Using an illegal signal booster in the UK can lead to significant legal penalties. According to Ofcom, the regulatory authority for communications in the UK, individuals found using unlicensed mobile repeaters may face fines of up to £5,000 and potentially up to one year in prison under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006[1][2][5].
The law specifies that only certain types of signal boosters are permissible without a license. These must amplify signals from only one mobile network at a time, and "wideband" boosters, which amplify signals from multiple networks simultaneously, are illegal[1][4].
It's important to note that while it is not illegal to sell these unlicensed devices, using them is against the law, placing the responsibility on the end user[5][7]. Therefore, anyone considering the installation of a signal booster should ensure it complies with Ofcom's regulations to avoid these serious consequences.
Citations:[1] https://www.signalsolutions.co.uk/blog/are-mobile-signal-boosters-legal-in-the-uk/
[2] https://www.uctel.co.uk/blog/why-using-ofcom-compliant-repeaters-is-the-best-solution
[3] https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/855730-illegal-signal-boosters-a-constant-public-nuisance
[4] https://mobileboosteruk.com/are-mobile-phone-repeaters-legal-in-the-uk/
[5] https://boostprosystems.com/2020/02/05/what-is-a-mobile-signal-booster-and-are-they-legal-to-use-in-the-uk/
[6] https://www.signalsolutions.co.uk/blog/what-are-mobile-signal-boosters/
[7] https://www.signalsolutions.co.uk/blog/signal-boosting-regulations/
[8] https://www.mobilesignalguru.com/blog/legal-requirements-and-regulations-for-mobile-signal-boosters/