Mobile repeaters – you need permission

You must have written permission from a telco to use a mobile repeater. 

Unauthorised repeaters may not be safe to use in Australia. They may cause interference that disrupts important communications signals, including those used by the emergency services.

Using repeaters illegally puts lives at risk, including your own. 

The maximum penalty for using an unauthorised cellular mobile repeater is a $412,500 fine and/or 2 years in prison.

It is also an offence to supply a mobile repeater to an unlicensed person. Penalties for this include fines up to $137,500.

If you are found to be causing significant interference to others, maximum penalties may include a fine of $1,650,000 or 5 years prison.

If you have concerns about mobile phone reception, contact your telco. They will check if any network issues are impacting your coverage. They may also discuss the best product for your needs.

For the best mobile reception in a vehicle, especially in rural areas, carriers recommend hands-free car kits with external vehicle-mounted high-gain antennas.

Mobile phone boosters are illegal in Australia.

You can only operate a cellular mobile repeater in Australia if you have written permission from a mobile phone carrier. Telcos will only give you permission to use a mobile repeater if it meets Australian rules. 

The range of mobile repeaters that telcos will authorise is small, compared to the number of products on the market. Check with your mobile phone carrier before buying if you are unsure.

Be wary of online sellers and cheap products as they may not be legitimate. 

Exempt repeaters

Some safe mobile repeaters have been declared as exempt repeaters.

This means you do not have to give your supplier the written authorisation from your telco before they supply you with the repeater. 

You still need your telco’s written permission to use it on their network. This will be provided, together with the repeater, at the time it is supplied to you.