Mobile users can expect improved customer experience when devices that can cause interference to mobile networks are removed from the market.
Improved border control is also vital to ensure that such devices are confiscated at our ports of entry.
In fact, the mobile service providers are working with the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji to create awareness and educate the public.
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Devices that cause interference to mobile networks includes Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephone (DECT) that work on 1800MHz and 1900MHz which are already prohibited to be used here.
But Vodafone Fiji, Fiji’s biggest mobile provider in a statement said it is not only DECT phones, but any wireless device that operates on frequencies between 700 Mhz to 2100 MHz that can cause interference to mobile networks.
“These include, but are not limited to DECT cordless phones, wireless printers, wireless cameras, Wi-Fi routers and Wi-Fi antennas.”
DECT 6.0 cordless phones for instance are usually sourced from the United States of America and Canada.
These devices operate on the same frequency as Vodafone’s 3G network (that is 1920 -2130 MHz).
In Fiji, 1920-2130 MHz is the official licensed frequency allocated to Vodafone Fiji by Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) and the Government of Fiji.
No other person or party other than Vodafone Fiji is authorised to operate any equipment using this radio frequency, the Vodafone statement said.
What happens when there is interference?
-It creates noise in the system that negatively affects voice quality as well as data performance. Users will experience voice call quality issues, drop calls, lost speech during active voice calls and poor internet speeds/browsing experience.
-Phones may also heat up and drain battery quickly.
These are typical indications of interference.
What does the law say?
-Under Section 17 of the Telecommunications Promulgation of 2008 it is an OFFENCE to import and/or use DECT phones and other wireless equipment as it harmfully interferes with licensed networks operated by mobile telecommunications service providers in Fiji.
What are the mobile service providers doing?
-The service providers in Fiji along with the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji are creating awareness and educating the public about the issue.
For importers
Proper import permits are required to import any wireless devices in Fiji, so TAF can review and clear them for use in Fiji.
FACTS:
Different technologies operate on different frequencies.
-Vodafone’s 2G network operates on 900 MHZ (specifically 890-903 & 935-948 MHz)
- 3G operates on 1900 MHz (specifically 1920-2130 MHz) and similarly other operator’s networks operate on similar frequencies within the band.
-Pacific island countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Fiji operate on European standards, which is different from the standards used in North & South America.
-DECT cordless phones and other wireless devices that operate on 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz (which are unlicensed frequencies in Fiji) pose no threat or interference risk to any telecommunications operator in Fiji. (However, it is advisable to check with Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) on its use in Fiji.)
- An external interference source, such as DECT cordless phones, wireless printers, Wi-Fi cameras, Wi-Fi routers and antenna’s that operate on a Telco’s licensed frequency degrades the signal quality and severely affects the network performance.
Vodafone is encouraging the public to make themselves aware of the situation and turn in devices to the TAF Office, situated at 76 Gordon Street to review and either clear for use or confiscate devices that pose a threat of interference.
Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj
