Forum Discussion

Ron3rd's avatar
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Mar 22, 2018

Boosting Cell Phone reception

I don't know much about this topic but want to learn.

I will be staying at a campground that has cell phone reception, but it's described as "spotty" and I take that to mean "weak".

In my business, it's crucial that I receive phone calls throughout the day.

So I'm wondering if there is some sort of device I can use to "boost" the cell phone signal.

The campground also has wifi but I'm not sure how good it is.
  • we have the weboost booster but the problem we have had is getting enough separation between the indoor and outdoor antenna's so there is no feedback problems and that was with the fifth wheel now with the TC it is even harder to achieve the recommended distance between the antenna's. maybe the cradle type would have worked better but the one we have allows any phones in the radius to use the booster rather than just the one in a cradle.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Bill.Satellite wrote:
    Ron3rd wrote:
    SoundGuy wrote:
    Ron3rd wrote:
    In my business, it's crucial that I receive phone calls throughout the day.


    If it's that "crucial" consider renting a satellite phone. ;)


    I hope I don't have to do that!


    There is no reason to believe that you should have to do that. There are several very good boosters for both WiFi and Cellular (different antennas and boosters). Take your computer to the office or where ever the WiFi signal should be good and do some testing to see if you want to bother attempting to amplify it at your campsite.
    You can find the location of your providers closest tower to your location doing google search for cellular towers. If they are close and you just have a weak signal you will be able to get a pretty simple setup that will make for a better connection. If the towers are far away and your signal is dropping in and out then you might need to consider and directional antenna and a way to get the antenna as high as possible. Where you are, how long you will be there and your budget will all bear on the final decision.
    Maximum Signal and Wilson antenna setups are the most common Cellular options and there are many WiFi options including one for less than $100 that can be found here.
    https://outsideourbubble.com/


    Good info. Thanks Bill
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Depending on several things there are basically two ways to go.

    T-Mobile offers something I think they call a "hot Spot" not to be confused with what I"m using to send this post.. This is a "Micro-Cell" (Very small cell "Tower" actually a box that plugs into an internet Router (or Wi-Fi) and makes it a miniture cell tower. Short range. Might work for you or not)

    And there are a couple of companies We-Boost and I think Max Signal that offer WIRELESS (Cellular) Range extenders...

    These (We-Boost is the lesser of the two and can be found at many truck stops, it's also the less expensive and will LIKELY work if cell service is "Spotty")

    THe system consists of an OUTDOOR antenna. and you have options including a DIRECTIOAL antenna (Good if you know where to point) and and indoor antenna.

    And in between is a Digital Repeater Box..

    NOTE.. Wi-Fi Ranger.. Same thign for Wi-Fi.. Just so you know.
  • Ron3rd wrote:
    but it's described as "spotty" and I take that to mean "weak".


    If possible, find out ahead of time what kind of signal YOUR CARRIER has there. They all likely are not the same.

    Having a parking space on high ground and NOT in the trees likely would help......but that's not always possible.
  • There are cell boosters available.
    When we went to Alaska we borrowed one from our son, who lives in Edmonton, Alberta. I only had to use it twice in 3 months. The signal on the phone was pretty much zero and up and down to one bar. I plugged the amplifier into the cig lighter socket, put the antenna on the hood of the truck ( magnetic mount), and held the phone and antenna "pad" together and was able to make my calls.I think I had 2 solid bars for signal strength. I think first use was in Alaska and second was in the Yukon, so both in bad cell areas.
    If my memory is right(hahaha) the brand was Wilson.
    Maybe you have a friend who has one who will let you try one before paying the outrageous amount they want for them.
  • Ron3rd wrote:
    SoundGuy wrote:
    Ron3rd wrote:
    In my business, it's crucial that I receive phone calls throughout the day.


    If it's that "crucial" consider renting a satellite phone. ;)


    I hope I don't have to do that!


    There is no reason to believe that you should have to do that. There are several very good boosters for both WiFi and Cellular (different antennas and boosters). Take your computer to the office or where ever the WiFi signal should be good and do some testing to see if you want to bother attempting to amplify it at your campsite.
    You can find the location of your providers closest tower to your location doing google search for cellular towers. If they are close and you just have a weak signal you will be able to get a pretty simple setup that will make for a better connection. If the towers are far away and your signal is dropping in and out then you might need to consider and directional antenna and a way to get the antenna as high as possible. Where you are, how long you will be there and your budget will all bear on the final decision.
    Maximum Signal and Wilson antenna setups are the most common Cellular options and there are many WiFi options including one for less than $100 that can be found here.
    https://outsideourbubble.com/
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    SoundGuy wrote:
    Ron3rd wrote:
    In my business, it's crucial that I receive phone calls throughout the day.


    If it's that "crucial" consider renting a satellite phone. ;)


    I hope I don't have to do that!
  • Ron3rd wrote:
    In my business, it's crucial that I receive phone calls throughout the day.


    If it's that "crucial" consider renting a satellite phone. ;)
  • Yes there are signal boosters on the market. Some work. Some do not. Read reviews. Who is your carrier? We got a free signal booster from Sprint. Unfortunately it is for Apple 6 and newer. We have Apple 5. Check with your carrier. Best of luck

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