Cel-Fi for Telecom New Zealand?

Forums › Spark New Zealand › Cel-Fi for Telecom New Zealand?

IronKnight

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

Topic # 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

Meow
7913 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3935

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 1060366 6-Jun-2014 12:50

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

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
A quick guide to picking the right ISP | The Router Guide | Community UniFi Cloud Controller | Ubiquiti Edgerouter Tutorial

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
61335 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12084

Administrator

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 1060373 6-Jun-2014 13:16

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

Backblaze cloud backup (personal and business) | Geekzone broadband switch | Amazon (Geekzone aff) | MightyApe (Geekzone aff) |

My technology disclosure | Business Transformation | Enterprise Content Management | Customer Relationship Management

geekiegeek

2100 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 367

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 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?

When you live your life on Twitter and Facebook, and are only friends with like minded people on Twitter and Facebook, you are not living in the real world. You are living in a narcissistic echo chamber.

My thoughts are my own and are in no way representative of my employer.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
61335 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12084

Administrator

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 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.

Backblaze cloud backup (personal and business) | Geekzone broadband switch | Amazon (Geekzone aff) | MightyApe (Geekzone aff) |

My technology disclosure | Business Transformation | Enterprise Content Management | Customer Relationship Management

jaidevp

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 49

Trusted

Spark NZ

Reply # 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

1090 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 84

Subscriber

Reply # 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

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 49

Trusted

Spark NZ

Reply # 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.

dolbyjr

30 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 2

Reply # 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

BDFL - Memuneh
61335 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12084

Administrator

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 1060429 6-Jun-2014 15:24

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

Backblaze cloud backup (personal and business) | Geekzone broadband switch | Amazon (Geekzone aff) | MightyApe (Geekzone aff) |

My technology disclosure | Business Transformation | Enterprise Content Management | Customer Relationship Management

IronKnight

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 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

384 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 26

Reply # 1060464 6-Jun-2014 16:47

3 people support this post

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

502 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 119

Reply # 1061292 8-Jun-2014 15:49

One person supports this post

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

5261 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2277

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 1061295 8-Jun-2014 16:07

2 people support this post

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?

Chorus has spent $1.4 billion on making their xDSL broadband network faster. If your still stuck on ADSL or VDSL, why not spend from $150 on a master filter install to make sure you are getting the most out of your connection?
I install - Naked DSL, DSL Master Splitters, VoIP, data cabling and general computer support for home and small business.
Rural Broadband RBI installer for Ultimate Broadband and Full Flavour

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com

oxnsox

1923 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 139

Reply # 1061303 8-Jun-2014 16:27

One person supports this post

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!!!!