In the UK, license-exempt mobile signal boosters must adhere to specific technical requirements, including operating within designated power limits and frequency bands to prevent interference with mobile networks[1]. These devices should be "network-safe," incorporating features like automatic gain control to avoid amplifying signals beyond permitted levels, and automatic shut-off in case of network interference[1]. Furthermore, these boosters should have a CE mark, demonstrating compliance with European Union directives, including the Radio Equipment Directive (RED)[1]. Ofcom also maintains a list of approved mobile signal boosters that meet their regulatory requirements[1].
In Canada, transmitters with emissions within the general field strength limits specified in RSS-Gen may operate license-exempt in any frequency bands, excluding restricted bands listed in RSS-Gen and TV bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, and 470-602 MHz[2]. Unwanted emissions should never exceed the level of fundamental emissions[2].
Other countries have different permitted frequency bands for license-exempt devices. For example, Argentina allows license-exempt operation in the 902.0000 - 928.0000 MHz, 1910.0000 - 1930.0000 MHz, and 2400.0000 - 2483.5000 MHz bands[4]. Australia permits license-exempt operation in the 174.0000 - 230.0000+ MHz, 520.0000 - 694.0000+ MHz, and 915.0000 - 928.0000+ MHz bands[4].
Citations:[1] https://www.signalsolutions.co.uk/regulations/
[2] https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/devices-and-equipment/radio-equipment-standards/radio-standards-specifications-rss/rss-210-licence-exempt-radio-apparatus-category-i-equipment
[3] https://signalboosters.co.uk/pages/ofcom-legally-compliant-mobile-phone-signal-boosters
[4] https://www.tonormic.com/pages/permitted-frequency-bands
[5] https://www.ofreg.ky/viewPDF/documents/2024-05-25-10-26-22-Consultation-Paper-on-Proposed-Short-Range-Device-Regulation.pdf
[6] https://www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/pak_rolling_spec_strategy_03112020.pdf
[7] https://www.pta.gov.pk/assets/media/ad_cons_paper_10102020.pdf
[8] https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/signal-boosters/part-90-signal-boosters