Improve Your Mobile Coverage with Network Extenders

Since cell phones work wherever there’s a broadband Internet connection, a wireless network extender enables the cellular network to ‘extend’ the cellular network even in areas where there is no cell phone signal. This device, also known as ‘femtocell’ is a base unit that connects the mobile provider’s network through a home or business broadband Internet connection. So you don’t have to stick your neck out of the window just to get a better signal; and we have a rundown of these devices from your favorite carriers.

Verizon Wireless has always had excellent feedback from their users about Verizon’s signal strength on their Verizon phones. However, for those areas that receive weak or no coverage from them, Verizon is offering the Verizon Wireless Network Extender which promises to improve the network’s signal in your own home. However, it is a little expensive because it costs $249.99 each. The good news is that, there are no monthly fees. If you are experiencing bad voice reception and very weak signals, this device could be worth every penny. But if you want to improve data or EV-DO coverage, Verizon’s Wireless Network Extender unfortunately fails to do these.

For a monthly service fee, Sprint users can use Sprint Airave which offers to enhance signals for up to three Sprint phones simultaneously. For an upfront price of $99.99 each plus an existing Sprint phone and voice plan, you could have a mini cell phone tower in your own home that covers up to 5,000 feet. With an existing unlimited voice calling plan, you can also experience unlimited incoming and outgoing calls and nationwide long distance even while initiating calls on your device.

Hot on the heels of its competitors is the AT&T 3G MicroCell that carries both voice and data traffic to areas with poor cellular network coverage. It can boost signals for up to four cell phones simultaneously but they must all be 3G devices. So Microcell works best to help you maximize the use of your 3G phones, covering a 5,000 square foot area. Just like the Sprint Airave, it also has a monthly service fee but it is still unclear whether the company is offering it as an optional or mandatory service plan. The MicroCell is being offered by AT&T for $19.99 if you have an Internet service with AT&T, if you have an existing landline with them, you just pay $9.99. If you have both, however, you get it for free.

Vodafone’s Access Gateway is Vodafone’s answer for their loyal customers’ 3G needs. It basically works in the same manner as all the three abovementioned and it offers voice and data service enhancement.

T-Mobile offers a slightly different solution for their customers with T-Mobile @Home. For $9.99 plus with a minimum voice plan of $39.99, you can make calls over a Wi-Fi connection so you don’t have to fret about dropped calls over a limited cell service.

Another option is through VoIP with Skype Lite. Available to Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Motorolla and LG phones, this application allows you to make local calls using your existing voice minutes to your Skype contacts. You can also call landline numbers as well as receive calls from another Skype contact for a minimal fee. Check for rates, other charges as well as phone compatibility before downloading this application.

Using cellular phone network extenders could very well help you with extending your battery life since its limited power supply could be used more on voice calls rather than on searching for a signal. Also, you can save up on long distance charges through your landlines or you can give up your landlines entirely once you get a stable signal for your cell phones. You can even save some more with bundled plans from your carrier. You don’t have to worry about handsets though because you could buy cell phones from your carriers. AT&T offers free cell phones as too the other carriers. Free wi-fi cell phones are also available especially for those who are always on the road. Check out freecellphonechoices.com for a list of carriers and their current offers.

Tags: hi speed internet, tweak internet connection settings, hi speed internet connection, faster internet speed