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Better Cell Phone Reception

mulberry by mulberry
Last updated: 02/12/2012

Need to Improve Cell Phone Reception in Your Home or Office?

Poor cell phone reception has been one of the most prevalent and persistent complaints of cellular users. Certainly, strides have been made in recent years but for many, the poor signal reception in their home has been the primary reason for clinging to their landline and accepting the reality of two separate bills to cover their voice communication needs.

Find out more about how to get better cell phone reception here by learning about:

  • cellular repeaters and antennas to improve signal strength indoors
  • the reality behind cell phone signal boosters
  • femtocells to act as a home base station

    • Cellular Repeaters and Antennas

    One route to better cell phone reception is the use of cellular repeaters. These repeaters often consist of a small indoor antenna and a larger outdoor antenna. The outdoor device picks up the signal and relays it to the indoor antenna where reception is typically poor. Quality repeaters do work to improve cell phone reception indoors as long as an acceptable signal can be captured outdoors although quality may still be inferior to a landline.

    Buyers must be comfortable with installing the antennas outdoors which are most effectively placed on the roof. These signal extenders must also be compatible with the cellular network being used.

    Wired antennas that don't require an outdoor antenna are also available. In addition, there are also antennas designed for use in cars and boats.

    Cellular Repeaters, Extenders, and Antennas

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    Signal Boosters

    Do they really improve cell phone reception?

    Another option to improve cell phone reception that is mentioned by some in the business, is the use of simple boosters that are placed behind the battery of a cell phone. In general, these are not recommended as they tend to be ineffective, especially indoors.

    However, some have recommended 3 watt amplifiers which can make a direct electrical connection with some cell phones. See this Mobiledia discussion for more on this.

    3 Watt Amplifier

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    Improved Methods of Obtaining Better Cell Phone Reception in Your Home or Office

    Another option for getting better cell phone reception indoors for consumers with high speed internet service gives users faster data speeds, better signal strength, and improved voice quality.This option is to use a home base station or femtocell to relay signals from a consumers IP service to and from their cellular network.

    Cisco makes some of these devices and some cellular providers have them available for consumer use.

    What is a Femtocell?

    A femtocell is a small home base station which allows users to receive and place calls on their cell phone via their broadband connection which in turn communicates with their cellular network. This potentially provides the caller:

  • outstanding cell phone signal reception in their home or office
  • better voice quality
  • faster data transmission
  • some of the least expensive calling available


    • Femotocells are just emerging on the market but it is anticipated that they will gain popularity as more cellular providers opt to provide them, and perhaps subsidize them; making their purchase more affordable for consumers. Femotocells would be a great option for obtaining better cell phone reception for those living in more remote areas particularly.

    Learn more about Femtocells and Wireless Networking

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    More Information on Femtocells

    Think femtocell
    A bit about what femtocells are and how they work.
    Wikipedia
    More information about the history of femtocell development and issues to be overcome.
    Network World
    An article providing more information about those who are developing femtocells.
    Femto Forum
    Femtocell FAQs.

    Femtocells From Wireless Providers

    Currently, Sprint is offering a femtocell device, Airave.Users of the service must purchase the Airave which is being offered for $50. Customers then pay $15/month for unlimited calling but have the flexibility of selecting from many different cell phones.

    Verizon Wireless on the other hand offers a Network Extender which is their femtocell and AT&T has their Microcell network extender.

    To use the Sprint service, customers need:
  • a broadband connection
  • an ethernet port on a modem or router
  • a Sprint phone and voice plan

    To learn more see the Sprint Airave webpage.

    • Buy a Femotocell

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    Charge Your Cell Phone Battery

    Keeping the battery charged on your cell phone is important if you want a good signal.

    Better Cell Phone Reception: Was this page helpful? Let us know!

    If you didn't find the products you want be sure to visit our online home electronics store to see more equipment or to shop for cell phone plans.

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    • Reply
      lencarifin Jul 24, 2011 @ 6:33 am | delete
      actually i have this antenna on http://malfinaz.com ,and available in my country, thank you for the best review
    • Reply
      timwilly90 May 6, 2011 @ 3:00 am | delete
      This is a wonderful informative lens, thanks for sharing the information regarding different Antennas
    • Reply
      MKajic Feb 2, 2011 @ 5:19 pm | delete
      T-Mobile users can get the new Cel-Fi signal booster by contacting customer service. I called them threatening to cancel my account and they're sending one out to me.
    • Reply
      SaveMySystem Sep 27, 2010 @ 6:44 am | delete
      Signal booster is necessary at your home or office if there is really less reception. Signal booster receives elctro magnetic waves and amplifies it with special kind of amplifiers. With this range of signal gets amplified and it makes cell phone able to catch better reception.
    • Reply
      mrbaran2k Aug 20, 2010 @ 12:19 am | delete
      I love my Droid! It is WAY better then the iPhone, trust me I've had both! The best part is, I got mine for Free for testing it out and giving a testimonial. Last I checked, they still had a couple available. http://www.squidoo.com/free-droid-cell-phone
    • Reply
      bburns Feb 17, 2009 @ 8:11 am | delete
      I have a new home, 4 years old, well built-thats the problem, reflective wall board prohibits wireless signals from entering my home. For six months now I have worked with Sprint, recieved two Arwaive units, neither one could locke onto a signal, infact the sprint phone worked better, one bar or less. There appears to be no solution. Keep in mind these units "Avitar" units require internet conections, which limits your possition in your home. The 30ft wire antenna was stretched across the floor and run outside and it still would not work. What a mess. I have no idea what to do next. I guess my own tower.
    • Reply
      poddys Nov 29, 2008 @ 10:38 pm | delete
      Lots of great detail. I did have one of those signal booster cards to put behind the battery, but it never did much good. 5***** and lensrolled to my International Calling Cards lens.
    • Reply
      Kristof Sep 24, 2008 @ 3:17 pm | delete
      Hey. I love your lens. Awesome job! keep up the good work. When you have a chance please take a look at my Best Cellular Deals lens.
      Thanks.
      KP
    • Reply
      debnet Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:26 pm | delete
      Very informative...as always!
    • Reply
      lakeerieartists Sep 21, 2008 @ 10:44 pm | delete
      Wow. Lots of info here. Thanks.
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    Photos are copyrighted as indicated below. No derivative work allowed.
    Introduction: jepoirrier.
    Using Hybrid WiFi/Cellular Phones: bgautreau.
    Better Cell Phone Reception in Your Home or Office: Cell105.
    What is a Femtocell Photo Credit: Kubina.
    A Femtocell from Sprint: Bethany L King.

    This HOT APPS page written by

    mulberry

    Millions of people cling to their landlines due to poor signal reception in their homes. Learn about how to get better cell phone reception.

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