Using a non-compliant signal booster can indeed cause significant network interference. These devices, especially when unauthorized, can disrupt mobile networks and degrade service quality for all users in the vicinity.
Network Interference from Non-Compliant Boosters
1. Amplification of Noise: Non-compliant boosters often amplify not only the desired signals but also the ambient noise, which can raise the noise floor for both uplink and downlink signals. This increased noise can overwhelm base station receivers, leading to dropped calls and reduced data rates for users nearby[1][4].
2. Interference with Licensed Services: According to regulations, signal boosters must not cause harmful interference to primary licensed services. Non-compliant devices frequently fail to meet these criteria, resulting in disruptions that affect overall network performance[2][5].
3. Impact on Connectivity: The improper functioning of these boosters can lead to a decline in key performance indicators such as accessibility and user throughput. As a result, even users who are not directly using the booster may experience slower speeds and more frequent call drops[1][4].
4. Legal Consequences: Regulatory bodies like Ofcom in the UK actively enforce rules against unauthorized boosters, which can lead to fines and legal actions against users of non-compliant devices. These regulations are in place to maintain the integrity of mobile networks and ensure fair access for all users[3][7].
5. Emergency Communication Risks: The use of illegal boosters poses risks not only to regular communications but also to emergency services, potentially jeopardizing critical communication channels used by police and ambulances[1].
In summary, deploying a non-compliant signal booster can create widespread interference that negatively impacts network performance and reliability, affecting both individual users and the broader telecommunications infrastructure.
Citations:
[1] https://www.voicendata.com/time-to-get-rid-of-the-signal-saboteurs/
[2] https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/20.21
[3] https://www.ukconnect.com/post/a-deep-dive-into-ofcoms-signal-boosting-regulations
[4] https://www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/cons_paper_13102020.pdf
[5] https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/signal-boosters/signal-boosters-faq
[6] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01621459.2023.2284413
[7] https://www.signalsolutions.co.uk/blog/signal-boosting-regulations/
[8] https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/248077/can-switching-regulators-cause-interference-on-wifi-based-circuits