Key takeaways
- At 10 watts running 24×7, a booster uses about 7.2 units (kWh) a month, roughly ₹50–65 at ₹7–9 per unit.
- Its consumption depends on its gain, how many bands it amplifies, and how hard it is working.
- Units per month = watts × 24 hours × 30 days ÷ 1,000 Booster drawUnits (kWh) per monthCost at ₹7/unitCost at ₹9/unit 5 W3.6≈ ₹25≈ ₹32 10 W7.2≈ ₹50≈ ₹65 15 W10.8≈ ₹76≈ ₹97 25 W18≈ ₹126≈ ₹162.
- Meanwhile, the mobile tower usually stays up on its own battery and generator backup, so outdoor signal is still there to be boosted.
A mobile signal booster stays on 24 hours a day, so it is fair to ask what it adds to the electricity bill, and whether it will keep working when the power goes. The short answer: very little, and yes, if you connect it to backup power. Here is the simple maths, plus practical advice on inverters, UPS and solar.
Quick answer
- Home and small-office boosters typically draw only a few watts to around 15 watts, less than a single LED tube light. Larger commercial units draw more; check the adapter rating on your model.
- At 10 watts running 24×7, a booster uses about 7.2 units (kWh) a month, roughly ₹50–65 at ₹7–9 per unit.
- Plug it into an inverter or UPS circuit and it keeps calls working during power cuts, using only a small share of the backup capacity.
- There are no subscriptions or monthly fees; electricity is the only running cost.
How much power does a signal booster use?
A booster contains a low-power amplifier and control electronics. Its consumption depends on its gain, how many bands it amplifies, and how hard it is working. As a rough guide:
| Booster type | Typical consumption | Comparable to |
|---|---|---|
| Compact home kit (1,500–2,000 sq.ft) | About 5–10 W | A phone charger or a Wi-Fi router |
| Mid-size home or office kit (3,000–5,000 sq.ft) | About 10–15 W | An LED tube light |
| High-gain commercial kit (up to 10,000 sq.ft) | Higher; check the model's adapter | A ceiling fan at low speed or less |
The exact figure is printed on your booster's power adapter, as output volts × amps. For example, 12 V × 1 A = 12 W maximum. Real consumption is usually below the adapter's maximum rating.
What does it cost per month?
The formula is simple:
Units per month = watts × 24 hours × 30 days ÷ 1,000
| Booster draw | Units (kWh) per month | Cost at ₹7/unit | Cost at ₹9/unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 W | 3.6 | ≈ ₹25 | ≈ ₹32 |
| 10 W | 7.2 | ≈ ₹50 | ≈ ₹65 |
| 15 W | 10.8 | ≈ ₹76 | ≈ ₹97 |
| 25 W | 18 | ≈ ₹126 | ≈ ₹162 |
Tariffs vary by state and by slab, so plug in your own rate from the electricity bill. For most homes, a booster costs about as much to run as a Wi-Fi router.
Should I switch the booster off at night to save power?
We don't recommend it. The saving is a few rupees a month, and night is exactly when you may need a call to get through: an emergency, a family member travelling, a doctor calling back. Boosters are designed to run continuously. Leave it on.
Will it work during power cuts?
Only if it has power, so this is worth planning at installation time. When the electricity goes, the booster stops and indoor signal falls back to what it was before. Meanwhile, the mobile tower usually stays up on its own battery and generator backup, so outdoor signal is still there to be boosted.
Running a booster on a home inverter
- Use a socket on the inverter circuit. Most homes have some sockets wired to the inverter; ask your electrician to put the booster's socket on that circuit if it isn't already.
- Battery impact is small. A 10 W booster running for a 4-hour outage uses about 40 Wh. A typical 150 Ah, 12 V inverter battery stores around 1,800 Wh, so the booster uses only a small fraction of it.
- Sine-wave inverters are best for electronics generally. If you have an older square-wave inverter and notice the adapter humming or getting hot, use a small UPS instead.
Running a booster on a UPS
A small online or line-interactive UPS, like the ones used for routers and computers, can run a home booster for hours. Many people plug the booster and the Wi-Fi router into the same UPS so both calls and broadband survive outages.
Running a booster on solar
Because the load is small, a booster suits off-grid and solar-powered homes, farmhouses and site offices. Power it from the solar inverter's AC output with the standard adapter. Size the system for the booster's watts × 24 hours, plus a margin for cloudy days. This is useful for village and farmhouse installations, where outages are common.
Other running costs: are there any?
- No subscription or monthly fee. A booster amplifies the signal of the operator you already pay for.
- No extra data charges. It doesn't use data; your phone uses its normal plan.
- Minimal maintenance. Keep the booster ventilated and dust-free, and check that the outdoor antenna hasn't been moved by wind or monkeys.
- Warranty. SIGLIFT kits carry a 1-year warranty, with 24x7 technical support.
The real cost is the one-time purchase. Our network booster price guide explains what affects it.
Power-efficient choices when buying
- Right-size the kit. A compact kit like the SIGLIFT SL-850W is enough for most flats; you don't need a 10,000 sq.ft unit for a 2 BHK.
- Put the effort into the antennas. A well-placed outdoor antenna and a short run of low-loss cable deliver more coverage than extra amplifier power.
- Use the Signal Booster Finder to match the kit to your floor area and operator.
Frequently asked questions
Does a signal booster increase the electricity bill a lot?
No. A typical home booster uses roughly 4–11 units a month, which costs about the same as running a Wi-Fi router, usually well under ₹100 a month.
Can I run a signal booster on an inverter?
Yes. Plug it into a socket on the inverter circuit. It draws so little power that it barely affects backup time, and it keeps calls working during power cuts.
Is it safe to keep a booster on 24 hours?
Yes. Boosters are designed for continuous operation. Keep it in a ventilated spot, away from direct sun and water, and don't cover it.
Does the booster use my mobile data?
No. It amplifies radio signal and has no SIM or data connection of its own. Your phone uses data exactly as it normally would.
Want a kit that's right-sized for your space? Call or WhatsApp SIGLIFT on +91-9650237601 for free advice. Free shipping across India, cash on delivery and 24x7 support.
Written by the SIGLIFT technical team — mobile signal booster specialists for Indian networks. Last updated . Questions? Talk to us.
