Cel-Fi for Telecom New Zealand?

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Cel-Fi for Telecom New Zealand?

IronKnight

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#147031 6-Jun-2014 11:15

Our Gen-i Account Manager pointed me at the Cel-Fi units as a possible solution for rural cell signal boosting.

http://www.cel-fi.co.nz/cel_fi_telecom_new_zealand.html

I am surprised to see something like this, not only legal, but endorsed by by Telecom/Gen-i.

We are looking at trying to boost Cell signal on the edge of Telecom service (Approx. -100 signal strength).
We would be using them outdoors rather than indoors.

Is anyone else had any experience with units and can point out the realities of what they can do?

michaelmurfy

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#1060366 6-Jun-2014 12:50

I've seen them installed at places but running on 2degrees - they seem to work pretty well.

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freitasm

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#1060373 6-Jun-2014 13:16

I am surprised this Gen-i person is pointing to these devices.

geekiegeek

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#1060377 6-Jun-2014 13:33

freitasm: I am surprised this Gen-i person is pointing to these devices.

Why? If its certified for the Telecom network why not make people aware of them. Or to Telecom have a device of their own?

freitasm

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#1060381 6-Jun-2014 13:35

Because I don't know if this device is Telecom certified - there's a claim in a third party webpage, that's all. I do know 2degrees had a similar device but that was the only one around.

I have contacted Telecom and asked about the status of this certification and will update here when I find out more.

jaidevp

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#1060383 6-Jun-2014 13:39

These are certified for use indoors only, they aren't designed for outdoor use and have no external environment protection.
You will be required to fill out the form on the website which is then sent through to our internal team for approval etc.

jjnz1

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#1060391 6-Jun-2014 14:05

michaelmurfy: I've seen them installed at places but running on 2degrees - they seem to work pretty well.

Are these units reliable? Do they need periodic rebooting?
I am pondering the idea of using one in our holiday house where coverage only exists inside when standing on one leg and holding your tongue!

jaidevp

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#1060393 6-Jun-2014 14:07

freitasm: Because I don't know if this device is Telecom certified - there's a claim in a third party webpage, that's all. I do know 2degrees had a similar device but that was the only one around.

Hi Yes it is certified/approved for use on our mobile network, however customers must follow the application process on the website.

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dolbyjr

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#1060426 6-Jun-2014 15:18

They are designed for indoor use only, but they do have an external antenna connector if your signal is too low indoors.
Mine usually needs a reboot every couple of months, but apart from that it's great.

freitasm

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#1060429 6-Jun-2014 15:24

As above, received confirmation these are available to Telecom customers but for indoor use only and on application.

IronKnight

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#1060440 6-Jun-2014 15:59

I am thinking about a housing for outdoor use.

I'm interested to know how much a Yagi antenna would improve things in very marginal situations and
I'd like to know how far the repeater unit can be from the "window" unit in an outdoor environment?
It use 5ghz wireless from what I read and it'd be nice if it could use external 5ghz wifi units for very extended range as well:)

itey

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#1060464 6-Jun-2014 16:47

It would be nice if they could be offered at a cheaper rate when on contract with telecom - seems bizarre to fork out almost $1k for a product to just receive the service that the monthly fee is towards.

wsnz

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#1061292 8-Jun-2014 15:49

itey: It would be nice if they could be offered at a cheaper rate when on contract with telecom - seems bizarre to fork out almost $1k for a product to just receive the service that the monthly fee is towards.

Exactly!

We live in a new suburb that isn't well serviced by any of the big three Telco's and consequently, parts of our house have zero reception. While I've considered one of these devices, I can't just them at that price and so we'll just have to make do until additional cell towers are erected.

coffeebaron

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#1061295 8-Jun-2014 16:07

So would you rather pay $1000 for your own repeater, or your share of $100-200k+, plus backhaul running costs for the Telco to install in a non viable area?

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oxnsox

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#1061303 8-Jun-2014 16:27

wsnz:
itey: It would be nice if they could be offered at a cheaper rate when on contract with telecom - seems bizarre to fork out almost $1k for a product to just receive the service that the monthly fee is towards.

Exactly!

We live in a new suburb that isn't well serviced by any of the big three Telco's and consequently, parts of our house have zero reception. While I've considered one of these devices, I can't just them at that price and so we'll just have to make do until additional cell towers are erected.

Your new suburb may not be well serviced by public transport, schools, sunshire or a multitude of things. But these things will come... in time.
Meanwhile in your new suburb you've probably access to fibre or VDSL broadband. Imagine living in an old suburb that's well serviced by Telco wireless products but is a long time away from decent internet speeds...
quelle horreur!!!!