Control from import to distribution of signal booster equipment.

The Radio Frequency Department (Ministry of Science and Technology), in coordination with units under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has requested e-commerce platforms to remove links selling signal boosters.

Over 500 infringing devices were processed.

Signal boosters and jammers are on the list of goods that should not be installed or used without authorization. However, these products are still being sold on social media. Notably, a segment of the population continues to use them without a full understanding of the relevant legal regulations.

By searching online for "mobile phone signal booster," a series of related results immediately appear, such as: "Small-scale building mobile phone network booster"; "Mobile phone signal booster: where to buy the cheapest, highest-quality, and most reputable products"... By contacting the phone number on the website, users can easily purchase the signal booster as advertised.

On electronics websites, various types of phone signal boosters are sold, ranging from inexpensive ones costing only a few hundred thousand dong to more expensive ones costing several million dong. According to our research, these devices are mainly sourced from China and are advertised at prices ranging from a few hundred thousand to several million dong per unit.

A signal booster device was seized.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh T., a seller of these devices at a price of around 3 million VND, mobile signal boosters were previously mainly used in hotels and high-rise buildings with a coverage range of 150-200 meters and a price of over 10 million VND. However, smaller products are now available for households, providing coverage from 50-100 meters at a price of 3-4 million VND.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Le Van Tuan, Director of the Radio Frequency Department ( Ministry of Science and Technology ), stated that mobile signal boosters can cause interference and disruption to mobile networks if installed and used without proper certification; only businesses with a frequency band license are permitted to install and use them.

From 2023 to the present, the Radio Frequency Department has detected and handled 532 infringing devices, mainly purchased by individuals/households without understanding the risks, to improve signal reception in areas with poor reception such as basements or areas obstructed by tall buildings.

Regarding measures to control violations, the Radio Frequency Department has organized regular and continuous monitoring using the radio frequency control system, combining interference reports from organizations and individuals using frequencies, and using specialized equipment to monitor, locate, identify sources of interference and handle administrative violations by organizations and individuals using such equipment.

In addition, coordinate with relevant authorities to intensify propaganda efforts such as distributing leaflets; direct communication via text messages to mobile phone subscribers; dissemination through conferences, seminars, training courses, and through mass media, central and local newspapers and radio stations, and social media platforms.

Simultaneously, proactive detection and removal of these devices will be enhanced: From 2025, the Radio Frequency Department has developed and deployed the iSpectra interference monitoring and detection platform. This platform is capable of monitoring down to each mobile station, thereby improving the proactive and timely detection and complete resolution of the use of signal boosters.

Preventing it at the source

To prevent the distribution and origin of these devices, the Radio Frequency Department, in coordination with the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy and the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), has requested e-commerce platforms to remove links selling these devices and other devices without conformity certification.

Another measure being implemented is the licensing of low-frequency bands to enable network operators to improve coverage. In 2025, the Radio Frequency Department licensed the 700 MHz band for mobile communication networks. This is a low-frequency band with wide and deep coverage capabilities, helping network operators improve coverage in local signal blind spots in areas with high building density.

Regarding penalties, the illegal installation, use, and sale of signal boosters are subject to administrative penalties and confiscation of the devices; in cases causing serious consequences, legal action may be taken in accordance with relevant laws.

Recent seizures of infringing devices have shown that most people, due to a lack of understanding, buy devices to boost signal but are not fully aware of the harm; when explained and asked to remove them, they comply and do not re-offend.

"According to the Department's assessment, the current sanctions are basically effective in deterring violations, and the number of violations is gradually decreasing; however, with regard to business activities and public advertising, especially on the internet, it is necessary to strengthen inter-agency coordination to control and strictly handle violations from import to distribution," said Mr. Le Van Tuan.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/kiem-soat-tu-nhap-khau-den-phan-phoi-thiet-bi-kich-song-20260505103934023.htm