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Question

Cell signal boosting

Aug 14, 2016 4:34PM PDT

Deer lease cell signal is zero bars at camp and in low lying areas throughout the less. Ridge tops have a few bars of lte signal. Would like to capture this signal at a ridge top and beam it to a broadcaster in camp, possible?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
More information
Aug 14, 2016 4:44PM PDT

The carrier is AT&T. We have solar panels, batteries and inverters to power the devices. Also regular utility power at camp. The distance from the ridge top to camp is approximately 1 mile and have line of site to said ridge.
There is a Wilson 3g signal booster with an omni directional antenna installed on 1 of the trailers at camp, you must hold the indoor antenna to the back of your phone to get any usable signal. Would like build a better system.

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Yes, I know Wilson.
Aug 14, 2016 5:32PM PDT

This is for Wilson or ATT to supply a fix.

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Wilson?
Aug 14, 2016 5:59PM PDT

Wasn't he in a film with Tom Hanks?
Dafydd.

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This Wilson
Aug 14, 2016 6:07PM PDT

Is a company that has a line of cell phone boosters. For many reasons, in the USA you can't do what the OP is asking. You have to call in the carrier to fix the issue.

There's a round about way to do VOIP, but I don't know if the internet is available at this location.

When there is no cell service the next solution is a sat phone.

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If you do not own the property, then see Bob's reply
Aug 15, 2016 10:34AM PDT

Otherwise, you could rig up an antenna/repeater on the ridge and beam it to an amplified location underneath at the camp below given the existing LOS.

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Answer
No.
Aug 14, 2016 4:42PM PDT

In the USA there are many reasons you won't be doing this. Now if this was just your home, there are systems to bring what's just outside inside. But in your scenario, no.

Me? Just some engineer of some cellular gear years ago.

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Answer
WAG here
Aug 15, 2016 12:52PM PDT

Why not drag an old TV tower and then mount the antenna there and have the cable drop down to the RV. Otherwise, at those distances some drop-out is bound to happen. In other words you want to capture the signal and route it down. If not a TV tower then the tallest portable pole to receive with antenna attached. Basically, you increase cell "recepetion" NOT boosting the signal which appears you want to do. I'm sure the better ones cost more but then it matters in remote areas and "line of sight" is best when NOTHING is in the way. BTW, keep down when lightning approaches.

Checkout: http://www.wisebread.com/no-signal-5-quick-ways-to-boost-your-cell-phone-reception-updated

tada -----Willy Happy