10/09/2021
By now you would have seen the most recent announcement by ACMA around the legality of using mobile phone repeaters.
April 21 is when ACMA commenced the review of the current Telecommunications (Prohibition of Mobile Phone Boosters) Declaration 2011 ensuring they accounted for all parties' feedback, which included Cel-Fi and the mobile operators.
I can confirm that within the Australian market, ACMAs declaration as defined on their website declares that Cel-Fi devices are classed as a Cellular mobile repeater.
The ruling defines them both clearly. However, the commonly used product term booster just muddied the waters. Let me assure you, your customer understands the product term booster better than repeater, and even ACMA admits that the term can be interchangeable. “Sometimes the terms ‘cellular mobile repeater’ and ‘mobile phone booster’ are used interchangeably”.
What needs to be communicated now, so that there is a clear consistent message for our customers is that Cel-Fi devices are classed as a “Cellular Mobile Repeater” and these are approved by ACMA and all three of the Australian Mobile Phone operators. Customers can continue to purchase and use their existing Cel-Fi devices. Its also good to note that every Cel-Fi device sold, comes with an authorisation slip from the relevant network operator, this is included in the product packaging.
There is one final point of confusion in the ACMA website around their list of exempt repeaters. We are working with ACMA to rectify this page, based on the recent update, but the key is that all the Australian operators have authorised the use of Cel-fi and this authorisation is included in every unit package.
All this information is available on the ACMA website, however, if parties have any further concerns, please feel free to reach out to me Johan Strydom Product manager Mining & Networks @ nextivity.support@rfi.com.au.
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