SIGforum
Cell phone antennas

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/2530063624

June 26, 2017, 04:41 PM
gjgalligan
Cell phone antennas
Looking for info on ways to boost cell phone signal in a vehicle without spending a bunch.
We will be travelling from Michigan to Montana later this year across US2. I want some ideas to improve cell signal for TMobil system.

Thanks


Integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking.
June 26, 2017, 04:58 PM
sig2392
Wilson/weboost car signal booster around $100 on Amazon.

I have not seen anything cheaper that actually works.
June 26, 2017, 05:21 PM
Some Shot
Verizon?

An antenna won't help if there is no service nearby.
June 26, 2017, 06:46 PM
ThankGod4Sig
quote:
Originally posted by Some Shot:
Verizon?

An antenna won't help if there is no service nearby.


+1

Get just a prepaid VZW phone.


"da evil Count Glockula."-Para
June 26, 2017, 11:17 PM
41
I would think the weakest link is from your cellphone to the tower. The towers have high gain antennas while your antenna on the cellphone has no gain.

In the old days with portable radios, you had a vehicular charger that the portable set in and was connected to an antenna mounted on the vehicle. This give you additional coverage due to the gain of the vehicular mounted antenna.

Looks like the weboost mentioned by SIG2392 is set up to work in and outside the car.


41
June 27, 2017, 01:12 AM
YooperSigs
I use a Wilson booster in the Yoop. Works fine in 90% of the U.P.


End of Earth: 2 Miles
Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
June 27, 2017, 06:25 AM
gjgalligan
quote:
Originally posted by Some Shot:
Verizon?

An antenna won't help if there is no service nearby.


TMobil
As stated in the op.


Integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking.
June 27, 2017, 06:37 AM
PCWyoming
Wyoming state troopers were using Wilsons a couple of years ago. I don't know if they are still using them.
I have one in my company car.

PC
June 27, 2017, 06:42 AM
Skull Leader
You will probably only have signal on TMobile while you are in decent sized towns. I would also suggest you get a burner Verizon or Tracfone. You can't boost what isn't there and you'll find much more verizon signal out here in Montana.
June 27, 2017, 07:35 AM
taco68
Satisfied Wilson user here!


Sigs P-220, P-226 9mm, & P-230SL (CCW)
June 27, 2017, 07:43 AM
stoic-one
Skull Leader probably has the right idea as I doubt T-Mobile has enough coverage to simply use a Wilson amplifier. Zero signal x 50db gain still equals zero.

Is roaming still a thing? Can T-Mobile phones use Verizon towers or are they different protocols? Seriously asking.


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