Detected and processed more than 500 sets of mobile signal booster devices

A mobile signal booster (repeater) is a device that receives and amplifies signals from a broadcasting station, helping to improve signal quality indoors or in weak signal areas. However, if installed spontaneously or using substandard equipment, they can cause interference, affecting the quality of the surrounding mobile network.

Sharing at the press conference of the Ministry of Science and Technology on April 29, Mr. Le Van Tuan, Director of Frequency Department, said that most violations come from ignorance. “People saw that the signal was weak so they bought floating devices to install them, not thinking it could cause interference,” he said.

Previously, the detection of illegal signal booster devices was mainly based on feedback from network operators. When interference is suspected, the network operator reports it, and the management agency coordinates to localize, find the source and handle it with the support of the police force and local authorities.

According to Mr. Tuan, the device does not always cause interference immediately but has a certain delay. When the mobile network is not overloaded, signal booster devices can still operate without being detected. Only when the number of mobile users increases will the network operator realize the abnormality caused by the decrease in service quality.

From 2025, the handling of wave booster devices will be shifted to a proactive approach. The Radio Frequency Department coordinates with network operators to build the iSpectra monitoring platform, connecting to all BTS stations. The system automatically detects unusual signs, analyzes data and determines the cause.

Mr. Tuan said that applying this platform helps shorten processing time by about 30%, while increasing accuracy and number of detection cases. In 2025, after the system has been operating since the second quarter, authorities have detected and handled 800 jammed stations (cells). In total, from 2023 to now, more than 500 signal boosters have been processed.

Leaders of the Frequency Department said that the current fine for illegal use of signal booster equipment can be up to 30 million VND. “We assess this as a sufficient level of deterrence,” Mr. Tuan said. However, the handling of violations does not always apply to the highest level. “Many cases are mainly reminders and propaganda”, balancing deterrence and suitability for the people.

According to Mr. Tuan, there are many ways to solve the problem of people using illegal signal booster devices. First of all, improving the quality of mobile coverage. Therefore, in frequency auctions, management agencies always require businesses to commit to investing in additional broadcasting stations. Promoting 5G deployment is also expected to help improve service quality.

Technically, the authorities will license additional low frequency bands. The characteristic of this band is its good penetrating ability, helping to improve the quality of indoor mobile waves. When the quality of mobile coverage is better, people will reduce the need to use signal booster devices.

The third solution is to tighten control of non-standard and non-compliant devices floating on the market. The Radio Frequency Department has coordinated with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to prevent and remove advertisements for non-standard equipment on e-commerce platforms.

Another solution is to increase propaganda, through warning messages, distributing leaflets, disseminating through community digital technology groups, and even through the ward loudspeaker system. With synchronous technical and management solutions, “the use of signal booster equipment will decrease,” Mr. Tuan affirmed.