Illegal devices used to boost mobile reception

Banned devices that can enhance mobile coverage are being sold in the UAE, mainly through internet for select customers. 

The device known as 'Repeaters' can enhance mobile coverage within a particular apartment or home and costs about Dh2,500 for a unit that boosts GSM signal and Dh5,000-6,000 for 3G signal enhancement. 

One agent who was trying to sell the product told this reporter that he could deliver the product at Bank Street in Bur Dubai. "The cost will vary depending on the number of units you require. Anything from Dh2,500 for just GSM to Dh5,000 for 3G connectivity and use of BlackBerry service. However, we are not responsible for any penalties by building owners or etisalat or du," the agent warned. 

The installation involves fixing two antennas, one inside the apartment and one outside. 

Repeaters captures and boosts a weak mobile signal through an antenna and amplifier and boosts coverage for areas up to 800 square metres, an online advertisement claims. 

However according to Aurad, another exporter of Repeaters, the sale of the device within the UAE is banned. 

“I have been told that it is banned by both the TRA and the telecom operators. I mainly sell the products to customers in Africa and other Middle Eastern countries,” he said. 

According to him there are several cases of mobile users of both operators facing difficulty in obtaining connectivity inside certain buildings and in parking areas. 

“Mobile signals are hardly available in some heavily concrete buildings. In Reem Tower in Makhtoum street, which is just behind the etisalat building I know people who have to come out of the building to make calls. There are many such cases across the Dubai and other emirates,” he said. 

Many residents in Tecom in Dubai have repeatedly complained to etisalat about no connectivity within the buildings. “We moved in to Tecom in March 2011. I was not able to get connectivity even in the balcony. Finally after several complaints Etisaalt did something and I am now able to get some signal, in some select locations within my apartment,” said Sangeeta T. 

Many residents in the area say they were forced to change their operator to Du due to etisalat’s lack of connectivity. 

“Du surprisingly has increased its mobile coverage, form being terrible to much much better during the last year or so,” says Santosh Kumar, a marketing professional. As part of my work I visit many areas and buildings across Dubai, meeting many clients and Du’s coverage ahs significantly improved. They still have issues in some parts especially in parking lots. But it is negligible,” he added. 

An etisalat spokesperson yesterday told 'Emirates24|7' that except Tecom where du has exclusive coverage rights it has had no major complaints from other areas in the UAE. 

“Tecom issue has to be addressed to the TRA. When we do receive complaints from other areas we do send our technical team and try and boost the signal.” The official also said that in special cases special antennas are placed on top of specific buildings located in a dense area. “We take permission from the owner of the building and even pay him charges for electricity usage in such cases,” the official said,

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