Mobile Phone Signal Repeaters (GSM, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G)

The equipment known as mobile telephone repeaters, relays or amplifiers (GSM, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G), which are marketed for the purpose of improving the coverage of telephone and mobile data services indoors or in distant places, are radio stations operating in licensed frequency bands (not free-use).

Operators with spectrum concessions in these frequency bands are the only ones who have the right to use the radio spectrum in the frequency ranges specified in their demanial concessions and are the only ones who, once they have the approved technical project and, therefore, the corresponding installation authorization, can install or authorize third parties to install radio stations, including those intended for amplification of the telephone signal and mobile data. The radio stations may be put into operation once the operator has the relevant authorisation to put them into service.

Therefore, individuals and companies that intend to install this type of mobile phone repeater are informed that they must contact the operators of the service directly to obtain their authorization, and that they are the ones who, in advance, carry out the legally established processing of the station that can provide coverage in the indicated area. Without such authorization, it is not possible to carry out this installation to extend the coverage, regardless of the time elapsed after contacting the operators.

In addition, it is made known to companies that market this type of equipment, that mobile phone repeaters that are marketed in Spain must include in their instructions the corresponding information on the restrictions of putting into service, in addition to indicating in their packaging the existence of such restrictions through the mandatory pictogram established in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1354.

It will not be possible to market in Spanish territory those equipment that does not meet the requirements of information in instructions and packaging. In addition, it is recommended that companies that market this type of equipment, inform potential buyers about the restrictions indicated above, since most users of this type of equipment are individuals who are not authorized for their installation and use.

Finally, it warns of the following:

The use of the public radio domain in radio frequencies or channels without having a concession for the private use of the spectrum, when this is necessary, is typified as a very serious infringement in article 106 of Law 11/2022, of June 28, General of Telecommunications.
The installation of stations without authorization, when this is necessary in accordance with the regulations, is typified as a serious infringement in article 107.
The production of interference to legally established stations – a common circumstance after the installation of this type of repeater not integrated into the operators’ networks – is classified as a serious or very serious infringement in articles 107 and 106 of the aforementioned Law 11/2022.
The commercialization of equipment that does not comply with the information requirements on the restrictions of use indicated above, is typified as a minor infraction in article 108 of Law 11/2022.

Official Information Note for Mobile Repeaters [PDF][170 KB]