[SGVLUG] OT: Cell phone repeaters

[Eric Gillingham]

Tmobile is the only carrier who has UMA, which is not something
supported on android phones, rather only specifically modified and
supported by tmobile phones.

Any android device can however use google voice for all or some
outgoing calls to reroute over wifi or your phones own data
connection.

ATT and sprint both offer microcells that you plug into your home
internet and operate as a very small low power cell phone tower, if
you complain enough about dropped calls/poor service both have been
proven to offer the microcell for free, though YMMV.

There are also things like actual mutliband repeaters which let you
mount a reciever outside where you may have good service and then a
repeater that extends that range indoors. These can cost anywhere from
200-1000+ depending on power. The one thing you need to pay attention
to for this route is making sure your provider uses the frequencies
support by a given repeater, things like newer 3/4G services
specifically may be something to look out for.

On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 4:55 PM, Dan Buthusiem <dan.buthusiem at gmail.com> wrote:
> Which carrier? I heard only T-Mobile allows VoIP with WiFi.
>
> On Nov 6, 2012 4:49 PM, "Scott Packard" <spackard at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Samsung galaxy S2 uses wifi; and I have Charter 30Mb/sec d/l at home.
>> The call goes through that. So,  no need for a micro site at home.   Work:
>> yeah, something would be nice.
>>
>> On Nov 6, 2012 4:29 PM, "Claude Felizardo" <cafelizardo at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Off Topic question.  Anyone on the list have any experience with cell
>>> phone repeaters?  How well do they work?  Any recommendations?
>>>
>>> I'm looking for suggestions for both work and home.
>>>
>>> At work in Pasadena, I get a nice strong LTE signal from AT&T on the
>>> 2nd floor but in the basement it drops down pretty bad - with some
>>> people not even able to get SMS messages.  Some of the server rooms
>>> have no signal which sucks if you are working in there.  They are
>>> looking for a solution that would work with as many carriers as
>>> possible.  No problem running additional antennas to the roof.
>>>
>>> At home which is halfway between the 10 and 210 freeways, I can
>>> sometimes get 3G with 2-3 bars, better outside.  Have not tried the
>>> roof.  A friend who is always bragging about his fast download via
>>> Verizon was appalled to see my DSL outpace his phone.  He had to go
>>> outside to my driveway and relay to his laptop but then we had to run
>>> an extension cord out to his phone.  Anyway I was wondering what
>>> solutions were available for residential users as well.
>>>
>>> thanks,
>>> Claude
>>>
>