Amazon Caught Selling Network-Disrupting Unlicensed Cell Signal Boosters

Unlicensed cell signal boosters can disrupt entire cell networks, but it has been found that these can very easily be purchased online, most notably on Amazon.

Amazon has previously been flagged for selling unsafe products. In fact, very recently, three U.S. senators sent an open letter stating that the company is selling "illegal, deadly, and deceptive products."

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Unlicensed products

According to WIRED, the Internet multi-seller giant has been selling cell signal boosters without FCC licenses. 

Unlicensed cell signal boosters, which should come under strict FCC regulation, have been found listed on the website. Some of the unlicensed boosters being sold have even been marked as Amazon's Choice, it has emerged.

As Engadget reports, the devices would be unlikely to pass the registration process with carriers and have actually caused service disruptions. Several users have reportedly received complaints from carriers due to their boosters interfering with cell towers - causing disconnections and other problems.

The six vendors selling the unlicensed products are located in China, or at least appear to be. They have very little contact information available and have used fake reviews to make their products seem popular.

Amazon has removed some of the listings after WIRED flagged them in an article and got in touch. However, some of the listings have remained, despite the fact that Amazon says they "constantly review and refine" the product listings on their site. 

Tackling illegal products

Amazon argues that its main function is as a platform that enables third-party sellers to sell their goods via a worldwide delivery network. The company says it shouldn't be held accountable for third-party sellers that don't stick to the legal obligations on their service level agreement.

The company has rolled out Project Zero, a program aimed at tackling counterfeits and illegal goods. So far, it seems Amazon still has a way to go before they can say no unsafe or illegal goods are being sold on their platform.