Cell phone antenna?

[setterguy]

Ok, I just moved my business, my dream location. More room, big warehouse, two offices yada yada. One problem, my cell phone doesn't get reception in my office and very poor reception in my warehouse. Seeings how all of my business is done through my cell phone this causes a small problem. Does anyone know of any device that I can mount to my building that would increase my reception? Even if it was something that I had to plug into my phone I guess it would have to work. I'm thinking of the old car antennas when cell phones first came out. Any ideas?

[Scott K]

Try a different cell phone, and if you have to , a different carrier!

[demonjigger]

who is your service provider? I have an external antenna that goes up above the building, and a hard line from it that plugs into my phone. kinda a hinderance but it works. 4 w is right, go to where you bought your phone, and ask what model gets the best coverage. that's what I did, and I get better reception than most of my friends, coupled with the external ant. you should have better luck...

[Jim Almquist]

Google Alternative Wireless and look for Wilson SignalBoost DT Desktop Amplifier and see if that is something like you are looking for or maybe a Yagi antenna if your cell can take a external type antenna.

[LMITOUT]

Do a web search for femtocells. They aren't available yet, but may be eventually from Verizon and Sprint.

[DTro]

yeah, I could've swore there was some kind of wireless repeater you could buy

[demonjigger]

Cool pic for your avatar too, where was it taken?

[fishermn]

Yes, you can get them, just search on "cell phone repeater system" and you will find several alternatives. We have them in our buildings and they work quite well.

[walleyewild]

Wilson Electronics makes in building bi-directoinal amps for personal use. They require an external antenna on the outside of the building and an antenna inside. The provider just may put one in for you as well but you would need to put in a trouble ticket through your provider. The comercial BDA's are quite expensive, up to 10,000.00. Wilson's products are aimed at the consumer with prices under 1000.00.

[Sandmannd]

I had a buddy that had the same problem in his home. He bought a repeater for around $700 a few years ago and the it worked great. Just remember, cell providers to guarentee in building use. The repeater is an option, but it won't be supported and there may be days when you still have shotty service.

[shizzy]

I have ALWAYS bought Motorolla phones. I always have better reception then others and they have been dropped on concrete more then once and always work.

[marine_man]

We've got a couple of the repeaters at work that work very well... I'm pretty sure they were installed by the wireless company.

marine_man

[setterguy]

Thanks guys, I have a blackberry from At&t. Today it was better for whatever reason, and with the door of my shop open it was actually pretty good. I'll see if I can limp along here for a while. I appreciate the responses.

[Central Bassman]

I also have a blackberry and a few weeks ago the blackberry system was having some problems so that might have something to do with it. Not sure what was going on