COAI Welcomes Government’s Strong Action to Curb Illegal Signal Boosters Through New E-Commerce Guidelines

Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI

COAI commends the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for issuing the Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025, notified on May 27, 2025. This landmark step is a much-needed regulatory response to the persistent challenge of illegal sale and misuse of unauthorized wireless devices including mobile signal boosters and jammers.

A key clause in the guidelines — Clause 4(i)(b) — explicitly prohibits online platforms from allowing the listing or sale of mobile signal boosters and wireless jammers, recognizing the widespread network disruptions and consumer grievances these unauthorized devices have caused.

COAI has raised repeated concerns regarding the rampant and illegal sale of such devices on e-commerce platforms and their unauthorized installation in residential and commercial establishments, leading to significant degradation in network quality and consumer experience across licensed telecom networks.

“We sincerely thank the Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Telecommunications for recognizing the gravity of the issue and responding with these decisive measures. Clause 4(i)(b) of the guidelines is a strong validation of our concerns and advocacy. We believe that this proactive step will go a long way in ensuring quality of service and upholding consumer rights,” said Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI.

COAI reiterates its full support to the Government in ensuring strict enforcement of these guidelines and urges all e-commerce platforms to implement the compliance provisions in letter and spirit. The industry remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of India’s digital communications ecosystem.