About 16 mobile signal boosters were seized from Mahidhapura, Varachha, Gopipura and Salabatpura

Surat: Once again , diamantaires in the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing centre have come under the radar of an agency of the central government. This time, it is for installing illegal mobile signal boosters imported from China to improve phone reception.

Wireless Monitoring Organization (WPC), department of telecommunication, Government of India, conducted a two-day long campaign in the Diamond City to find out illegal use of mobile signal booster devices. Majority of device users were found to be in the diamond markets of Varachha and Mahidharpura.

About 16 mobile signal boosters were seized from Mahidhapura, Varachha, Gopipura and Salabatpura during a joint operation by the officials of WPC from Mumbai, BSNL Surat and city police.

At least 15 notices were issued to individual users of mobile signal boosters in the last two days, majority of them being in the diamond markets. The WPC has warned that continuous use of the device will invite legal action under Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Rajeev Nagaich, in-charge of WPC wing, Mumbai, told TOI, “A similar campaign was carried out six months ago here and this is the second time we are doing it. Illegal use of mobile signal boosters is being done to improve phone reception. Since these boosters are Chinese-made and open band, they create signal issues for other mobile users in that particular area.”

Nagaich added, “We have found that many boosters are in use in diamond and textile market areas of the city. At present, we have issued only notices, but next time we will lodge police complaints against law violators.”

Arun Sharma, principal general manager, BSNL (Surat), said, “There are licensed players in the market who sell boosters legally. But, majority of people are buying imported boosters, which are a threat to national security and cause loss of revenue to government exchequer. If mobile users are not getting signal, they can contact their service providers for solution.”

