Don’t fall for this 5G tower scam. Here’s what the government says

The government has cautioned the public against fraudulent letters being circulated in the name of TRAI for the installation of 5G mobile towers.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has clarified that neither DoT nor TRAI leases or rents premises for tower installation. They also do not issue any “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) for such activities.

In a press release, DoT said that fraudulent companies and individuals are luring people with promises of hefty monthly rentals for allowing towers on their property. They often demand advance payments under the guise of security deposits, application fees, stamp duty, or government taxes, and disappear after collecting money. In some cases, they issue fake NOCs purportedly from DoT, TRAI, or other departments.


The DoT stressed that No TSP or IP-1 company asks for advance money for tower installation. It added that only licensed According to the agency, only Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) or Infrastructure Providers (IP-1s) can install mobile towers.

DoT said that an updated lists of authorized entities are available on its website including list of licensed TSPs and list of IP-1s.

What should you do?

Verify the credentials of any company/agency making such offers on the official DoT website.

Do not pay advance or application fees.

Report such fraudulent activity immediately to local police authorities.

You may also contact the local DoT field unit. For Mumbai, contact:
JTO (Compliance), O/o Sr. Deputy Director General, DoT Mumbai LSA, 5th Floor, Technical Wing, Saki Vihar Telephone Exchange Building, Saki Vihar Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400072.

The DoT has warned that anyone misusing the names, logos, or symbols of DoT/TRAI for fraudulent activities will face prosecution under applicable laws.