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Question

phone antenna

Apr 6, 2016 5:25AM PDT

Would like to know what sort of signal booster to get for an issue, we changed phone providers and I asked at the store if they served our exact address and they said yes. Now we have a phone service that we can only use on our porch it will not penetrate into the house. we are okay on the porch and in town, We have Kyocera phones, are 15 miles from town and have a metal roof. any suggestions. We are trying to get a refund form the company and are making headway there. in the meantime it would be nice to use the phone like a normal person.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Metal roofs are a pain
Apr 6, 2016 7:47AM PDT

Depending on how much you could invest into such a system, you would be better off with a longer term solution involving an eternal antenna and more power repeater indoors. Most of the smaller systems around the $200 mark just don't cut it when there's a weak signal involved and metal structures. YMMV.

Keep in mind that the advantage of most of the slightly more expensive systems is that you can change providers and still get a signal (providing there is at least weak coverage outside your dwelling). The more 'agnostic' radio hardware/antennas function with either dual or multiple frequency bands, making them immediately viable with any carrier. Which carrier are you using now, btw- and what is the zip code? This helps know what your pricing options are, since the dual band systems (Wilson- one example) are slightly less money than the 4G/multiple radio versions. See example of 4G version here:

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/weboost-home-4g-cell-phone-signal-booster-kit-470101/

Their dual band models can be cheaper IME. Upgrading to a better external antenna than provided in the kit can improve performance too.

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Answer
i see good advice so far.
Apr 6, 2016 8:25AM PDT

You may have to get that Wilson gear to get a signal inside the home. The fact it works outside means they were correct there was service at that address but the metal roof is likely what is shielding the home from cellular use inside.

No cellular company can punch through such a shield without added gear and cost.