Expert: DebiN - 9/2/2009

Question
Hi,
I just read your reply to a question about cell phone reception in Santa Maria, California...zip code 93455.  We have the same problem (we have ATT and two iPhones, one the original model and one 3gs), and have installed a zBoost device to increase the strength of signal reception from cell towers, with poor results.

I have read quite a few articles online about this issue, and feel that someone with the right expertise can solve this problem for us and we could have good cell phone performance in hour home.  After such limited success with my own attempt to fix the problem, I'd prefer to have someone with training and experience install an antenna for us.  

The problem is, I have not been able to find such a person.  Do you know of a company or person in this area who does this sort of installation?  If not, how do I find someone who can help us?

Best Regards,

Patrick

Answer
I'm afraid that it is not legal to install a booster to enhance your cell signal. What businesses do when they have a weak signal is to contract with the carrier (AT&T in this case) and they actually pay AT&T to put in a system in their building. It may use repeaters and may actually have a base station. Depending on the building size and distance from the nearest cell tower, an in house system like this can cost anywhere from a couple thousand dollars to over $150,000. None of the carriers allow repeaters and whatever you can purchase is very low capacity repeaters or antennas. So if what you have isn't working, I'm afraid that regardless of who installs it, it won't work. The trick to installation is to locate the component that gets the cell signal in an area where the signal is the strongest and then to put the cable that comes with it to the area where you need coverage. If there is nowhere that the signal is strong, you can't use this type of device. If I were you, I would contact AT&T to find out where the closest tower is and if there is any way that they can have a technician look at the tower to see how the antenna is pointed and perhaps make a change so that you have coverage. You will need to get past customer service and get them to open a trouble ticket for you and have them transfer you to an engineer. It may be tough, but it's worth a try. Good luck and I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN