Mobile phone users finding it difficult to get proper reception in various areas in the Emirates are turning to illegal agents to install phone signal boosters.
The use of signal boosters is spreading fast in many regions of the UAE where mobile signals are either weak or non-existent.
The use of such devices is illegal in the UAE.
Telecom traders and technicians who spoke to Emirates Today said that signal boosters for homes and cars are the latest high-tech products selling like hot cakes. By spending between Dh2,500 to Dh3,000 mobile phone users can boost reception quality.
"In many parts of Dubai, people have installed mobile signal boosters because their reception is poor. We have installed about 5,000 boosters in some areas of New Dubai, Al Quoz, Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Rashidiya, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain," said a shop manager in Deira who sells signal boosters.
A trader, who did not wish to be named, said: "Along the Sheikh Zayed road, many companies and offices have installed signal boosters." A technician, who claimed to have installed hundreds of boosters, said: "Weak signals may be due to distance from the transmitter or the presence of concrete obstructions between the transmitter and the receiving phone.
"High-rise buildings too block mobile signals." He added that there is also a dedicated website about the product with a detailed Arabic language section.
"We know it is illegal but many customers from new properties being developed in Jebel Ali and Jumeirah want our service.
Many owners of villas in the Gardens, the Greens, the Meadows, Springs and other new properties being developed in New Dubai have installed boosters," he added.
"Car mobile phone boost ers are also in great demand. They take 12V power from the car or 240V AC power supply," he said.
"It operates like a satellite dish and captures stray static electricity around the phone, and focuses it back to the signal, dramatically improving reception.
"However, it affects reception quality of other phone users in the area.
"These boosters cover areas up to 150 square metres. Nobody will find the booster, which is a small equipment connected to the power line," he added.
Another trader said: "While it boosts signal within a specified area, it distorts reception quality for other users. We are not supposed to be selling it for the local customers." "If anyone pays a Dh500 service charge, our technician will come and install the system anywhere in the UAE," he said.
"We charge Dh2,500 for boosters covering between 100 to 150sq m and Dh1,100 for smaller ones," he added.
By VM Sathish
© Emirates Today 2006
