Globe Calls for Public Vigilance vs Illegal Use of Cell Broadcasters

Digital solutions provider Globe is calling on the public to be wary of messages coming from illegal use of cell broadcasters—devices that target mobile numbers to send out unauthorized SMS to multiple users.

Globe is issuing this reminder amid reports of illegal use of these cell broadcasters, which spoof or mimic cell towers and obstruct communications. These devices have also been used to spread disinformation.

“We’d like the public to know that cell broadcasters are being used to send out suspicious messages so that on their own they can manage these unsolicited messages. The illegal use of this equipment can interfere with telecommunications services causing the quality of mobile signals to drop. At the same time, the proliferation of unwanted messages will confuse the public and to some extent, cause disinformation,” said Emmanuel Estrada, Globe Head of Regulatory Development and Strategy, Corporate and Legal Services Group.

Globe also cautioned online retail establishments or e-commerce sites that sell these cell broadcasters. The use, sale, and purchase of these equipment are regulated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). To date, the use of cell broadcasters, as allowed by law, is to provide emergency alert warning messages during disasters and emergencies.

Globe also reiterated its warning against the use of illegal repeaters, cellular signal blockers and jammers, which also interfere with mobile phone signal.

Illegal use of repeaters, such as antennas and wireless adapters found indoors or outdoors, boosts reception in one particular area only, thereby hogging bandwidth at the expense of other users.

Cell signal jammers, on the other hand, block cellular signals to prevent use of mobile services at a given time in a particular area. While authorities would occasionally jam cellular signals on certain occasions for security purposes, private use of these signal-blocking devices is illegal as this causes service disruptions.

Illegal use of repeaters causes dropped calls, poor call quality and SMS transmission delays, among others. Unauthorized use of cell signal jammers, meanwhile, totally blocks mobile phone signals, which may delay critical services in case of disasters, emergency situations, and even automated polls.

The NTC prohibits the illegal sale of these devices under its Memorandum Order No. 01-02-2013 (Prohibition of Portable Cellular Mobile Repeater and Portable Cell Site Equipment).

To help the government identify the use of these devices, Globe undertakes routine scanning of areas prone to illegal repeaters and online sites, which sell these devices illegally. Globe sends its scanning results to the NTC for proper action.