Globe helps confiscate illegal repeaters in Lanao

Globe Telecom launched a fresh crackdown on network-disruptive signal boosters while urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to strengthen regulations against the use of illegal gear.

“Globe is reiterating its call for the NTC to develop an updated framework against the sale and use of illegal boosters and repeaters in the country,” the telco giant said in a statement. “This equipment is sold rampantly online and causes network disruptions.”

Globe said it was working with the Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission to stamp out the use of signal boosters in parts of Mindanao.

These amplify the signal from a cell tower but also degrade the cellular network, causing dropped calls and slower internet.

“If installed without authorization from a network provider, the booster can interfere with cellular network signals in a community,” Globe said.

“It may affect online schooling and online livelihood activities, or worse, result in dire consequences during emergencies,” it added.

Globe and the Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission earlier held a network scanning activity, allowing them to track down and confiscate more than 50 illegal repeaters in Lanao del Sur.

Impact on network

Froilan Castelo, Globe general counsel, said illegal signal boosters and repeaters negate the company’s network upgrades.

“We are exerting so much effort in making the mobile and internet experience more enjoyable for our customers, especially in these times when connectivity is an essential part of every Filipino household,” Castelo said.

The NTC has struggled to regulate the use of illegal gear such as signal boosters and text blasters.

The latter are illicit devices capable of rapidly sending thousands of text messages to users, making them effective tools for business marketing purposes but also for political campaigns and text scammers.

In 2020, Globe released its recommendations to the NTC on how to address the widespread use of unregistered repeaters.

Globe said repeaters could be used as long as the devices were type-approved by the telcos. It also asked the NTC to conduct monthly scans of telco frequencies “to mitigate the interference caused by unauthorized radio transmitting devices.”