Cell phone service in PSJ?

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Jeff Kaczmarczyk
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:57 pm
Location: Grand Rapids area

Cell phone service in PSJ?

Post by Jeff Kaczmarczyk »

Are there any cell phone carriers that get service in PSJ? I've heard AT&T is good on the island, but I brought a GoPhone up recently and always lost signal heading west out of town on the Donegal Bay Road, somewhere between the library and the campground turn. Thanks!
Gillespie
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Post by Gillespie »

Sometimes you can get a UP signal on the beach Jeff, at Donegal Bay and sometimes at the boat launch at Font Lake, thats about it for the West Side!
Jeff Kaczmarczyk
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:57 pm
Location: Grand Rapids area

Post by Jeff Kaczmarczyk »

Thanks for the tip. I see now that a good 25 people have viewed this, so I'm going to assume from the sound of silence that no one can name a carrier that'll get the job done. It's a bummer, given that the coverage viewer on AT&T's website suggests signal should be at least moderate in most of PSJ.
Gillespie
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Post by Gillespie »

If I am talking on my phone I can make it to the boat launch, if I hang up I cannot reconnect!
Jeff Kaczmarczyk
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Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:57 pm
Location: Grand Rapids area

Post by Jeff Kaczmarczyk »

I've never used one, but I'm familiar with cell phone repeaters that can be installed in a building to boost a weak signal in the immediate vicinity. Unfortunately, I'm told you need at least a weak signal. I had no bars at all, and no bars means just that -- no bars.
lach
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Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:09 pm

Post by lach »

Jeff, I just purchased a house on gull harbor. No cell phone service. I contacted solidsignal.com located in Novi Mich. and purchaced a booster antenna and base that works very good. 30 day return if not happly. Wi-ex zBoost YX510-PCS/cel Dual Band Wireless extender with an YX029 outdoor Bi-Directional antenna YX510 premium kit. $431.36 Hope this will help you.
Jeff Kaczmarczyk
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:57 pm
Location: Grand Rapids area

Post by Jeff Kaczmarczyk »

That would be quite an investment! I'm wondering what provider you're using? Or do you believe any one would work?
lach
Posts: 28
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:09 pm

Post by lach »

Jeff, This unit will work with any carrier both in 800 band, and the new smart phone, 1900 band. If you want cell service at this time, you got to pay the big bucks. Walt
Gillespie
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Post by Gillespie »

Walt, I'm told the signal has to exist in order to extend it, the thing you are talking about can rebroadcast an existing signal right? Is it up and working?
lach
Posts: 28
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:09 pm

Post by lach »

Rich, This unit will take a weak signal, that does not show any bars on my cell phone and boost the signal to a level that I get 3 to 4 bars in and around my house. I have this unit working as we speak. The added booster and dir. ant. is why it costs so much. Walt
Gillespie
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Post by Gillespie »

I have been looking for something like this for my warehouse, phone won't work inside!!
lach
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Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2010 5:09 pm

Post by lach »

Rich, contact soildsignal.com and they will get you the right itiems you need plus 30 day money back. Good Luck
Phyllis Moore
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Location: Beaver Island

Post by Phyllis Moore »

We've had a booster since last summer because we were always having trouble with our cell phones inside the house. It makes a world of difference. Well worth the money.
forrest.powers
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Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:07 am

Post by forrest.powers »

Another possibility for those that already have DSL.

AT&T 3g Microcell: http://www.wireless.att.com/3gmicrocell/
Verizon Range Extender: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/stor ... oFemtocell

These take your cell signal, and send it over the internet to Verizon/Sprint/AT&T/T-Mobiles towers.

With Verizon and AT&T there is a one time fee, after that it just needs a very small piece of your internet bandwidth. AT&T is $150, Verizon is $100.
tomrock
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Post by tomrock »

I just bought one of the AT&T MicroCells yesterday. It works great here in Indianapolis but I haven't tried it on the island yet. I'll bring it with me when I come in July.
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