Cell Phone Signal Booster

[dfiler2]

Hey guys, I recently got a different phone and the service in my shop is not very good, it used to be very good, I believe I'm now connecting to a different tower. Just wondering what others have done to improve cell phone reception in a steel building.

Thanks

 

[CNGsaves]

Two words . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Wilson Electronics


If you want a permanent solution, then check into fixed antenna you install outside the building that has booster to spread signal INSIDE your metal building.

 

[sixty4]

I had a similar problem when we moved. I had to change over to Verizon they sell mini towers to boost the signal. They work excellent although anyone that comes here with another carrier cell service still stinks for them.

 

[vartz04]

Sprint has a wifi powered device that acts as a personal cell tower. They also offer free wifi calling. I'd just call your carrier and see what solutions they have


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pmiranda]

We had the same problem when we moved into this house (stucco walls with metal mesh and foil backed roof insulation) and got a zBoost repeater. I would never pay the cell co. a monthly fee for one of their devices, but if they offer a free one, game on!

 

[dfiler2]

Forgot to mention, can't get wifi calling. That's what I thought the solution was going to be.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into Wilson Electronics and the ZBoost.

 

[nafterclifen]

ATT = http://www.att.com/att/microcell/
Verizon = http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/samsung-network-extender-scs-2u01/

I have both and they work great. I would not use anything else. Unless signal is good outside your shop/house and just not good inside. Then the aftermarket equipment will work in that case. If signal is weak outside your house/shop then signal amplifiers are useless. They are going to receive crappy signal and amplify that crappy signal. Been there, done that.

 

[KDXSR5]

Two words . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Wilson Electronics


If you want a permanent solution, then check into fixed antenna you install outside the building that has booster to spread signal INSIDE your metal building.

This.

I had a similar problem when we moved. I had to change over to Verizon they sell mini towers to boost the signal. They work excellent although anyone that comes here with another carrier cell service still stinks for them.

Or this.

I have used Wilson boosters in vehicles for years. They work great, and I am sure they have a solution that will work for buildings as well.

We had a Verizon mini tower setup in a condo I lived in in North Dakota. No complaints with it either, although the solution we had required Internet to work correctly.

Let us know what you end up doing. I am always interested in the way others solve problems.

 

[dfiler2]

The service is very good outside the building and I can make and receive calls if I stand on one leg with my right arm raised and have 2 Canadian Loonies in my left pocket.

It looks like a booster may be the answer, I'm assuming people may have tried something like this for $150 first, then went with the Wilson Electronics or ZBoost to actually solve the problem. I hate to spend $150 then have to spend another $300 to actually solve the problem. Anyone using $150 booster with success?

 

[FTG-05]

I've got a Verizon extender that works through the internet. It ***** so bad we were recently forced to get a landline after over 10 years without one.

The extender goes through the internet and hence is dependent on a) internet throughput/bandwidth (our problem) and b) power. Lose either one, no calls worth a ****.

I'm going to look into the zboost and Wilson repeaters. Wilson is now called weboost, IRC.

 

[pmiranda]

If you have good signal outside, then it could be as simple as setting up a directional antenna on your roof connected by coax to a omni antenna inside the building, without an active amplifier.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Two words . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Wilson Electronics


If you want a permanent solution, then check into fixed antenna you install outside the building that has booster to spread signal INSIDE your metal building.

ditto

/thread

 

[James-W]

We have a land-line and never have a problem with signal strength.

 

[dfiler2]

We have a land-line and never have a problem with signal strength.

LOL, And your number is in the phone book right. That's one down fall of people not having land lines, it can make it difficult to get ahold of someone.

If you have good signal outside, then it could be as simple as setting up a directional antenna on your roof connected by coax to a omni antenna inside the building, without an active amplifier.

I like the sound of this, I'll give that a try, then if I need to I can get the amplifier later. Thanks!

 

[Chevy72pu]

Be careful when you get the ZBoost to get the one that matches your phone. I bought one for our campground when I had a 3G Samsung and it worked great. Replaced the 3G phone with a 4G phone. Now booster comes on but phone no workee.

 

[reader2580]

I've got a Verizon extender that works through the internet. It ***** so bad we were recently forced to get a landline after over 10 years without one.

The extender goes through the internet and hence is dependent on a) internet throughput/bandwidth (our problem) and b) power. Lose either one, no calls worth a ****.

What speed Internet do you have? I have a Verizon Network extender and it works great for me, but I have very fast Internet. A co-worker had one for a few years and he wasn't 100% happy, but I think it was his 1.5 megabit DSL. If my power dies I can still make usable phone calls if I go outside.

My only problem has been on rare occasion my call doesn't go through the extender. If that happens I sometimes have to call the person back.

 

[dfiler2]

What speed Internet do you have? I have a Verizon Network extender and it works great for me, but I have very fast Internet. A co-worker had one for a few years and he wasn't 100% happy, but I think it was his 1.5 megabit DSL. If my power dies I can still make usable phone calls if I go outside.

My only problem has been on rare occasion my call doesn't go through the extender. If that happens I sometimes have to call the person back.

I have a fast internet connection and thought that was going to be the answer, however, that is not available in our area. From what I read on it today I believe it has something to do with our 911 system. So it appears the booster is my only choice.

 

[joe_padavano]

Two words . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Wilson Electronics

Chalk up another satisfied customer.

 

[pentavolvo]

Wilson electronics

 

[armenakadino]

At my house there service is iffy I went with the Att Microcell. I called and complained and was able to get the box for free. Depending what phone you have I would research wifi calling since all the carriers have been releasing wifi calling that may be the solution that works the best and cost nothing.

 

[bgarrett]

Wilson

 

[My Old Tools]

If you have a good signal outside, use the Wilson booster/amplifier. That way you are not dependent on you internet speeds and using your bandwidth. If you have no signal outside, you don't have anything to amplify. In that case use the microcell approach, assuming you have good to better internet service. I tried the microcell. I had a hollow echo most of the time. It died completely (ATT microcell) within 2 years. The Wilson repeater has been up for several years and always works, no echo, no issues at all, just like being outside.

 

[Yourfired]

I would personally suggest switching over to another company in your area which provides better service. ATT seems to own a large portion of the towers. check online which company provides the best service in your area and go with that. No point in dealing with this unnecessary headache.

 

[Git]

What carrier is it?

I would first contact them and explain your situation and that you may be thinking of changing carriers... They may offer you one of their 'extenders' to you for free or at a discount