New FCC regulations require that all consumer signal boosters be approved and registered with your cell carrier[1]. These regulations were put in place to prevent malfunctioning or improperly designed or installed signal boosters from interfering with wireless networks[1].
Here's how to navigate the approval and registration process:
* FCC Approval The leading wireless service providers (Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T), and many rural cellular carriers that are members of the Rural Wireless Association (RWA) and the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) have committed to provide blanket approval for signal boosters that meet the FCC technical standards[1]. Every consumer booster sold by Waveform meets these standards and so is pre-approved[1].
* Registration Registration is straightforward and can be done online in about five minutes[1]. Networks will generally ask for your name and address, the model of booster you are using, and your carrier phone number[1]. T-Mobile also asks for the number of users using the booster[1].
* 5G Boosters The FCC has not given blanket approval for boosters to be used on new 5G-only frequencies[2]. As of right now, 5G-specific boosters are not available to consumers[2]. 4G boosters will amplify existing 4G frequencies that are converted to 5G[2].
Most registration forms reside on the major carrier's websites[5]:
* AT&T AT&Tâs booster registration form requests the ownerâs name, operatorâs name (if different), contact phone number, booster make, model, and serial number, date of initial operation, and installed location[5]. AT&T's booster registration page can be found at https://cellbooster.att.com/static/welcome[5].
* Verizon Verizon has a registration process similar to the other carriers, with a FAQ[5]. Verizon's booster registration page can be found at https://www.verizonwireless.com/content/wcms/overlays/register-signal-booster.html[5].
* T-Mobile T-Mobile's signal booster registration page has a form to fill out[1]. Simply click on Signal Booster Registration[1].
* US Cellular US Cellular asks subscribers to call 1-800-450-9857 to register their signal booster[1].
If you are contacted by a wireless network and told that your booster is causing interference, you are required to shut it off until the interference issue is resolved[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.waveform.com/pages/guide-to-signal-booster-registration
[2] https://powerfulsignal.com/guide-to-home-cell-signal-boosters/
[3] https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/signal-boosters/consumer-signal-boosters
[4] https://www.signalboosters.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-c-band-5g/
[5] https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/guides/booster-registration/
[6] https://www.ubersignal.com/blogs/articles/5g-signal-boosters
[7] https://mysignalboosters.com/faqs/
[8] https://www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/ad_cons_paper_10102020.pdf