For those who can't get cell signal at home...

[deaconjim]

One of the more frustrating things about living in the mountains is the lack of cell phone coverage. A couple of weeks ago, I found a device offered by my carrier (Verizon) called a Network Extender. It connects to your broadband internet modem and acts like a cell tower. Your cell phone signal goes out over your internet connection, and it will handle up to 4 lines at once.

The price is about $250, and it works great. You only have to hook up one cable, and plug it into the wall. It covers a 5000 sq ft area. The device is about the same size as a modem. We went from having absolutely no cell signal to having four bars, and there is no difference in sound quality.

You can see it here.

[DenverGirlie]

Saidly Verizon is the only network that works like this with the WiFi phones. Those of us with AT&T are out of luck still. But glad it has worked for you

[Windy in Kansas]

I agree, too bad all of the cell companies don't offer it but I suppose that would only clog up the Internet and slow it down for everyone else.

While I realize you are talking cell phone usage, have you considered also making calls with a Magic Jack for your computer. The device uses a USB port and a regular phone plugs into it to make and receive calls. Even works for 911 calls and if you have registered it will show your address to local dispatchers.

Down side is that your number may not be local to you meaning everyone calling may have to pay long distance fees.

There is a yearly subscription fee which is currently $69.95 for 5 years of service. It was $59.95 before the first of the year and I didn't take advantage of that price to renew. Rats.

[Shrek]

If I lived on a mountain and had no cell signal, I would check into renting a carrier some pasture land to erect a cell tower so they would pay me $100 a month instead and I got an 800 foot antenna in line of sight.

[deaconjim]

Originally Posted by Shrek

If I lived on a mountain and had no cell signal, I would check into renting a carrier some pasture land to erect a cell tower so they would pay me $100 a month instead and I got an 800 foot antenna in line of sight.

I had a friend who rented a 100' x 100' lot to a cell company. They paid him $1500 / month, on a 50 year lease. If I could, I would.

[deaconjim]

Originally Posted by Windy in Kansas

I agree, too bad all of the cell companies don't offer it but I suppose that would only clog up the Internet and slow it down for everyone else.

While I realize you are talking cell phone usage, have you considered also making calls with a Magic Jack for your computer. The device uses a USB port and a regular phone plugs into it to make and receive calls. Even works for 911 calls and if you have registered it will show your address to local dispatchers.

Down side is that your number may not be local to you meaning everyone calling may have to pay long distance fees.

There is a yearly subscription fee which is currently $69.95 for 5 years of service. It was $59.95 before the first of the year and I didn't take advantage of that price to renew. Rats.

I have heard of those, but I have to have cell service due to my job. In fact, my employer bought the device for me. It works well enough that we have turned off our landline.

[rambler]

Originally Posted by deaconjim

I have heard of those, but I have to have cell service due to my job. In fact, my employer bought the device for me. It works well enough that we have turned off our landline.

Whoa. Back up.

Then how do you get internet service if you don't have a landline in an isolated area?

--->Paul

[deaconjim]

Originally Posted by rambler

Whoa. Back up.

Then how do you get internet service if you don't have a landline in an isolated area?

--->Paul

We still have DSL through our local phone company, but no phone service.

[rambler]

Oh. Couldn't split things up like that 'here', phone service is the basic, any other feature is added on. So, never thought of that!

Makes Magic Jack make more sense to me too......

--->Paul

[diamondtim]

Originally Posted by DenverGirlie

Saidly Verizon is the only network that works like this with the WiFi phones. Those of us with AT&T are out of luck still. But glad it has worked for you

T-mobile has had the "Hotspot @ Home" program for over 2 years. Basically it is using WiFi phones and a wireless router. Is currently costing us $20 a month for unlimited calls that run through WiFi (even those on other hotspots, like a Starbucks).

[JIL]

with this system do you sound like you are on a delayed phone? one person talks it takes a few seconds then the other finally hears you? after they have started talking? I had a long distance plan thru the internet and it was terrible. I don't remeber the company but sure would look into this if it's not a delayed sounding thing

[deaconjim]

Originally Posted by JIL

with this system do you sound like you are on a delayed phone? one person talks it takes a few seconds then the other finally hears you? after they have started talking? I had a long distance plan thru the internet and it was terrible. I don't remeber the company but sure would look into this if it's not a delayed sounding thing

The only difference I've heard is two beeps at the beginning of a call. Other than that, it sounds the same. Another thing I forgot to mention is that, if you leave your home while talking on your phone, it switches to the nearest tower if one is in range, so you don't drop your call.

[Cyngbaeld]

Can't get DSL and cell phones don't work and the land line barely works. Tried to get Wild Blue and they "don't have any more slots" here. Can't afford Hughes..... Any other ideas?

[deaconjim]

Originally Posted by Cyngbaeld

Can't get DSL and cell phones don't work and the land line barely works. Tried to get Wild Blue and they "don't have any more slots" here. Can't afford Hughes..... Any other ideas?

Have you considered becoming an internet provider? Maybe starting your own cell phone company?

[Wis Bang 2]

Originally Posted by diamondtim

T-mobile has had the "Hotspot @ Home" program for over 2 years. Basically it is using WiFi phones and a wireless router. Is currently costing us $20 a month for unlimited calls that run through WiFi (even those on other hotspots, like a Starbucks).

I have T-Mobil and a Hotspot capable phone. It hooks to my home WiFi that is connected to my cable modem. My calls are free over the internet. The monthly charge is to have the T-mobil wireless connection to make your home a hotspot. My phone can search for wireless connections and is capable of making calls anywhere it can access a WiFi...

We know a T-Mobil store manager [son of college friends] and between out free t-mobil to t-mobil, 5 'faves' and this phone I don't incur any minute charges unless I call someone on another network when I'm out of the house. He explained it to us when we were thinking about upgrading phones and it stopped all those 'extra' charges so our bill is the same every month because none of us exceed out time.

[Navotifarm]

What works for me in a very isolated area is to have a Blackberry Curve (purchased at giant discount because there are newer better phones. I have unlimited internet on the Blackberry and for $15 more a month, I use it as what they call a "tethered modem."

The cell companies keep it a secret that they have a form of franchise on the areas they cover. Experimentation proved that AT&T does NOT work where I live, only US Cellular does!

Another option is to get an air card but it costs more than using a smartphone and the usb cord.

[ozark mike]

I live up on a mountain far enough back that the only way I can get high speed is to go dish,,, we have very poor reception on cell phones here... so Jim if you want to talk to me, you have to walk out on your porch, turn west and yell..........real loud.... mike

[just_sawing]

Be careful if you have Hughenet sat. The Magic Jack won't work with a Sat connection and I doubt that the Wifi will either. I wish if would. You can install a repeater that will doubt the signal and rebroadcast. It is about 500.00

[Gary in ohio]

Originally Posted by deaconjim

One of the more frustrating things about living in the mountains is the lack of cell phone coverage. A couple of weeks ago, I found a device offered by my carrier (Verizon) called a Network Extender. It connects to your broadband internet modem and acts like a cell tower. Your cell phone signal goes out over your internet connection, and it will handle up to 4 lines at once.

Those DONT do anything to improve your cell coverage, They simply replace your coverage with a VOICE over IP (VOIP) and emulate a cell site within your home.

How much does this service cost? $250 plus how much a month?

[Shygal]

Originally Posted by deaconjim

Have you considered becoming an internet provider? Maybe starting your own cell phone company?

How do you do that?