It is one of the most common questions we get: can I buy a mobile signal booster and set it up in my home or business? The short answer is that you can improve coverage legally, but not in just any way. This guide explains what Spanish law says, why CE marking is not enough, and which options are 100% legal.
Mobile bands are public spectrum
In Spain, the frequencies used by Movistar, Orange, Vodafone or MásMóvil are not free to use: they are part of the public radio spectrum and are licensed to the operators. This means only the operators, or installers they authorise, may put a mobile signal repeater on air. The legal framework is the Ley 11/2022 on Telecommunications, and equipment conformity is governed by Royal Decree 188/2016.
Spain's Secretaría de Estado de Telecomunicaciones states it clearly: installing repeaters to extend mobile coverage cannot be done without the operator's prior authorisation.
CE marking does not authorise you to transmit
Here is the most common confusion. A repeater with CE marking is legal to sell and to own, but that does not authorise operating it. To switch it on you need permission from the frequency holder — your operator. Any ad saying "buy it and install it yourself, it's legal because it has CE" is misleading you.
A legal device must also include automatic gain control (AGC), a mandatory function that adjusts power so it does not saturate the network or cause interference.
What happens if you install an illegal booster
A badly installed or non-homologated repeater can interfere with the operator's network, degrading coverage for the whole neighbourhood. Operators detect this interference (in 2024 they reported nearly 1,800 cases) and the authorities can act: sealing of the equipment and financial penalties. Infractions are classed as serious or very serious, with fines that for a private user can exceed €5,000 and, in the higher tiers, far more.
And be careful: do not confuse a repeater with a signal jammer. Jammers are illegal in all cases and have nothing to do with improving your coverage.
The options that are legal
The good news is there are several fully legal ways to fix poor coverage:
- A prior coverage survey. Measuring each operator's signal is always legal and is the starting point.
- A homologated repeater (CE + AGC) with operator authorisation. The classic solution, done properly and within the law.
- An operator femtocell or small cell. A mini device from the operator that provides indoor coverage over your fibre. As it is theirs, it is 100% legal.
- A DAS system for hotels, hospitals and large buildings, from an authorised signal source.
- WiFi Calling (VoWiFi). Calling over WiFi when there is no mobile signal. It needs no permits and is usually free.
How we do it
At ElectriPro Alicante we always start with a coverage survey to measure the real signal. We then propose the right legal solution, work only with homologated equipment (CE and AGC) and coordinate authorisation with your operator. That way you improve your coverage with no risk of interference, seizures or fines.
If the signal fails in your home, office, warehouse or premises, the best move is to start with a survey and decide with data. We advise you with no obligation on the option that really solves your case.
Poor mobile coverage at home or work?
We improve your mobile coverage in Alicante and the Costa Blanca with homologated (CE and AGC) equipment, legally and coordinated with your operator. Survey included.
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