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
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
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.
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
PowerMax DA4000MR Mobile Repeater For Automobiles
Amazon Price: $399.99 (as of 12/16/2009) 
WILSON 801212 3-WATT WIRELESS CELLULAR AMPLIFIER KIT WITH ANTENNA
Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009)
Improved Methods of Obtaining Better Cell Phone Reception in Your Home or Office
There are a couple of options for getting better cell phone reception indoors for consumers with high speed internet service. These options provide faster data speeds, better signal strength, and improved voice quality.Using Hybrid WiFi/Cellular Phones
T-Mobile HotSpot@Home service is the primary example of a service offered for hybrid phones. These phones can operate from both a cellular network and Wi-Fi. The phone will switch automatically to the appropriate connection; WiFi at home and in public hotspots, and cellular when anywhere else to assure better cell phone reception nearly anywhere.Clearly, not every cellular phones will function in this manner. To use the T-Mobile service users need to have:
Find out more by visiting the T-Mobile Hotspot@Home page.
If You Love Your Regular Phone
T-Mobile also has the T-Mobile@Home deal which allows those with a T-Mobile cellular plan to connect their regular home phone into the T-Mobile serivce for $10/month; giving them unlimited calling nationwide. Users simply need a broadband connection and a "Hi-Port" router.
Wireless Routers
Two of the Popular T-Mobile Hybrid Phones
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: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
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.
A Femtocell from Sprint
Currently, Sprint is offering a femtocell device, Airave, in a few test markets but is expected to open the service to a much broader market soon.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.
Other cellular providers are expected to follow with similar programs. Verizon is expected to begin a similar service by the end of January 2009 and AT&T has been investigating the service for more than a year to provide better cell phone reception to all of their customers.
To use this service customers need:
To learn more see the Sprint Airave webpage.
Charge Your Cell Phone Battery
Keeping the battery charged on your cell phone is important if you want a good signal.
Some of the Popular Sprint Phones
Details 
BlackBerry 8830 World Edition
$199.99 (Reg. Price)
-$100.00 mail-in rebates
Free Shipping! $99.99
Details BlackBerry RIM 7130e
$219.99 (Reg. Price)
Free Shipping! $219.99
Details HTC Touch (Multimedia Phone)
$279.99 (Reg. Price)
-$100.00 mail-in rebates
Free Shipping! $179.99
Details Motorola RAZR V3m Stone (Multimedia Phone)
$0.00 (Reg. Price)
Free Shipping! FREE
Details Palm Centro Onyx Black
$0.00 (Reg. Price)
Free Shipping! FREE
Details Sanyo Katana DLX Pink Satin (Multimedia Phone)
$139.99 (Reg. Price)
-$50.00 mail-in rebates
Free Shipping! Have an Old Cell Phone You Want to Sell?
We recommend:
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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- bburns bburns Feb 17, 2009 @ 8:11 am
- 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.
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- poddys poddys Nov 29, 2008 @ 10:38 pm
- 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.
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- Kristof Kristof Sep 24, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
- 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
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- debnet debnet Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
- Very informative...as always!
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- lakeerieartists lakeerieartists Sep 21, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
- Wow. Lots of info here. Thanks.
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- vbright105 vbright105 Sep 21, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
- Great information here. Good job!
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- stephen001 stephen001 Sep 9, 2008 @ 5:21 am
- Great post and valuable information. I request you to plz review my lens and tell me if it has some potential or not. I am looking forward for your valuable suggestions.
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- Ranaesheart Ranaesheart Aug 24, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
- great post! 5 stars!
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- bbug bbug May 10, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
- Great lens, lots of good information for everyone.
You can review this site at: The Isle of Squid
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 site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
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 site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.
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. (more)
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