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hio77

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#161886 22-Jan-2015 12:59
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So, been having a discussion with a family member over a signal booster he wants to get to 'improve' signal around the house.

I know there are other threads on this awhile back, but just looking for fresh details and moreso directly on the product as i have already had a few discussions over why i think its a bad idea.

The booster in question would be looking at something between a 300~700m range, http://www.mobilephonesignalbooster.co.nz/product/tri-band-mobile-repeaters-all-networks-3g-300sqm/ like so.


Now, its my understanding that atlest for Vodafone, such a product is not allowed Is this still the case?, and only 'certified' products are allowed for spark/2D is this actually a certified product or not?


Reasons for wanting to do this is simply, signal is 'bad'
- VF 2G is noticeably worse than 3G, anyone coming into the house expecting 2G to work wherever they are is pushing their luck.
- VF overall i personally would say reasonable, sitting at my desk ill sit in 1~3 bars most days (4~8mbit speedtests), moving out into the main part of the house ill get 3~5 bars (20~30mbit speedtest). if you would prefer signal levels ill provide them too.
- Spark unless you hold stand on your toes and do a twirl, good luck getting anything of use -> family member has recently changed jobs and had his work phone switched to Spark unfortunately.


Being that it works on 850/1800/2100 i would assume 'boosted' potential would be

Vodafone
-2G 1800mhz (pretty sure its 900mhz we get out here - if anyone knows of a app that actually indicates this, ild love to have a play)
-3G 2100mhz (once again, pretty sure its the 'extended' 900mhz mainly seen here)

So i would assume for 2G its likely not much of an 'advantage' at all.

2Degress would be much the same.

Spark
-850mhz 3G (dont see it being likely that their 2100 would be seen out here)

Given that signal is actually pretty reasonable aside from Spark, Would there not be a pretty likely potential for Interference from a booster like this..





#include <std_disclaimer>

 

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

 

 


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Sounddude
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  #1220054 22-Jan-2015 13:01
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Boosters in this country are illegal under the spectrum management act, as technically you are broadcasting on private frequencies.

its a shame, as too many places with really crap signal.




freitasm
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  #1220085 22-Jan-2015 13:42
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You can either get a certified one from 2degrees or Spark, or move to Vodafone broadband and get a Sure Signal.

Anything else is illegal.




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Dairyxox
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  #1220142 22-Jan-2015 14:47
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Nextricity Cel-FI
T
hese are what we use, they seem to work, but it is difficult to quantify.



johnr
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  #1220153 22-Jan-2015 14:57
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Vodafone Sure Signal units are a 3G 2100Mhz femtocell (small cellsite)

raytaylor
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  #1235979 11-Feb-2015 20:11
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hio77:range, http://www.mobilephonesignalbooster.co.nz/product/tri-band-mobile-repeaters-all-networks-3g-300sqm/



According to their website (which has no physical address, so I had to use a domain whois lookup) they are based in the UK
They also cannot spell "Telecom" correctly, and on the 3rd page refresh of their website, the chat bubble popped up with this automated greeting:

Daniel Says: Hello how are you today? I am here to help you get you the correct mobile signal booster. You can always be cheeky and ask for a discount code. Which networks you looking to boost in your house or office?


Its known that I am not the best with grammar but wow thats bad. It makes me question the quality of the pre and after sales support they provide. 

My suggestion would be
1) They are illegal and will probably get confiscated at the NZ border, and you possibly can get a fine.
2) Occasionally the ones that do get in will turn up on trademe. I would still feel more comfortable buying one from a dodgy radio parts seller on trademe.




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sbiddle
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  #1235993 11-Feb-2015 20:23
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Just be aware if you are using illegal products the RSM will hunt you down and you will be fined - no questions asked. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

There have been plenty of cases of US DECT phones that people have imported that have caused degradation of the Vodafon3 3G network due to the 1900Mhz being used here for the 2100 3G uplink. People have been tracked down and the devices confiscated.



richms
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  #1236016 11-Feb-2015 20:27
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Wow that site is expensive! The whole kit was under 500RMB which is about $120 when I was in china.

They are the norm over there in most restaurants etc.




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lxsw20
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  #1236050 11-Feb-2015 21:10
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sbiddle: Just be aware if you are using illegal products the RSM will hunt you down and you will be fined - no questions asked. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

There have been plenty of cases of US DECT phones that people have imported that have caused degradation of the Vodafon3 3G network due to the 1900Mhz being used here for the 2100 3G uplink. People have been tracked down and the devices confiscated.




Maybe you have bumped into an angry RSM person, but the no questions asked fine is not the case IME. My boss imported a Jabra headset that looks identical and has an identical model number to one we had purchased in NZ. Except it works on a US DECT frequency. RSM did indeed track it down. Told me it couldn't be used in NZ, took some photos of it and told me not to use it again. No device confiscation. 

richms
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  #1236067 11-Feb-2015 21:15
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I really do wish the US would stop going all non standard on their frequancies.




Richard rich.ms

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