Trying better mobile coverage via Yagi antenna

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mattybaba

11 posts

Geek

#311460 17-Jan-2024 12:31

Hi guys.. I have friends that have little coverage around Kaikoura but pick up 4g from RBI tower I assume.. looking to boost their coverage around the base camp, took my Yagi multi band antenna down there but just wondering what the cheapest / best budget option is to extend / grab the signal via antenna and extend over base camp?.. a signal booster plugged in at the other end of antenna cable?.. I have had RBI broadband thru Vodafone before - is it possible to use the Router without a Sim card and just extend the coverage thru that somehow?.. trying not to have to hook up to another plan as such , just better their coverage for their mobiles / use existing phone plans with a better signal.. thanks in advance!

nztim

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#3183109 17-Jan-2024 13:43

Use WiFi Calling.....

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littlehead

214 posts

Master Geek

#3183120 17-Jan-2024 14:21

Wi-Fi calling is the cheapest option if you have broadband and Wi-fi signal already, and they have phones that support Wi-Fi calling.

If that isn't an option then the only legal option to rebroadcast mobile signal is a Cel-Fi unit. This will cost a couple thousand at least, and each unit is for a specific mobile network only. See https://powertec.co.nz/buy-online/cellular-repeaters/

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#3183128 17-Jan-2024 14:39

mattybaba: -

Is it possible to use the Router without a Sim card and just extend the coverage thru that somehow?.. trying not to have to hook up to another plan as such , just better their coverage for their mobiles / use existing phone plans with a better signal.. thanks in advance!

Nope, as mentioned above the only way to do this is via a Cell-fi set up which is $$$,

Wifi calling is probably the easiest solution (if their phones support it).

Get a Yagi and router, set it up and connect it to a wifi AP-

Putting a cheap prepay sim in the router is likely the easiest way to extend voice coverage to the area,

Reanalyse

381 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3183130 17-Jan-2024 14:43

mattybaba: Hi guys.. I have friends that have little coverage around Kaikoura but pick up 4g from RBI tower I assume.. looking to boost their coverage around the base camp, took my Yagi multi band antenna down there but just wondering what the cheapest / best budget option is to extend / grab the signal via antenna and extend over base camp?.. a signal booster plugged in at the other end of antenna cable?.. I have had RBI broadband thru Vodafone before - is it possible to use the Router without a Sim card and just extend the coverage thru that somehow?.. trying not to have to hook up to another plan as such , just better their coverage for their mobiles / use existing phone plans with a better signal.. thanks in advance!

Please be careful with boosting general coverage signals including 4G, especially on the transmit side, as this can cause endless interference issues to other users of the service. And if the Radio Inspectors get involved could ending up costing you massive fines.

SATTV

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#3183188 17-Jan-2024 18:01

If you do get a booster is has to be approved.

https://www.rsm.govt.nz/business-individuals/buying-electrical-and-electronic-products-in-new-zealand/mobile-phone-boosters/

Overseas web sites such as signalbooster.co.nz and mobilebooster.co.nz give the impression of being New Zealand sites, and suggest their products are approved for use in New Zealand by service providers such as:

Spark
One NZ
Skinny
2degrees.

This may not be the case – these products are not approved.

I know enough to be dangerous

coffeebaron

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#3183205 17-Jan-2024 19:09

Yes, as above. I install Cel-Fi professionally and know well how non approved devices can cause havoc to the networks.
Ultimate Broadband do Cel-Fi installs in the south island.

Rural IT and Broadband support.

Broadband troubleshooting and master filter installs.
Starlink installer - one month free: https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-32845-88860-71
Wi-Fi and networking
Cel-Fi supply and installer - boost your mobile phone coverage legally

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