Hello everyone, I just received a call from Swisscom in response to my request, which I started with Swisscom via here:

[https://www.swisscom.ch/de/business/enterprise/angebot/enterprise-mobile/inhouse-mobile-services.htm…](https://www.swisscom.ch/de/business/enterprise /angebot/enterprise-mobile/inhouse-mobile-services.html#tab=Inhouse)

I spoke to a Mr. Heaven (I hope I got the name right) on the phone and explained to him my concern as described here in my very first post. He said that there is certainly a solution, but it would be expensive, i.e. it would cost several thousand francs if not ten thousand francs.

However, he pointed me to the website https://www.myamplifiers.com/ which he had already recommended to other customers and this solution would have worked. This is a signal amplifier for 4G/5G/LTE.

When I pointed out that active signal amplifiers were apparently not legal, which was already mentioned in this article, he said that it was the case with such small areas as e.g. Our underground car park of around 200m2 would be fine and will not be a problem.

As I said, the gentleman was from Swisscom itself.

I then inquired on the website https://www.myamplifiers.com/ and spoke to customer service. And I was offered this solution for our development: https://www.myamplifiers.com/de/repeater-257/.

There is no assembly service, meaning you have to install the whole thing yourself. But all you have to do is assemble it, switch it on and you’re done. It doesn’t require an additional mobile phone contract or a SIM; it pulls the existing signal from outside into the garage and distributes it via the indoor antenna.

What do you think about that? Are there any experiences?

Show original language (German)

I’m also surprised that this was recommended by Swisscom
@Dolce83

This repeater amplifies signals from all providers. Accordingly, you need permission from all providers.

And for the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the responsibility ultimately lies with you. If disruptions occur, you are liable.

The declarations of conformity are missing on the Myamplifiers site, perhaps I overlooked that (CE is not enough).

Show original language (German)

@WalterB
The site is quite dubious, I doubt that it was created with the consent of the operators.

There are also providers listed that do not have their own network.
The business address is just a trading company with its headquarters in Gibraltar and a mailbox in Munich (86 companies in a small building)

There are also the legal problems that I mentioned. Lack of declaration of conformity and the fact that you need permission from all providers.

“If you import a mobile radio repeater from abroad, you are responsible for its conformity; importing non-conforming radio equipment is a punishable offense.
[https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/geraete-anlagen/besondere-geraete/mobilfunk-verstaerker.html](https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/ home/devices-systems/special-devices/mobile-radio-amplifiers.html)

Show original language (German)

@foobar

I am of the opinion that you are not allowed to use the name “Swisscom” if it is dubious because Swisscom would certainly take legal action.

There are also some users who use it with a Swisscom subscription.

Of course I can’t check whether it’s fraud.

Show original language (German)

Installationen, Netzwerk, Internet, Computertechnik, OS Windows, Apple und Linux.

You can ask Swisscom whether this is official. I doubt it.

As for cheating… the amplifiers probably already work. It’s just clever marketing and the responsibility ultimately lies with the buyer.

Show original language (German)

@foobar As mentioned, this solution was offered to me by Swisscom itself.

What I don’t understand is how such a small thing with such a short range can cause a disruption in the Swiss/cantonal/local mobile network (regardless of which provider). And how is OFCOM or Swisscom supposed to find out about this device?

@GrandDixence how do you see the whole thing regarding myamplifiers.com?

Show original language (German)

@Dolce83 wrote:

What I don’t understand is how such a small thing with such a short range can cause a disruption in the Swiss/cantonal/local mobile network (regardless of which provider). And how is OFCOM or Swisscom supposed to find out about this device?


Normally, interference from such low-power transmitters is not noticeable.

The neighbors may, for example, have poorer reception due to the overlay, but OFCOM will therefore not become active (only if there is specific information).

For example, we once discovered an illegal repeater by chance during maintenance work when the cell was switched off and strong uplink signals to a foreign cell were visible in the spectrum.

As mentioned, this solution was offered to me by Swisscom itself.

I would get this in writing, as would all other providers.
The MA probably just googled it and that was the first hit. They seem to be tops in marketing, not unusual for a shell company.

Show original language (German)

Everything legal about operating an active signal amplifier for the mobile phone signal (mobile phone repeater) is listed in sufficient detail on the (already known) BAV website:

[https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/home/geraete-anlagen/besondere-geraete/mobilfunk-verstaerker.html](https://www.bakom.admin.ch/bakom/de/ home/devices-systems/special-devices/mobile-radio-amplifiers.html)

If the mobile phone provider (e.g. Swisscom) detects a disruption in the downlink or uplink, the network technician who specializes in radio interference is tasked with troubleshooting the problem and visits the faulty mobile phone antenna. If this network technician finds an illegal cell phone repeater as the source of the disruption, OFCOM comes with the police in tow and hands out a hefty fine to the operator of the illegal cell phone repeater.

The video below provides an insight into the everyday work of a network technician at Deutsche Telekom who specializes in radio interference:

https://media.ccc.de/v/35c3-9407-die_verborgene_seite_des_mobilfunks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZWTaTu9As

The video deals with the topic of “mobile radio repeaters” starting at 34:36 minutes.

The Swiss counterparts most likely work identically. The legal situation is also identical.

Show original language (German)

@GrandDixence Thank you for the answer.

But then again, why is Swisscom suggesting this solution to me? I asked through the official channel and they pointed out the signal amplifiers for cost reasons. 🤔

My conclusion seems to be that there is no cost-effective, legal solution for a development. Either a) you install an active signal amplifier and risk a fine if it is discovered, b) you install the official solution from Swisscom for several thousand francs or c) build a passive signal amplifier which is inexpensive in terms of hardware but the official BAKOM annual license is expensive can be.

Show original language (German)