Government Installs Transmitters in Border Areas to Block Foreign Mobile Networks

The Indian government is actively working on deploying transmitters across all border regions of the country to block mobile networks originating from neighbouring countries, according to senior government sources. The initiative is being handled by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), the national radio regulatory authority under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

For years, mobile network availability near international borders presented operational challenges. Until four to five years ago, domestic telecom operators were required to fade out signals just ahead of the border, leaving locations near border areas without Indian network coverage.

However, the DoT amended its licence norms in August 2022 to remove restrictions on telecom connectivity near international borders, allowing for improved domestic mobile coverage in those locations. While this regulatory change expanded coverage, it introduced a new set of problems for consumers.

Users frequently experienced instances where their mobile services automatically switched over to international roaming networks without their knowledge or consent. This resulted in consumers receiving bills from their telecom service providers for international network usage they did not intend to use.

Notable incidents include reports from earlier this year where visitors to the Nathu La pass in Sikkim found their mobile phones picking up a Chinese network signal, leading to unexpected international roaming charges. Similar issues have occurred in the past, with users visiting border areas in Assam and Meghalaya receiving automated text messages welcoming them to Bangladesh alongside subsequent international roaming charges.

Addressing these concerns, a senior government official stated that transmitters are currently being installed in base stations near border regions. These devices are designed to curb foreign networks or relay back radiowaves to prevent foreign signals from interfering with domestic networks. According to the official, the WPC is executing the project, and the deployment is expected to be completed shortly.

"The deployment of transmitters in border regions is a necessary technical intervention to protect consumers from unintended international roaming charges. As telecom connectivity improves in remote areas, addressing cross-border signal interference ensures better billing transparency and safeguards domestic users from unforeseen expenses." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes