DIW7022 mandatory wireless operation

The DIW7022 is a television set-top box provided by KPN that operates using Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands) and Bluetooth for network connectivity and remote pairing. As of 2026, there is no officially supported method to permanently disable wireless transmission or operate the device in a fully wired or infrared-only mode.

This mandatory RF operation has raised concerns regarding consumer control, health effects, and wireless privacy.

Device identifiers observed on the tested unit:

• Model: DIW7022
• Article number: 849054
• Serial number: 724088019282

Customers are required to use the DIW7022 with active Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmissions. Users who attempt to disable RF functions are unable to use the device for television services, effectively making wireless operation unavoidable.

Community documentation and available device specifications indicate operation within the following RF ranges:

Wi-Fi bands:

• 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz (2.4 GHz band)
• 5150 MHz – 5850 MHz (5 GHz band)

Bluetooth:

• 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz

Additional channel breakdown commonly referenced in community documentation:

2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

• Channels 1–13 (2412–2472 MHz)

5 GHz Wi-Fi

• Channels 34–48 (5170–5240 MHz)
• Channels 52–64 (5260–5320 MHz)
• Channels 100–140 (5500–5700 MHz)
• Channels 153–157 (5765–5865 MHz)

Bluetooth range:

• 2402–2480 MHz

These ranges correspond to the typical operating bands used by consumer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices in the European regulatory domain.

Wireless networking such as Wi-Fi uses electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges. Some scientific reviews suggest that long-term exposure to RF EMF may have biological effects, particularly in sensitive populations or individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes.

The BioInitiative Report, an extensive compilation of research on RF exposures, includes RF exposure color charts illustrating levels and potential biological thresholds that some researchers consider relevant for precautionary public health discussion.

While mainstream regulatory bodies generally consider typical Wi-Fi exposure as below established safety limits, the presence of mandatory Wi-Fi transmission can be an issue for consumers seeking precautionary reduction of RF exposure.

Wi-Fi operates via electromagnetic waves in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges. Because these waves can penetrate walls and reflect off surfaces, researchers have demonstrated that reflected RF signals can be reconstructed into spatial imagery — a technique sometimes referred to as “Wi-Fi radar.”

Early work presented at an IEEE symposium in 2005 described ultra-wideband short-pulse imaging systems operating around 10 GHz for enhanced situational awareness in security and defense contexts. While this research is not specific to consumer set-top boxes, it illustrates that reflected RF fields can convey environmental information beyond simple connectivity.

The concern among some privacy advocates is that continuous RF broadcasting from consumer devices like the DIW7022 contributes to a wireless environment where location and movement could — in theory under specialized measurement — be inferred from ambient Wi-Fi signals.

KPN has not provided an official non-RF alternative for the DIW7022 nor a timeline for introducing one. In community discussions, KPN representatives have acknowledged that wireless operation is required but have not offered a wired or IR-only mode.

Consumers and privacy advocates have expressed frustration over mandatory RF exposure and lack of control over the device. Forum discussions document users seeking fully wired alternatives for accessibility, health precaution, or privacy reasons.

As of 2026, there is no publicly documented litigation specifically addressing the DIW7022’s mandatory wireless operation.

On 6 March 2026, an additional update was recorded regarding communication with KPN. A formal letter was sent requesting clarification regarding the mandatory wireless operation of the DIW7022 and the possibility of a wired or RF-disabled operating mode.

As of this date, no response has been received within the stated 14-day response period following the submission of the letter.

---Royal KPN N.V. Wilhelminakade 123, 3072 AP Rotterdam, Netherlands Mr. Joost Farwerck, Chief Executive Officer CC: Ms. Marieke Snoep, Chief Consumer Market CC: Mr. J. Jongenelen, Data Protection Officer 12 February 2026 Subject: Formal Complaint – Mandatory Wireless Operation (DIW7022) and Mandatory Mobile-Based Two-Step Verification Dear Mr. Farwerck, This letter formally continues my complaints since 2024 regarding two structural policy decisions within KPN consumer services: (1) mandatory wireless operation of the DIW7022 television box and (2) mandatory mobile-based two-step verification without landline alternative. These matters concern consumer configurability, accessibility, and security resilience. DIW7022 - Wireless transmission (Wifi/Bluetooth) The DIW7022 operates within the 2400–2483.5 MHz and 5150–5850 MHz bands (is the current assumption without documented records) and utilizes Bluetooth for remote pairing. My objection is not about regulatory compliance. It concerns the absence of user control and the mandatory nature of RF transmission. There is currently no method to permanently disable Wifi and Bluetooth RF transmitters, nor is an infrared-only or fully wired remote alternative available. As currently implemented, receipt of television service requires active RF transmission from the device. From a technical standpoint, a wired configuration is feasible. Comparable consumer devices have historically supported wired fallback operation despite integrated wireless hardware. For example, PlayStation 3 controllers (2008) were capable of operating via USB despite integrated Bluetooth functionality. Implementation would not require architectural redesign: USB input handling exists; firmware-level radio control flags could disable RF modules when wired mode is active; alternatively, IR fallback could be supported. This would represent a configuration choice rather than a hardware constraint. If a fully wired, non-RF configuration exists, provide written technical documentation describing how it can be achieved (currently no solid evidence provided by the KPN Community). If it does not exist (which the current evidence implies), confirm in writing that wireless transmission is mandatory for operation of the DIW7022 and that customers are not offered a formal KPN brand non-RF alternative. Also confirm whether KPN has formally evaluated offering such a configuration and state the policy duration for maintaining mandatory wireless operation. Two step verification 1 KPN currently mandates mobile SMS-based two-step verification. No landline voice alternative is offered. This excludes customers who do not use mobile phones. Technically, SMS OTP and voice OTP share identical backend logic: OTP generation followed by channel selection and delivery transport. KPN already operates SMSC infrastructure, PSTN/VoIP voice systems, and customer identity databases. Implementing landline voice OTP requires TTS or recorded prompts, call routing and retry logic, and user preference storage. These are incremental integrations widely used in authentication systems and do not require fundamental network modification. Security and resilience considerations support channel diversity. Security literature identifies SMS authentication as susceptible to SIM-swap and device compromise risks. A PSTN voice channel provides infrastructure separation and fallback capability. Dutch government services such as DigiD already use voice-based OTP, establishing national precedent. Neteller, international banking service, provides a SecureID pincode solution; acting as a 2nd factor. Ubi-keys can act as a 2nd factor. To name several. February 2026 data breach affecting approximately 6.2 million customers at Odido, illustrate the practical risks of large-scale exposure of personal data. When identifying information becomes accessible to malicious actors, the likelihood of social engineering, SIM-swap attempts, and phishing increases. In such circumstances, reliance on a single mobile-based authentication channel reduces resilience. Channel diversification, including a landline voice OTP alternative, enhances operational robustness and mitigates dependency on a single attack surface. If mobile SMS remains the only permitted second factor, confirm in writing that this is a deliberate policy decision rather than a technical constraint. Clarify whether landline voice OTP has been formally evaluated and, if rejected, on what basis. This letter requests formal clarification of policy and technical feasibility. Mandatory RF Transmission – Confirmation Request Under Dutch consumer protection law, users are entitled to operate purchased hardware in a manner that does not expose them to mandatory RF transmissions or require ownership of additional devices. As currently implemented, the DIW7022 restricts consumer control over RF transmission. I request a clear, unambiguous written statement confirming: That the DIW7022 cannot operate without active RF transmission (WiFi or Bluetooth). That no wired or IR-only mode exists or is officially supported by KPN. That this is a deliberate operational requirement rather than a technical limitation. If a non-RF alternative will be evaluated or developed, the expected timeline for such an evaluation or update, and how customers will be notified Under Articles 7:17 and 7:18 of the Dutch Civil Code, products must conform to the agreement and to the characteristics that a consumer may reasonably expect for normal use. Requiring mandatory RF operation without alternatives may fall short of these 2

expectations. Therefore, a formal statement on the current operational constraints and future policy is necessary. If mandatory RF transmission is an inherent and non-optional characteristic of the DIW7022, please indicate where this operational requirement was clearly disclosed prior to contract conclusion and where it forms part of the agreed product specifications or applicable terms and conditions. If refusal of mandatory wireless operation results in loss of service, this effectively leaves the consumer without a practical alternative. Please clarify whether mandatory RF transmission is considered an essential characteristic of the service and where this requirement was explicitly disclosed prior to contract formation. I expect a formal written response to this complaint within 14 calendar days of receipt, addressing each of the above points separately. I will continue to investigate and explore potential solutions independently. However, it is in KPN’s interest to provide clear and accurate technical guidance. Doing so ensures that any public discussion, troubleshooting documentation, or educational material I produce accurately reflects KPN’s policies and operational constraints. Absent clarification, conclusions will necessarily be drawn based on observable system behavior. In addition to the all the above, I would like to clarify the context of my interaction within the KPN Community. My access to the community has been temporarily suspended following discussions about the inability to fully disable wireless transmission functions on KPN-provided equipment. I wish to emphasize that my underlying concern relates strictly to product configurability and consumer control over hardware within my own home environment. My request is not directed at individual employees or moderators, but at the technical design choices of the equipment and services provided. I therefore ask that my formal complaint be evaluated independently of any prior community moderation decisions, and strictly on the technical and contractual merits of the issue. A written response will clarify KPN’s position. The matter itself remains unresolved for as long as wireless transmission remains mandatory. I would also like to note that my concerns outlined above are specific to the configurability and authentication matters described. In general, my experience with the reliability of KPN’s internet services has been positive, and I appreciate the stability of the (wired) network infrastructure (Thank you, Mr Farweck). My complaint is therefore directed at specific policy and design decisions rather than the overall quality of service delivery. Sincerely, Ralf Schooneveld ---

Independent testing has been performed to evaluate the RF emissions of the DIW7022 television set-top box. Tests demonstrated the presence of RF transmission and explored basic shielding approaches that may reduce exposure.

Two RF measurement instruments were used:

ENV-RD10 RF meter Measurement range: 400 MHz – 6 GHz Maximum display range: approximately 20 mW/m²

HF-35C RF meter by Gigahertz Solutions Measurement range: 800 MHz – 2700 MHz

These instruments provide approximate broadband RF field measurements rather than detailed spectral analysis.

Peak measurements were recorded at approximately 30 cm distance from the device.

Baseline (device powered off):

• 003 µW/m²

Device powered on (no shielding):

• 963 µW/m²

Device powered on with shielding (4 mm aluminium barrier):

• 401 µW/m²

The shielding configuration reduced measured RF levels by approximately 58 percent under the test conditions.

The ENV-RD10 meter was also used to confirm RF activity by placing the probe close to the device to verify that wireless transmission was active.

Because the ENV-RD10 meter saturates at approximately 20 mW/m² and the HF-35C has a limited frequency range, the measurements should be interpreted as approximate indicators rather than full RF spectrum analysis.

Further controlled testing using laboratory instruments is planned.

Further testing is planned using a vector network analyzer (VNA) and a metal waveguide measurement setup to better characterize RF emissions and shielding effectiveness up to approximately 6 GHz.

Planned equipment:

NanoRFE VNA6000 Estimated cost: €677.67 Status: not yet financed

Additional instrumentation is under development in the form of the Mk2 F-meter, a proposed RF measurement device intended to allow testing at significantly higher frequencies, potentially up to 110 GHz.

This device is intended to investigate whether emissions exist outside the commonly documented 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, particularly given the absence of publicly available detailed RF emission specifications for the DIW7022.

CFPH&S Mk2 RF meter (prototype) Estimated cost: €2740 excluding VAT, shipping, and broker costs Status: fully financed and currently in development.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urSlUTO6EHM&t=27s

• BioInitiative Working Group. BioInitiative Report — RF Color Charts.
• “Ultra-wideband high-resolution short pulse imaging radar,” IEEE Symposium historical proceedings (July 2005).