In March 2022, as reported in N2K, Ofcom consulted on making new Regulations (the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Repeater) (Exemption) Regulations 2022) to enable people to buy a wider range of devices that can improve their mobile reception at home.

Indoor mobile repeaters, sometimes referred to as “signal boosters”, are devices typically used in residential properties to amplify a mobile reception. In November 2021, Ofcom published its decision to extend the range of mobile repeaters that can be self-installed without a licence. It then consulted on the Regulations that would allow it to introduce this change.

Ofcom has now published a Statement confirming that, having considered the responses to its consultation, it has decided to proceed with making the new Regulations, which will revoke and replace the licence exemption Regulations for mobile phone repeaters made by Ofcom in 2018.

Taking account of the consultation responses, and in order to provide greater clarity in some places, Ofcom has made some minor amendments to the Regulations. The Regulations were made on 26 May 2022 and will come into force on 16 June 2022.

The Regulations do the following:

• extend the licence exemption criteria to cover devices that operate on the frequencies of more than one mobile operator, allowing for the use of “provider-specific” and “multi-operator” repeaters, provided that they meet certain technical requirements; and
• permit the licence-exempt use of static indoor mobile repeater devices which amplify signals other than those carried on 2G, 3G and 4G networks (including, for example, 5G signals).

By making the Regulations, Ofcom says that it hopes to support the provision of a wider choice of repeater devices to help consumers address their indoor coverage problems. To read Ofcom’s Statement in full, click here.