I have spent years working with one of the big cellular operators in the UK. Was responsible for putting in signal boosters to improve coverage inside buildings, in tunnels etc. Even wrote the company installation instructions.
Recently I was asked to look at a friends small business that had coverage problems. He needed a signal booster as his coverage in the carpark outside was good. So wrote to his operator (where I use to work) and asked for permisison to install a signal booster. Was planning to use the same units that the operator uses, to the same standard etc. Got a major shock when the operator’s legal dept wrote back to me and told me in no uncertian terms that my plans were illegal as I did not hold a telecoms license and they would not allow me to do it on their behalf. Their customer with the coverage problems could go and take a run and jump as far as they were concerned.
Ofcom publish guidelines confirming that the operation of private signal boosters in the UK is illeagl as is the installation of such kit. (aiding and abetting an illegal act). Prison sentences and fines for doing this plus they will confiscate the kit. See www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/enforcement/jammers
Ended up tracking down a company called smartermobile (www.smartermobile.com) who can provide legal coverage solutions for SMEs as they have a telecomms license. Their solution may not be economical to personal/private situations but perfect for SMEs and even SoHOs. Solution now installed and everyone happy. If you have coverage issues look them up and look at their Smarternet product. Their Smartersurvey product is also worth a look as an unbiased independent coverage check.
