Mobile Tower Installation Fraud on the Rise: Here’s All You Need to Know

The telecom industry has issued a word of caution to the general public on the mobile tower installation fraud

The telecom industry, represented by DIPA and COAI, the apex representative bodies of telecom infrastructure providers and telecom service providers respectively, have cautioned the public against mobile tower installation fraud, wherein fraudsters are approaching people in the garb of installing towers on their properties.

The public has been cautioned against certain companies, agencies, or individuals who are fraudulently approaching people and asking them to deposit money in their personal or company accounts in the name of government tax for leasing their premises for installation of mobile towers. The same individuals are additionally offering fake “No Objection Certificates” from the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology for the installation of towers.

Mobile towers are installed either by Telecom Service Providers (TSP) or Infrastructure Providers (IPs). People are requested to verify authenticity by visiting the websites of TSPs or IPs before accepting any offers for tower installation. An updated list of approved TSPs and IPs is also available at www.dot.gov.in

TR Dua, DG, DIPA, said, “The mobile towers are installed by the Telecom Infrastructure providers like Indus Towers, American Tower Corporation, Summit Digital Infrastructure, Ascend Telecom, Tower Vision. IPs are taking several steps to caution the public about the frauds and have devised various modes to collect the information about potential locations through various channels such as toll-free number, website, e-mail etc. Besides this, as a responsible association, DIPA has also been publishing public notice in newspapers for alerting public about the tower frauds.”

“Mobile towers are quintessential to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, support various critical services and maintain communication across the states. The public suffers gravely owing to the fraud related to mobile towers. This is causing a trust deficit and a sense of insecurity towards the team personnel working on the ground to build a robust communication network. The telecom industry remains committed to providing the best quality of services to its customers. Hence, we have collaborated with DIPA to build the required robust infrastructure. Also, we are issuing notices on various platforms to ensure that consumers are aware of these fraudulent practices.” said Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, DG, COAI.

Gen Kochhar also added that COAI welcomed the Department of Telecommunications advisory to combat the challenges posed by the installation of signal repeaters/ or boosters. "Citizens are unaware that buying, selling, installation and possession of Mobile Signal Boosters (MSBs) is an illegal and punishable offence under Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and India Telegraph Act, 1885. Its unauthorised use adversely interferes with telecom services and we are glad that the Government of India has recognised its significance in delivering a flawless network and telecom experience to citizens across the country. This advisory will help spread awareness and make citizens cognisant of the debilitating effects that repeaters have on the overall network," he said.

How to Verify Mobile Tower Installation Fraud

Members of the public can call on the national consumer helpline from anywhere in India by dialling 14404 or 1800114000 for more information on this matter.