Cell phone boosters

[KSP938]

Dis anyone have any first hand knowledge of cell phone boosters. Do they actually work. Brand comparisons?

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[Capngeo]

I have one at the ranch for inside the hangar (metal building) with it off there is zero cell service inside! On; 5 bars

If you are asking about a mobile one to boost your cell service when off-road, remember that cellular frequencies are strictly line of sight.... if you are in a valley or ravine, and there is no tower that can "see" you, it doesn't matter how much power you throw at it, it still doesn't work.


I use Garmin inReach for those times

 

[KSP938]

Thank you very much for the information. I am also looking at the Garmin.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I have one at the ranch for inside the hangar (metal building) with it off there is zero cell service inside! On; 5 bars

If you are asking about a mobile one to boost your cell service when off-road, remember that cellular frequencies are strictly line of sight.... if you are in a valley or ravine, and there is no tower that can "see" you, it doesn't matter how much power you throw at it, it still doesn't work.


I use Garmin inReach for those times

That's wild, I had no idea cellular was line-of-sight.

 

[jav_eee]

They work most of the time. I have one in the work truck and in my personal vehicle.

 

[smlobx]

We have both the WeBoost and a Garmin InReach.

They are different products for different applications. The WeBoost will boost a cell signal a few bars and allow you to make a call or text IF there is a bit of cell signal. If there isn’t any cell signal it will not work. It is free to use after purchasing the equipment,

Thats when the InReach comes in handy. It can work anywhere you have a clear view of the sky. I’ve used it in the middle of the Sahara desert all the way down to ANTARTICA. It does require a subscription and is very slow compared to texting on your cell phone but if you are way out there and need to reach someone it can be a godsend. It will also provide the coordinates automatically to the person you’re reaching out to which can be very helpful in an emergency situation.

 

[BourbonRunner]

We have both the WeBoost and a Garmin InReach.

They are different products for different applications. The WeBoost will boost a cell signal a few bars and allow you to make a call or text IF there is a bit of cell signal. If there isn’t any cell signal it will not work. It is free to use after purchasing the equipment,

Thats when the InReach comes in handy. It can work anywhere you have a clear view of the sky. I’ve used it in the middle of the Sahara desert all the way down to ANTARTICA. It does require a subscription and is very slow compared to texting on your cell phone but if you are way out there and need to reach someone it can be a godsend. It will also provide the coordinates automatically to the person you’re reaching out to which can be very helpful in an emergency situation.

Have you had an opportunity to check the SOS Satellite messaging on the iPhone out and compare to InReach? If I'm way out I bring my Starlink but that doesn't get thrown in my pocket for a hike like my phone would.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Have you had an opportunity to check the SOS Satellite messaging on the iPhone out and compare to InReach? If I'm way out I bring my Starlink but that doesn't get thrown in my pocket for a hike like my phone would.

I’ve used SOS Satellite messaging on the iPhone before. It ain’t great. It works but as was mentioned, satellite messaging is way slower. This is ok if it’s just messaging the wife to say, “Hey power is out bring home pizza.” If it’s , “My Jeep just rolled over and I need EMS here NOW” you’ll want something a bit better. Something like a Zolio or that realm of comms for emergencies would be better.

 

[smlobx]

Have you had an opportunity to check the SOS Satellite messaging on the iPhone out and compare to InReach? If I'm way out I bring my Starlink but that doesn't get thrown in my pocket for a hike like my phone would.

I have not. I’m waiting on SpaceX to roll out their D2C and then I’m jumping in with both feet!

 

[BourbonRunner]

I have not. I’m waiting on SpaceX to roll out their D2C and then I’m jumping in with both feet!

As a shareholder of SpaceX (LOL!) I both thank you and agree wholeheartedly.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I considered a cell phone booster but ended up with a Starlink Mini. Costs more, but like others said the WeBoost only works if you have service already. It won't create service if none exists. My Starlink will work as long as it can see the sky, even if I put it in standby mode for a few dollars a month I can get messages out.

An InReach is also on my list since again as pointed out, a Starlink won't fit in your pocket.

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