Frequency Inhibitors

Frequency inhibitors are devices capable of creating interference to radio frequency communications, preventing the operation of different types of telecommunications networks and services, among which are: telephony and mobile data (5G, 4G, 3G, etc. ), wireless communications (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. ), broadcasting (TV and radio), navigation and geolocation (GPS, Galileo).

Frequency inhibitors can affect the correct functioning of critical services for citizens such as: communication of ambulances, firefighters and security forces and bodies, control towers of ports and airports, emergency mobile calls, etc.

Article 106.9 of Law 11/2022 of June 28, General of Telecommunications, classifies as a very serious infraction the import, marketing, advertising, assignment free of charge or onerous, installation, possession, commissioning or use of any equipment with functionalities for the intentional generation of interference to telecommunications equipment, networks or services, except when these activities are covered by the exception provided in article 82.4.

The exception provided for in article 82.4 establishes that the above activities may be carried out exceptionally for needs related to public security, national defence, national security, the safety of air navigation, the safety of maritime navigation and the security of penitentiary institutions. It provides for the regulation by royal decree of the mechanisms of authorization and control of these activities. Given that these activities are not generally permitted in Spain, as long as the aforementioned regulatory mechanisms are not established, economic operators that carry out activities of import, marketing or advertising of frequency inhibitors without the authorization provided, may incur the infraction classified as very serious in article 106.9 of the aforementioned Law 11/2022.

The State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure (SETELECO), as the body responsible for monitoring the market in telecommunications equipment, may adopt all legal and administrative measures aimed at preventing the import, marketing and unauthorized advertising of such equipment.

Among these measures, the law provides for the imposition of sanctions of up to 20 million euros for economic operators who incur very serious infringements.

Therefore, the general public is warned that, since June 29, 2022, the import, marketing, advertising, installation, possession, commissioning or use of frequency inhibitors in Spanish territory are not allowed. And, in particular, economic operators that are carrying out unauthorized import, marketing and advertising activities of frequency inhibitors are required to cease such activity immediately.

Official Warning Note on Frequency Inhibitors [PDF] [500.79 kB]