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Sarahsmiles · 08-27-2010, 07:00 PM

This may seem like such a crazy problem to NOT be able to resolve but I'm just not getting it if there IS a solution. I am having HORRIBLE reception in my new place. I am thinking that I am just stuck with the situation but if anyone has any ideas for me to try, I would be so grateful!

Here's the deal...I have Sprint...which is a big part of the problem right there, I'm sure. I also have a Google Voice number so when the number is called, it is forwarded to my cell phone. I don't know if that could be affecting my situation but has actually come in handy as I have been able to retrieve transcribed voice mails and texts online because of it. My calls are dropped and I have not found a "safe place" to stand in order to avoid that. When someone calls me, the phone usually doesn't even ring on my end.

This is obviously frustrating to me and my clients and is also affecting my biz. Could it be that a better phone would help? My current one is not crappy at all but just a question? ANY IDEAS that someone can offer?? I'm not expecting much as it is what it is but certainly can't hurt to ask!

Thanks,
Sarah

GneissGuy · 08-27-2010, 07:52 PM

It's possible that a different cell phone may work better even with Sprint. It's not necessarily a "better" cell phone. The manufacturers are concentrating more and more on fancy features, small phones, no antennas sticking out, etc. They're not concentrating on good reception. Another phone, perhaps even an "old" simply phone may be better, it may be worse.

Changing carriers is more likely to have an effect. You might ask some of your neighbors, clients or friends how their cell phone works at your location and what carrier they have.

Different carriers will have different towers to use, although some carriers share towers and systems with each other. They may also use different technical systems and frequencies that affect coverage.

Guest031411-2 · 08-27-2010, 09:48 PM

yep, GG is right, I switched from Verizon to AT&T simply because my personal phone (Verizon) always dropped calls around my route to and from work and around my neighborhood....my work phone (AT&T) never dropped calls. Interesting as now my AT&T personal phone does drop calls in areas where my work (Verizon) phone doesn't....can't win with cell phone companies LOL

Rand Al'Thor · 08-27-2010, 10:12 PM

If you're in a newly built place with good insulation, that might explain part of the problem. Newer building materials like TekShield tend to block a lot of wireless signals, and Sprint is more vulnerable than most carriers because they operate on a higher frequency and their signals have lower penetrating power.

What you have to find out is if it truly is bad coverage in your area or in your place. If it's in your area, changing provider will probably have the best impact. If it's your new place, then you may want to test other carriers - friends who are on AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon - in your place.

If you're attached to the place and carrier, you can always look into signal booster/repeaters, but they tend to be a bit pricey - $2-400.

GneissGuy · 08-27-2010, 11:14 PM

Some phones will take an external antenna, but that's getting more and more rare.

HOOK'EM · 08-27-2010, 11:29 PM

Dearest Sarah,

Our company has Sprint and we've had the same problem for years. Finally, we called and told them we would change carriers if they couldn't remedy our problem. They sent out some type of booster and it works great. I would call them and see if they would do the same for you. Couldn't hurt. Good Luck, HOOK'EM

not me · 08-28-2010, 12:45 PM

this is the sprint airwave (it's a personal cell tower). This will solve your problem.

Sprint AIRAVE $99.99

Like having your own mini cell tower
Forget about low bars and spotty coverage. Create your own cell site in your home or office for enhanced wireless service--up to 5,000 square feet. This winner of the 2008 PC World 25 Most Innovative Products Award works with any Sprint phone and installs in minutes.

GneissGuy · 08-28-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by not me

this is the sprint airwave (it's a personal cell tower). This will solve your problem.

Sprint AIRAVE $99.99

Like having your own mini cell tower
Forget about low bars and spotty coverage. Create your own cell site in your home or office for enhanced wireless service--up to 5,000 square feet. This winner of the 2008 PC World 25 Most Innovative Products Award works with any Sprint phone and installs in minutes.

Plus they scam you for another $5 a month plus other charges to make up for their crappy network. Plus you have to have a separate internet connection.

Rand Al'Thor · 08-28-2010, 04:59 PM

Here you go, no need for separate internet connection, and no monthly fees.

http://www.repeaterstore.com/product...oost-1900.html

winemaker · 08-28-2010, 05:25 PM

Most of Austin using AT&T is using GSM 850 band, so the 1900 repeater won't really help, unless you have T-Mobile, which uses 1900 primarily. AT&T will fall back to 1900, only if there is no 850 slot in the cell tower available.

Rand Al'Thor · 08-28-2010, 05:28 PM

She said she's currently on Sprint, they are on 1900. If another frequency is needed, they have others.

winemaker · 08-28-2010, 05:32 PM

Check your sim card. Primary / preferred route is 850. Backup is 1900. there aren't many 1900 towers in Austin.

Rand Al'Thor · 08-28-2010, 05:34 PM

Sprint does not use sim cards.

CaseyTaylor · 08-28-2010, 10:29 PM

This product is inexpensive at $50 and if you understand its limitations it will probably work for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Exten.../dp/B000QJ4Y5W

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars It works but you need to be close..., June 16, 2008

This review is from: Wireless Extenders YX-300 zBoost zPersonal Dual Band Cell Phone Signal Booster for a Single User (Wireless) (Wireless Phone Accessory)
once i figured out the black antenna goes near the phone and the white receiver box goes in the window it was working perfectly. If there were some better instructions i should have known that, but the picture on the manufacturer web pages confused me.

Red light means the antenna is to close to the receiver. Green light means is sitting idle and ready for a call. Flashing green light means you are on a call and it is handling the connection. If you move away the light goes solid green and cell signal drops, moving closer again the signal comes back and the light begins flashing again. This is what i have experienced and hopefully it helps...

Sarahsmiles · 08-29-2010, 10:44 AM

Thanks so much! I am checking into all of these options and will go from there. I like the idea of calling Sprint to complain and see if they will just send me one...can't hurt. I didn't even know about those other options so will figure out what's best for me.

I had a friend also suggest that I have the Google Voice calls forwarded to my land line (make sure it says private caller, of course) so that can help for now, until I can get this problem resolved.

Thanks SO much for your replies!

Sarah