The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has commended the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for issuing the guidelines for the prevention and regulation of illegal listing and sale of radio equipment on e-commerce platforms, 2025. According to COAI, this step is a much-needed regulatory response to the persistent challenge of illegal sale and misuse of unauthorised 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, recognising the widespread network disruptions and consumer grievances these unauthorised devices have caused.
COAI has raised repeated concerns regarding the rampant and illegal sale of such devices on e-commerce platforms and their unauthorised installation in residential and commercial establishments, leading to significant degradation in network quality and consumer experience across licensed telecom networks.
Commenting on the concern, Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, director general, COAI, said, “We sincerely thank the Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Telecommunications for recognising 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.”
In addition, COAI has reiterated 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.
