Radio spectrum and the law

Mobile phone, or cell phone, repeaters (also known as boosters, enhancers or amplifiers) amplify signals between a mobile phone and the network operators’ base stations, offering in certain circumstances improved mobile reception for the user.

Mobile repeaters are classed as radio apparatus and their use in the UK is regulated by the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006. It is unlawful to install or use this type of radio apparatus unless:

• that is done under and in accordance with a specific wireless telegraphy licence granted by Ofcom; or
• the apparatus and its installation and use complies with regulations made by Ofcom exempting it from the requirement for a licence.

Unless one of the above conditions is met, the unlicensed installation and use of a repeater would put the user at risk of prosecution under the 2006 Act. If found guilty users can face a fine of up to £5,000 and up to a year in prison.

In October last year, Ofcom made a decision that two categories of repeaters should no longer need a licence to be used legally. The two categories are:

• static mobile phone repeaters for indoor use (where complying with specified requirements); and

• low gain mobile phone repeaters for in-vehicle use (again where complying with specified requirements).

Ofcom has now made the regulations that will allow use of these devices, provided they meet the required technical standards and conditions of use set out in the regulations. The regulations are called the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Repeater) (Exemption) Regulations 2018 and come into force on 12 April 2018.

Only where the required technical standards and conditions of use are met will the installation and use of the relevant repeaters be lawful. Use of other repeaters will remain illegal.

Generally, repeaters which meet the relevant requirements are not yet available to consumers. Current generations of wideband repeaters, known to cause harmful interference to networks and their customers, are unlikely to meet the requirements for exemption and their installation and use will remain illegal.

All radio apparatus placed on the market or put into service in the UK must meet the requirements of The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 SI No. 1206.

Femtocells and smart repeaters

These devices are slightly different to the repeaters referred to above.

Femtocells are small base station transmitters that may be installed by a user and connect to the host mobile operator network via a fixed broadband connection. So-called “Smart Repeaters” are controlled by the mobile network via its transmission spectrum without a fixed physical connection. Some mobile network operators offer services using these devices which may provide improved in-building coverage and data rates.

Although these kinds devices may be installed in user premises, a key feature of them is that they are monitored and controlled by the host network. This is to ensure they operate only within the terms and conditions of the network operators’ licences under which they are authorised. It means the end-user does not need their own licence (or licence exemption) to use a femtocell or smart repeater controlled by their network operator.

For larger premises, other solutions such as a managed small-cell provider or a distributed antenna system may be available. We advise contacting your network provider in the first instance, to discuss your specific requirements.

The use of any apparatus, whether or not wireless telegraphy apparatus, for the purpose of interfering with any wireless telegraphy, is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006. The unlicensed transmission of radio signals and the interference with licensed services would cause offences under, respectively, sections 8 and 68 of the Act.

Ofcom is not able to grant authority for the sale, purchase or use of mobile phone jammers in the UK.  Placing them on the market and putting them into service are criminal offences under the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 (the EMC Regulations), and their use will involve commission of a criminal offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (section 68). There is no provision in either piece of legislation that, in effect, enables Ofcom to authorise the sale, purchase or use of a jammer. For more information, see Mobile phone jammers.

As an alternative, cellphone detectors that can give a visual/audible warning of an active cellphone within its coverage area, but without disrupting with the transmission may be used to help control the use of phones within a room or building.

May 2011

In 2004, the mobile phone industry introduced a code of practice about tracking which includes in its key principles that it should be consent-based and not undermine customer privacy or be used for unauthorised surveillance. These activities are not regulated by Ofcom and are instead subject to national laws concerning privacy and data protection.

The code of practice sets out the general principles governing the activity and gives advice on the implications for phone users and how to complain if a user has concerns about the activity.

Aside from commercially-based tracking or location services, the mobile phone networks have a legal duty to supply to relevant authorities, as far as technically feasible, the originating location of any 999 or 112 call for the purpose of directing an emergency response where a distressed caller may be too weak, confused or otherwise unable to convey accurate directions. Under Home Office regulations, the networks are required to retain data records of all calls made for a period of 12 months.

Reference Information

• Children and mobile location based services

May 2011

Ofcom regulates the operation of mobile networks in relation to their use of radio frequencies but does not have any duties related to the recommendations for exposure to EMF emissions. We do not set emission safety levels and we have neither the expertise nor the remit to participate in matters concerning biological or health research. However, the following general advice provides background information and indicates where further information may be found.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Code of best practice on mobile phone network development was updated in 2013. This sets out (at paragraph 7.5) the need for certificates of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) compliance to be provided with planning applications and for operators to continue to ensure all sites remain compliant.

Exposure guidelines for base stations

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is one of a number of public bodies which regulate work that causes or could cause EMF exposure of workers or the public and has published information which covers matters relating to mobile phone technology.  Public Health England has also published advice at Mobile phone base stations: radio waves and health.

Ofcom has carried out measurements of representative samples of cellular base stations in publicly accessible areas which indicate that, even in the vicinity of cellular masts, measurements are consistently found to be very significantly below these levels.  Ofcom’s remit is restricted to carrying out sample measurements of emission levels so as to allow those with an interest to assess compliance with the above ICNIRP guidance.  Further information about Ofcom’s surveys of radio emissions near to mobile phone base stations are published in our website information sheet OfW80.

Reference Information

• World Health Organization (WHO) - Electromagnetic Fields
• WHO - Electromagnetic fields and public health: mobile phones
• WHO - Electromagnetic fields and public health: base stations and wireless technologies
• ICNIRP - guidelines for exposure to EMF Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz), Health Physics Vol. 74, No 4, pp 494-522, 1998
• Department of Health (DH)
• Mobile phone base stations and health (DH – 2011)

February 2016

Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, all use of radio must be either licensed or specifically exempted from licensing.

While the spectrum for networks is licensed to individual operators, the installation and/or use of certain Radio Equipment Directive (Directive 2014/35/EU) compliant cellular terminal equipment (including cellular handsets, cellular dongles and multimedia or other devices with imbedded cellular communication facilities) is exempted from the need for a WT Act licence by the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Exemption) Regulations 2003 (as amended), subject to meeting the relevant technical conditions and the requirements set out in the Regulations.

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 is the principal legislation on the regulation of radio spectrum in the UK and the powers available to Ofcom. This consolidated several earlier pieces of legislation with effect from 8 February 2007.

The Communications Act 2003 transferred regulatory powers, functions and responsibilities to Ofcom on spectrum and other matters and provides the overall statutory framework within which Ofcom operates.

The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 SI No. 1206 gives force to the European Commission Radio Equipment Directive (Directive 2014/35/EU) and prescribe the conditions under which radio equipment may be placed on to the market.

Many people with a hearing impairment use Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) to help them hear more clearly.

In 1984, the Telecommunications Act set the framework for a competitive market for telecoms services by abolishing BT's exclusive right to provide services. In the early 1990s the market was opened up and a number of new national Public Telecommunications Operators (PTOs) were given licences.

Prior to the 25 July 2003 any company operating in the UK had to do so under the appropriate telecommunications licence. The process required most companies to apply to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for such a licence before being able to operate and supply services to consumers. The responsibility for spectrum issues has since passed to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

For communications networks and service providers, a significant operational change was the ending of the Telecommunication Act licensing regime. Four EU Directives covering Framework, Authorisation, Access and Interconnection, and Universal Services were agreed in March 2002 with the aim of further developing a pro-competitive regulatory framework. They were implemented on 25 July 2003.

The emphasis of these Directives is on light touch regulation, technology neutrality and greater consistency across Europe. Provisions to implement these Directives were included in the Communications Act 2003 and the former licensing regime was replaced by a general authorisation regime with General Conditions of entitlement (that is, conditions which apply to all) and specific conditions (that is, conditions which apply to individuals).