Cellphone Signal Boost?

Michael:

Back in 2007-2008, I added a Verizon Wireless USB modem to our boat, we plugged this into a Cradlepoint EVDO cell and ethernet router. This allowed our boat to be online via Verizon cell and we ran this from Maine to Key West several times. Radeen and I even worked through 45 graduate credits via Drexel University and they then new, online masters degree program. What we found was that this cellular approach really worked well. We did add a Wilson antenna outside on the bimini frame that ran down and plugged into the USB cellular modem. This enhanced our signal. NOTE: In technology 2007-2008 was a long time ago, and today we are finding that cellular is still a great way to go. Lucky for us, we have an unlimited Verizon cell account. I dropped this USB modem when I discovered the PDAnet app which allows us to hotspot our phones. With that, I had no need for the USB modem.

Today, I too am looking back into a new system that will boost my cell signal. All this gear is made by WILSON ELECTRONICS, which now is the web site WeBoost.com
www.weboost.com/us/

This gear is not cheap, but since I use cellular in the US and also in the Bahamas on the BTC Bahamas network, I think the best way to go is with a cellular cradle boost system. This is one where you simply drop your cell phone into a cradle and give the cradle power and plug in an external antenna, and your are good to go. For the boat, this seems like a really easy way to go.

The one I am looking at is this one:
store.weboost.com/products/drive-4gs


Then to get a better antenna, I would look into and read up on the 3Gstore.com and 4Gstore.com, the same company. These people really have the gear for cell signal boosting. You can buy everything you need from the 3gstore. The cell antenna I am looking into is a 3G/4G anteann called a SureCell, it can be found here:
3gstore.com/product/3047_3g4g-full-band-...or-omni-antenna.html


The problem you will find is the issue with cell boosters working in the 3G vs 4G signal. The one you are looking into, I think only does 3G. Most of what we are all using today in the USA is 4G, but then again, when you sail to the Bahamas, they are still using 3G and slowly moving into 4G.

What I will buy will be a 3G / 4G antenna and 3G / 4G cell booster. If this can be bought, then you can cover all areas.

NOTE:
With our old rig, and the wilson antenna, we could connect offshore NJ and NY to 8-9 miles. I could never find an area that we could not connect. It is really amazing.

Our latest trip into the Bahamas, (#4) 2014-2015, I discovered that the BTC Bahamas cell service was far better than any WiFi I connected to. I bought all three services again to compare, WiMax vs OII vs BTC cell, and cell was booming this year. Next year, I will not use WiFi, but rather I will use only BTC cell service which is why I too am looking into cell signal boosters.

Any one else? Are you using a cell booster? What have you found?

Hayden....on Verizon cell, via PDAnet+ and my home network. No wired internet here!

HISTORY:
2007, here is our blog post while online on anchor in Block Island RI doing grad school via Verizon Cell and a 3G router and USB modem!
islandspirit35.blogspot.com/2007/07/broa...-network-aboard.html

LOOKS LIKE IT DOES 3G 4G and all frequencies:

weBoost Drive 4G-S Cell Phone/Hotspot Cradle Signal Booster - 470107
[700/800/1900/1700/2100mhz] -

SPECS:
Compatibility: This amplifier supports 700mhz/800mhz/1700mhz/1900mhz/2100mhz networks (which includes most 2G, 3G, and 4G providers in the US). Supported carriers/networks include:
Verizon 2G/3G/4G/AWS
Sprint 2G/3G/4G LTE (NOT 4G WiMAX)
AT&T 2G/3G/4G/LTE
US Cellular 2G/3G/4G
Datajack and Virgin Mobile 3G
T-Mobile 2G/3G/4G
MetroPCS 3G/4G
Does NOT work with WiMAX (Sprint/CLEAR 4G) or Nextel/I-Den
For other carriers, confirm which frequency your provider is using and make sure this antenna supports it before purchasing! Contact us if you need any assistance.
3gstore.com/product/5656_weboost-drive-4...-booster-470107.html

John:

I looked over your link, and I did not see anything that would be better that the WeBoost Cradle I linked above. I have just returned from 3 months in the Bahamas and used the WeBoost with very good results. For $200 and an omni antenna outside it worked great. All the items on your link look way too expensive.

Hayden

Bill
I could not get BTC in Warderick Wells from the boat. If I went up to Boo Boo Hill then I could reach BTC from there. ..I could get BTC in Cambridge Cay.

If I had the cell antenna up the mast rather than on the bimini frame, then I bet I could get BTC cell in Warderick Wells.

Overall, this system works very well.

Hayden