New Delhi, NFAPost: The Department of Telecom (DoT) has informed the Customs department in written flagging unauthorised sales of mobile signal boosters by some ecommerce firms and has also asked for strict implementation of import rules to curb such practices.
The telecom department has written a letter to Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Chairman informing that it has come to its notice and has also been reported by the Intelligence Bureau about certain models of walkie-talkie sets are available for sale on some e-commerce platforms without any compliance to the regulatory requirement of the department.
The mobile signal booster and walkie-talkie sets fall under the category of transmission apparatus incorporating reception apparatus which are not permitted to be imported without a licence.
“Whilst, the department is continuing to take appropriate action in this regard in cases of violation, but to restrict the inflow of such unauthorised wireless equipment including mobile signal booster/repeater in the country, it is requested to strictly enforce the provisions enshrined in the import policy of DGFT in this regard,” the letter said.
The mobile signal repeaters and walkie-talkie which are not authorised can aid anti-social elements set-up illegal communication infrastructure.
Many people use these equipment to enhance the mobile signals in their premises which adversely impacts telecom networks in surrounding areas resulting in call drops, poor call quality etc.
“Further, notice has also been served to various e-commerce platforms to refrain themselves from selling/facilitating the selling of unauthorised wireless equipment including signal repeaters/boosters. Few of such e-commerce platforms have complied with the instructions. However, such unauthorised wireless equipment including mobile signal repeaters/boosters are still available for sale on some of the e-commerce platforms and in the grey market,” the letter said.
