Cel-Fi cell repeaters

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stevenz

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#130911 2-Oct-2013 13:31

Came across these things which sound useful for those of us in areas of patchy reception, has anyone had any experience with them?

http://cel-fi.co.nz - Local agents are http://www.powertec.co.nz/store/mobile-repeaters.html

The ones "for 2Degrees" are listed as $894, which as it turns out is exclusive of GST although there's no mention of that on the website which is a bit dubious. The same unit in the USA is US$575 (About NZ$800 Incl taxes+fees). Not exactly a small difference assuming there's no actual difference other than the power supply.

It appears they're not certified for Telecom/VF yet which doesn't instill confidence. (No TelePermit, certifications are all either international or US-centric)

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PaulBags

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#906733 2-Oct-2013 21:46

"You have to go to this other site and register your personal details into this cruddy free online database app we used, or you can't buy it."

Either it's not legit, or the business doesn't know how to at least appear to be secure. Either way I'd nope slowly away from this, never taking your eyes off of it.

Sounddude

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#906778 2-Oct-2013 22:51

Would love some comments from the VF guys.

I thought devices like these were illegal under the spectrum management act, as they are broadcasting on restricted frequencies.

Or the telcos have approved their use (seems unlikely though).

freitasm

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#906785 2-Oct-2013 23:02

The only legal one for use with Vodafone is the Sure Signal. Anything else and they can track you down and fine you.

There's a 2degrees "certified" model - but you have to buy that exact model or, again, you're illegal.

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coffeebaron

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#906795 2-Oct-2013 23:04

Yes, 2degrees have approved these. They will only work on their frequencies; i.e. If your try pointing them at a Vodafone tower expecting to roam with your 2dgrees phone, it will not work. They have a lot of smarts to make them network friendly.
There is a device for Telecom and for Vodafone, but neither of these telcos have decided to release approval - yet.
I'm an installer for these, but yet to install one. I think the market is too small for the 2degrees version at this stage. I think I'd be quite busy though if/when Telecom / Vodafone choose to support these.

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#906796 2-Oct-2013 23:05

Interesting they point prospects to a @telecom.nz address in that site...

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#906886 3-Oct-2013 09:08

Got a reply from Telecom saying these are not certified/authorised for use.

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stevenz

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#906902 3-Oct-2013 09:16

Oh well, recrossing fingers for better coverage when LTE kicks in then :)

Apparently TelCo's don't really like them much as they screw up their metrics given multiple units potentially using a single "connection"?

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michaelmurfy

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#915469 15-Oct-2013 15:06

Vodafone has got Sure Signal anyway...

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#915475 15-Oct-2013 15:28

michaelmurfy: Vodafone has got Sure Signal anyway...

Yup, but a Cel-Fi will work without a Vodafone Internet connection.

sbiddle

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#915477 15-Oct-2013 15:30

stevenz: Oh well, recrossing fingers for better coverage when LTE kicks in then :)

Apparently TelCo's don't really like them much as they screw up their metrics given multiple units potentially using a single "connection"?

It's nothing to do with "metrics". It's the fact these devices transmit on their licenced frequencies and a super sensitive MHA can simply see them as noise which can inhibit network performance.

LTE won't do anything for coverage.

johnr

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#915478 15-Oct-2013 15:31

Behodar:
michaelmurfy: Vodafone has got Sure Signal anyway...

Yup, but a Cel-Fi will work without a Vodafone Internet connection.

Sure Signal does not require a outside signal to work

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Shoes2468

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#915482 15-Oct-2013 15:45

johnr:
Behodar:
michaelmurfy: Vodafone has got Sure Signal anyway...

Yup, but a Cel-Fi will work without a Vodafone Internet connection.

Sure Signal does not require a outside signal to work

that's good if you're in an area where you don't have any or a poor signal but you can get fixed line broadband(aka urban dead spots) but if you are rural/ have a batch etc where fixed line broadband is not available but patchy signal is, then I see why a Cel-fi would be great shame we don't have the option