The GSM jammer as a weapon of apostates
GSM connections in Moldova are deliberately interrupted by the de facto independent and internationally unrecognized region of Transnistria (de facto).
Mobile phone customers and network operators in Moldova (Moldova, approx. 4.3 million inhabitants) have big problems with GSM whining. GSM connections in Moldova are deliberately interrupted by the de facto independent and internationally unrecognized region of Transnistria (de facto). In early September, the transmission power of signal jammer active for three years increased threefold, which significantly worsened the situation in Moldova. GSM network operators suffer heavy financial losses and communication is made more difficult.
In addition to technical measures, grid operator Moldcell has now also had to give in to tariffs in order to appease obviously upset customers. By realigning existing transmitters as well as 15 new base stations and 36 new antennas, the rate of dropped calls was officially reduced from 6.8% to 4.9%, in Chisinau, the capital, particularly affected by the misdeeds of radio, at 3.9%. This value is still very high compared to Western European GSM networks, as it means that every 20th to 25th call drops.
In mid-September, Moldcell had explained to its customers the cause of the problems and countermeasures by sending a message to all TV programs. However, public understanding is likely to be limited, which is why price reductions were now necessary at least until the end of the year. Some base fees have been reduced to zero, while other rates allow unused free minutes to be rolled over to the next month. Vouchers for prepaid customers now offer 45 minutes instead of 15 minutes of talktime for the same price. At the same time, the provider emphasizes that the problems are not to blame.
While the Communist Party rules with an absolute majority in the Romanian part of Moldova (west of the Dniester), the narrow strip of land between the Dniester and the Ukrainians is mainly populated by Ukrainians and Russians. They have aspired to independence for years and in fact have control of the region. There is also its own mobile network, which works with the CDMA process in the 800 MHz band and therefore is not affected by the GSM jammer in the 900 MHz band. Besides the political background of constant disruption, pecuniary crime in the form of extortion from GSM network operators cannot be ruled out.
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