Signal boosters are devices that amplify wireless signals to extend coverage. When properly installed, signal boosters can help consumers, wireless service providers, and public safety first responders by extending cell phone coverage to areas that would otherwise have weak signals such as tunnels, subways, inside buildings, and in rural areas. Although signal boosters can improve cell phone coverage, malfunctioning, poorly designed, or improperly installed signal boosters can interfere with wireless networks and cause interference to a range of calls.
On February 20, 2013, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules governing the design and operation of consumer signal boosters, which are boosters designed to improve coverage in vehicles, homes and small offices.
The new FCC requirements for customers that own and operate a consumer signal booster include:
- Obtain carrier approval prior to operating a signal booster
- Register the booster with their service provider
By registering their booster the customer meets both of these requirements.
Verizon previously gave approval for its customers to operate any consumer signal booster that met the new network protection standards. Customers can identify these boosters by viewing the label on the device and on the device packaging as a "consumer device". The package will also contain notification to purchasers of the registration and other requirements (boosters that do not meet the new network protection standards will not have this labeling). Verizon also tentatively approves the use of consumer signal boosters currently in operation that do not meet the new network protection standards. This approval is provided only for the boosters not causing interference and will be revoked if the particular booster or booster model is found to cause interference issues. To help avoid possible interference issues, however, Verizon recommends that customers who need signal boosters replace existing boosters as soon as possible with consumer signal boosters that meet the new network protection standards.
Registering your consumer signal booster with Verizon Wireless is simple and easy. This will assist Verizon to resolve any interference issues that might arise in commercial or public safety networks. Registering your Boosters will help Verizon maintain our network reliability and continue to provide you the best, most reliable network.
