mobile network, resulting in weak signals.

Globe works with NTC to stamp out the use of illegal repeaters

Illegal repeaters cause "major disruptions" to mobile signal

This call has been stressed in a statement issued recently, with Globe saying illegal repeaters are being offered rampantly online—from social media platforms and shopping websites. Physical Electronics and communications stores also sell these devices, it added.

Signal boosters, indoor + outdoor antennas

According to Globe, illegal repeaters "indiscriminately amplify the signal from a cell tower and hog the signal that’s meant to be shared with others."

While users of illegal repeaters experience boosted signals, other subscribers have to deal with poor or even non-existent mobile service.

Illegal repeaters come in the form of indoor or outdoor antennas and wireless adapters that boost network coverage and signal by means of hogging bandwidth from a Globe cell site. As a result, such devices interfere with airwaves and interfere with mobile signals for other customers within the immediate vicinity of the booster and served by the interfered cell site, said Manny Estrada, Globe Head of Technology and Strategy Service Integration.

Without proper permits from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the devices are considered illegal. The telco regulator is only allowing CMTS operators, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and other government agencies involved in national security or safety are authorized to purchase, import, possess, and use such devices.

While we continue to expand our network to deliver first-world connectivity to Filipinos, these efforts will be hindered if illegal repeaters remain in use and will continue to interfere with and degrade mobile network communications, Estrada said.

Globe urges Filipinos to report sellers of illegal repeaters to the NTC or Globe by filling out this form.