Mobile repeater (signal amplifier)
Background
Poor mobile phone reception at home or at work can make our lives difficult. A mobile phone repeater might be a suitable solution in such cases. These devices amplify poor mobile signals but can also cause interference. Therefore, several requirements must be met before repeaters can be used.
Mobile reception can be very poor or non-existent in buildings or other places which are made for shielding, e.g. shopping centres, offices, underground garages and basements. A repeater can be applied to such places to amplify mobile signals and transmit them to the inside of the building. This ensures better signal coverage, improves connection quality and minimises disruptions.
Repeaters are used by mobile network operators, companies and private individuals.
However, if improperly installed, repeaters can interfere with or even disrupt the transmission of other radio signals. Correct installation of a repeater therefore requires special technical knowledge, especially with regard to the required repeater level.
This guide provides information regarding compliance requirements, interface requirements and proper installation. For further information, please contact the Office for Communications by e-mail to info.ak@llv.li or by telephone +423 236 64 88.
Compliance
A repeater must comply with the Ordinance on the Movement of Radio Equipment in the European Economic Area (Liechtenstein Law Gazette 2017 No. 254; in German) or to the EU Radio Directive[1] (Directive 2014/53/EU).
This is to ensure that the repeater does not exceed predefined technical limits and does not interfere with other radio equipment. For example, repeaters must not amplify radio frequencies outside the designated mobile radio bands.
Particularly when importing equipment from abroad, special care must be taken to ensure compliance, as importing non-compliant repeaters is punishable by law.
An up-to-date list of non-compliant equipment can be found at https://nkgdb.ofcomnet.ch/de. If a device is not on this list, you cannot automatically assume that it is compliant. Verification of conformity can be carried out in cooperation with Swiss authorities.
Compliance with interface requirements
Interface requirements are defined in the Liechtenstein Frequency Allocation Plan. The Radio Interface Regulation (RIR) contains the intended application and technical requirements that must be met if radio equipment is to be operated in the corresponding frequency band. It also contains information on usage restrictions and standards.
Technical installation
The installation of a repeater must follow recognised rules of technology. If, for example, the repeater's transmitting and receiving antennas are installed too close to each other or if the amplifying level is set too high, feedback might occur, which in turn might interfere with the mobile network.
Mobile network operators can change radio frequencies or transmission in their network at any time. This might lead to previously interference-free repeaters no longer working or causing interference after the change. Rectifying radio interference is complex and might lead to financial consequences for the person causing the interference.
[1] Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC, OJ L 153/2014.