Anatel tightens certification rules for mobile signal boosters in Brazil

Brazil's telecom regulator Anatel has updated the technical requirements for certification and homologation of indoor mobile signal boosters. The changes, enacted through Act No. 5.885 on 29 April 2026, are now in force.

The new regime distinguishes two equipment categories – selective boosters that amplify a single carrier’s signal and broadband boosters that can amplify multiple operators. All devices must incorporate automatic monitoring and control mechanisms, including automatic gain adjustment, anti‑oscillation features, and automatic shutdown when interference is detected or when no mobile devices remain connected for five minutes. Manual gain adjustments are prohibited, and specific limits on power, gain, noise and out‑of‑band emissions are imposed, with additional isolation requirements for boosters installed in vehicles.

Anatel says the revisions aim to reduce interference risks, align Brazil’s standards with international practices, and support indoor coverage expansion projects, including trials in its regulatory sandbox for municipal use of repeaters.