Cellular Repeaters

Submitted by fyl on 23 April, 2008 - 10:14.

I am looking for a cellular repeater—basically a box that extends cell phone coverage into an area (typically inside a building). Here is an example.

What I would like to find is an in-country source. That would mean they had done the TELCOR homework rather than me having to do it.

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This

Submitted by WalterG on 2 May, 2008 - 20:15.

may help? http://www.alternativewireless.com/cellular-antennas/wilson-antennas/wil...

Good unit

Submitted by fyl on 3 May, 2008 - 07:23.

I had actually looked at this one. It looks pretty real. The issue is the cable run distance I need. At 1.9GHz, even very expensive cable has pretty high losses. I have to figure out how long it needs to be if we place a tower for the antenna nearby. At close to ground level, the distance is 400-450 meters.

Frequencies

Submitted by ATZ on 23 April, 2008 - 20:59.

Is this what you need?

Claro operates on 1900 (frequency).

Movistar on 850 (frequency).

The device on your post is a 1900 device.

I don't think there is anything else you need to know.....my experience is limited and I am not a true phone techie.

I have used one and it worked great...really extended the pickup of a weak signal and I got no interference or noise....just boost.

at

ATZ

Nica vendor

Submitted by fyl on 24 April, 2008 - 04:53.

I would probably go for a unit with more coverage but that is pretty much what I want, yes. But, the big issue is someone in Nicaragua that sells them so I don't have to do the TELCOR hoop-jumping myself. I would settle for a pointer to someone that is already using one so they could tell me their TELCOR story.

On the plus side, my dealings with TELCOR have been find--they just seem to want the license fees. But, I would rather start from a known if possible.

License

Submitted by ATZ on 24 April, 2008 - 05:17.

Excuse my ignorance but I am not sure what you mean by a license from Telcor, or why you would need one.

The repeater I am familiar with...pretty much what I see in your link...just takes the incoming signal (as you would normally get on your phone and rebroadcasts it locally. Does not circumvent any phone company process or fee. In fact phone companies here like it as it adds value to their service in areas with coverage, but weak signal.

They don't even know it is there, in any case.

ATZ

TELCOR

Submitted by fyl on 24 April, 2008 - 08:31.

TELCOR is regulator of communications (including the post office). Even if you import a $10 Chinese regular phone—one that plugs into the phone line, not even a cordless—or an FM radio it is licensed (taxed is probably a better word) by TELCOR. (This is much like the UK.)

The repeater consists of two receivers and two transmitters so, unless there is a specific exemption, it is regulated. I looked for more information and the only thing I can find that doesn't require a specific license is a 27MHz type-approved (by the FCC or something else) CB radio. I assume that exemption is so that truckers don't blockade the TELCOR building in protest.

As for the technical side, I actually can see licensing and regulation of the cell repeater. An improperly configured (or overpowered) unit could be fairly disruptive to the cellular network. For example, if you put one on top of a hill overlooking Managua with a reasonable amount of power you could tie up bandwidth on a large number of cell sites in the city.

Look at where you find cell sites. In conjested areas you find them located fairly low. In rural areas, on hilltops. This is a design process to insure maximum coverage, needed bandwidth and minimum cost. The indiscriminent addition of repeaters could seriously impact the system.

Thanks...I agree on the need for some regulations

Submitted by ATZ on 24 April, 2008 - 11:28.

as once something works, it often gets misused...and I think has a lot of potential for that.

Good general info for me anyway.

ATZ