Cell Phone Signal booster.

[mscher]

Anybody tried one?

We have AT&T, in the country and for some reason(s) the signal is all over the place. 4 bars one minute, searching for a signal the next. Sometimes 3G, most of the time not.

AT&T obvoiusly sees that there is a problems, since they are rolling out a "Micro cell" antenna, that somehow functions through your home DLS connection. Not sure how it works, but they are looking at either a high cost, or $20 mo extra.

In the meantime, Is see cell phone signal boosters, for around $100.

Just wondering if anyone uses one and what kind of improvement (if any) do they experience.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Cell Phone Signal booster.

We use them in our work trucks. The only draw back is there has to be a signal present in order to boost the signal. It will take at least one bar on your cell phone. Then the booster will boost it to five bars.

 

[perchin]

Re: Cell Phone Signal booster.

I've been a cellular technician for going on 9 years.

We laugh a lot at the people whom pay us to install these..... gimmick

 

[DaleT]

Re: Cell Phone Signal booster.

I'm in the same scenario with a different service provider. I'm at the edge of their service map but do get service, it's a very weak signal. More often than not, I can't complete a long call in the house, if I walk out to the street I'm usually ok. Fortunately, my phone is provided for me by my work (on call service). We just switched from AT&T, a move I was opposed to for just this reason, and the sales representative for the new service is going to provide a signal amplifier for free. I'm hoping to have it here soon, if I do, I'll post back with the results. My research has shown very mixed results with some models seeming to work in some areas and not in others, but at least I'll provide my experience. For what it's worth, I'm in a moderately heavy wooded area, flat land with some farms, about 10 miles from the nearest "city."

 

[Daley]

Re: Cell Phone Signal booster.

As previously posted, you have to have something to boost before you will get any positive results. That said (and I'm sure perchin can elaborate), cell companies have VERY strict guidelines with regard to service coverage due to billing reasons. If you're roaming on Joe's network while inside Fred's service area, Fred's not getting the benefit of billing you for that - Joe is. This is why it makes sense to know exactly what the coverages are because you wouldn't want to boost a neighboring antenna's signal - you want to catch a non-roaming one (if possible of course).

There are plenty of options for "boosters", ranging from the little foil sticker gimmicks on up to omni-directional amplified antennae - and the cost varies just as much. If you're mobile (in the service-truck), obviously a directional antenna isn't gonna be the best option, but clearly an amplifier will do just that - amplify. However, to be able to do that you'll need a good antenna to even be able to GET something to amplify.

Just like anything else, do your due diligence and look around to see what works for others.

HTH

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Cell Phone Signal booster.

I'll bet it's like Daley says, ya get what ya pay for.

If the little 39-cent foil sticker gizmo did anything, wouldn't it come standard on the cellphone?

 

[perchin]

Re: Cell Phone Signal booster.

lol..... I've said All I can without destroying all my JOB SECURITY..

Although Daley is on the right track..

 

[mscher]

Re: Cell Phone Signal booster.

The AT&T Microcell antenna looks like the ticket, but since it's $150 (minus $100 rebate), plus $20/mo service charge, we are going to pass.

Since the other solutions run about $300, we'll continue to re-dail (and complain) for now.

Thanks for the input.