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  1. #1
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    Best way to boost cell phone data signal strength?

    Is there a good way to boost a cell phone's data (EDGE) signal strength? Any devices that do so?

    My iPhone has poor signal strength inside my office, and I am wondering if there are cell extenders or boosters that would boost that signal strength (rather than only boosting voice call signal strength). Like the type you hear about that you can apparently plug into a wall outlet or the like.

    Thanks in advance!

    -mike
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  2. #2
    I remember a couple years back, there were these strange pcb stickers that would attach to the back of your phone, and was supposed to boost signal strength for the US cdma band. I'm pretty sure I actually did see an extra bar of signal. Now adays, I'm not really sure there are any home boosters that actually work for the GSM edge band. The ones on this site seem to be able to boost the 800/1800mhz GSM band signal, which is what edge, and umts runs over in the US. cellantenna.com/Boosters/da4000_iPhone.htm#Signal_Booster_Solutions

  3. #3
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    Thanks for the reply.

    I suppose I am looking at items like this. But I just wonder how well they truly work.

    -mike
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  4. #4
    You are most likely better off just setting up a wireless access point for your iPhone. The linksys WAP54G's are great, and are pretty cheap.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gridhost View Post
    You are most likely better off just setting up a wireless access point for your iPhone. The linksys WAP54G's are great, and are pretty cheap.
    Yeah, you may be right. Thanks for the suggestion there.

    -mike
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  6. #6
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    Indeed, if data is what you're concerned about, then WiFi is certainly the best route. It'll blow away the speeds you get over EDGE, that's for sure.

  7. #7
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    tinfoil, wire, and duct tape

    Yeah I agree with the person above me, if you can get it to go WiFi then that'll help you out greatly.
    Nothing here right now.

  8. #8
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    Hello,
    Some cell phone providers will send you a mini cell phone booster if you complain enough for freel. I use Sprint for example, and they will provide an airwave (you can also buy it as well). These will increase cell phone reception
    Keith I Myers
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by KDisk View Post
    Hello,
    Some cell phone providers will send you a mini cell phone booster if you complain enough for freel. I use Sprint for example, and they will provide an airwave (you can also buy it as well). These will increase cell phone reception
    Nice! What specifically do I ask about when I call? An "airwave"?

    -mike
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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mike - Limestone View Post
    Nice! What specifically do I ask about when I call? An "airwave"?

    -mike
    Hello,
    It depends on provider, however most will give it free as a "customer retention" program if you threaten to leave due to poor wireless quality. I have included the Sprint and AT&T products below. I personally use the Palm Pre, not an iPhone.

    You can event get Unlimited Talk Time with these products as well.

    Sprint - Airave - http://www.nextel.com/en/services/airave/index.shtml
    AT&T - MicroCell - http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/
    Keith I Myers
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  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by KDisk View Post
    Hello,
    It depends on provider, however most will give it free as a "customer retention" program if you threaten to leave due to poor wireless quality. I have included the Sprint and AT&T products below. I personally use the Palm Pre, not an iPhone.

    You can event get Unlimited Talk Time with these products as well.

    Sprint - Airave - http://www.nextel.com/en/services/airave/index.shtml
    AT&T - MicroCell - http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/
    Thank you! I'll have to check out the MicroCell with AT&T. Does it help with data broadcasts, too, not merely phone calls?

    -mike
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  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mike - Limestone View Post
    Thank you! I'll have to check out the MicroCell with AT&T. Does it help with data broadcasts, too, not merely phone calls?

    -mike
    Hello,
    Since AT&T Calls it the 3G MicroCell, I assume Data as well, but I am not positive.
    Keith I Myers
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  13. #13
    From the looks of the site, it simply broadcasts your Ethernet network over the 3G GSM band, which effectively caps your data bandwidth at 3G speeds. By the time you add in the overhead, you are still better off just setting up a wireless access point. It looks like the only perk to that AT&T MicroCell, is that it can use some sort of VOIP over your internet connection, in order to provide you with unlimited calling.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mike - Limestone View Post
    Thank you! I'll have to check out the MicroCell with AT&T. Does it help with data broadcasts, too, not merely phone calls?

    -mike
    The MicroCell is limited to only a few markets right now on AT&T - I don't think you will be able to get one of those too easily.

    Also if you have the first gen iPhone it will not help at all as the MicroCell only broadcasts 3G and no 2.5G/EDGE.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by layer0 View Post
    The MicroCell is limited to only a few markets right now on AT&T - I don't think you will be able to get one of those too easily.

    Also if you have the first gen iPhone it will not help at all as the MicroCell only broadcasts 3G and no 2.5G/EDGE.
    Good point. I have the 3G S, so I should have the ability to support it, but I am not sure about the hardware availability on AT&T's end.

    -mike
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