The legal ways to boost your mobile phone reception
Posted on 14 May 2010 at 10:24
Paul Ockenden explains how to beat a mobile deadspot without breaking the law
The way UMA works is brilliantly simple: if you have a suitable phone and it has a Wi-Fi connection (via any provider, not just Orange broadband), your calls will be routed over the wireless network instead. The phone normally gives priority to UMA traffic, so dialled calls will go out over your broadband connection, although you’re able to change the preferred network if needed. If you’re an Orange customer who lives or works where there’s weak mobile reception, UMA is a great option, and it’s free apart from the cost of the call, which goes onto your mobile bill as normal.
Another option currently being trialled in the UK by T-Mobile – which hasn’t launched yet – employs a device called Cel-Fi from Nextivity. I shouldn’t really compare this to those illegal mobile phone repeaters, but in simplistic terms that’s what it does: a unit installed in your loft (or wherever you get maximum signal) locks onto the signal from a particular network and transmits it wirelessly to a unit in your main living/working space.
Your phone instantly sees a five-bar connection, and since the kit is supplied by – and locked down by – the mobile network, it’s legal to use in the UK
It employs a very short-range transceiver operating in the normal mobile frequency band, so your phone instantly sees a five-bar connection, and since the kit is supplied by – and locked down by – the mobile network, it’s legal to use in the UK.
Finally, and perhaps most interestingly, there’s a device known as a “femtocell” available from Vodafone. This used to be called the Vodafone Access Gateway, but has recently been re-branded with the more market-friendly name of Sure Signal.
At its heart it employs UMA technology, but unlike Orange’s system it doesn’t require a special handset or Wi-Fi. Plug the unit into your network – probably your broadband for home and SME users – and it presents itself as a miniature 3G mast that will work only with pre-registered phones (controlled via a web interface), so your neighbours can’t make calls over your connection. You can sit in the deepest basement in the middle of nowhere and Sure Signal will give you a solid 3G connection you can use for both voice calls and data. Although it’s probably prohibited by all kinds of laws and Ts&Cs, I reckon it may also work if you took it abroad with you.
There you have it, three very different options from three of the major UK networks, each with its own strengths: with UMA there’s nothing else to buy or install, it just works; the Nextivity repeater is like a souped-up version of those illegal gadgets you find on eBay, only better designed and legal to use in the UK; and finally, Vodafone’s Sure Signal box can be used with any (Vodafone) 3G phone – even in places where there’s no mobile signal at all. The main benefit with all three is that you don’t need to change your mobile number, which is really important in a business environment.
I’m going to give them all a thorough workout and report back in a few months’ time. In the meantime, if any of you are using UMA, femtocells or legal repeaters, please let me know how you’re getting on, and of any tips or tricks I can pass on to readers of this column. And if you currently use an illegal repeater or booster, keep an eye out for men in uniform...
Download a year of Paul Ockenden's Mobile & Wireless columns by heading to our Free Downloads site
From around the web
Another Way
Equally simple and the most reliable is to switch on call-forwarding to your land-line!
Did you enquire if it was possible to actually get a licence for a re-transmitter?
Regards
Arni Highfield
By rahighfield on 15 May 2010 ![]()
Switching to your landline is fine for calls, but phones are about so much more than voice these days: text, IM, emails, data...
And yes, Ofcom repeated their line that "only the mobile network operators are licensed to use equipment that transmits in these bands".
By PaulOckenden on 15 May 2010 ![]()
Another Way
How about a passive repeater? Basically this is consists of two high gain antennas linked, one pointing to the base station and the other to the are of poor reception. There would be no issue with regulatory authorities as there are no active components that may introduce spurious signals or in any other way break the protocol.
By noddy14 on 16 May 2010 ![]()
@noddy14
Some services do place a limit of an effective radiated power (ERP) which places a limit on directional antennas.
By DrTeeth on 16 May 2010 ![]()
No chance of this happening even if the phone is placed within the near field of antenna. The path loss is simply too large.
By noddy14 on 16 May 2010 ![]()
Vodafone Femtocell
We use one at work and it works most of the time but every now and again (eg this morning) loses contact with the VF Servers or whatever it connects to. It seems to take forever to "logon" to its remote service; the Ethernet port flashes orange every so many seconds and that's it. There's no way of knowing what's going on apart from the status lights on the box itself.
Some form of GUI would be useful if only to see what the link status is like. Without that there is no way the end user can help get rid of, probably, bugs in the firmware/software on the device.
I think these boxes are a work in progress.
The administrator options on the VF website are not 100% robust. I set myself up as an administrator of the device at my home email address. When I try and accept the registration from home it fails with some obscure message. I tried VF customer support but they weren't any help.
All in all it works but is flaky at times.
By Stocomm on 20 May 2010 ![]()
Wrong Nokia?
You got me excitedly digging out my old Nokia 6310i which doesn't have UMA. I guess you meant the 6301?
By BruceCk on 20 May 2010 ![]()
Yes, sorry, slip of the pixels there...
By PaulOckenden on 20 May 2010 ![]()
Testing Nextivity Celfi
We are testing the nextivity celfi for T-Mobile in 2 locations and the results have been great. We also have a femtocel provided by T-Mobile last year and this is really good, never had a problem yet (although only 2G)
By chasdrury on 7 Jun 2010 ![]()
Are the possible new systems only signle provider
Do any of the systems you mention work for all providers? Looking for something for our home as have virtual no signal but providers used are Orange, TMobile, 02 and Vodafone.
By Leonie50 on 10 Oct 2010 ![]()
No Other Option
I have tried everything to boost mobile signal. I have contacted O2 and they have given me written confirmation to use a Mobile repeater as they cannot get a decent signal into the property go to your network and ask for permission as they are the license holder! I brought one from http://www.mobilerepeatershop.com it was the cheapest on the net I cannot live without it.
By helpishere on 30 Jun 2011 ![]()
Years ago I had a mobile phone booster for my car (provided by the company). It was brilliant for picking up reception where the signal strength was poor. Presumably these were legal, but can you get them today?
By Netleyman on 12 Jul 2011 ![]()
Legal use
According to Myamplifiers.com their product is legal in the UK.
"Dear Sir, we have all CE and RoHs. Yes, they are legal.
If you have any questions, please, don't hesitate to ask them"
Who's breaking the law if I use one?
By DavidRoster on 22 Aug 2011 ![]()
Illegal to USE
Which would you rather believe, an email from a shop selling these things or a statement on the Regulator's website?
Lots of companies selling these things claim they are legal. But they would, wouldn't they!
By PaulOckenden on 22 Aug 2011 ![]()
External Aerial for Weak Signal
Why not an antenna in/on the roof down to blue tooth phone with an aerial socket.Link another phone/headset. Thus lose the land line. Can you get a blue tooth box with a gsm wifi output so as to run the internet as well or would that be too slow?
By lugifust on 2 Sep 2011 ![]()
External Aerial for Weak Signal
Why not an antenna in/on the roof down to blue tooth phone with an aerial socket.Link another phone/headset. Thus lose the land line. Can you get a blue tooth box with a gsm wifi output so as to run the internet as well or would that be too slow?
By lugifust on 2 Sep 2011 ![]()
Mobile phone signal Boosters
The best way to boost the phone signal is with a mobile signal booster from www.phonesignal.co.uk
We have a selection of repeaters for small offices to warehouses
By wwwphonesignalcouk on 19 Sep 2011 ![]()
Does your website mention that active boosters are illegal to use? I can't see that anywhere.
By PaulOckenden on 19 Sep 2011 ![]()
Nextivity Ce-Fi -3G mobile signal booster
Have a look at the Cel-Fi RS2 by Nextivity. It can boost it to 5 bars. No internet connection is required or service fees added on. Just a little bit of 3G signal strength and Cel-Fi system will bring quick downloads, effortless video streaming and internet surfing, and improved voice coverage throughout the building. Frequency Telecom is about to start distribution http://www.frequencytelecom.co.uk/nextivity in the UK and there is a consumer website coming up soon www.cel-fi.co.uk . We have one in the office (reception at our place is really bad)and it's great!
By sk00007 on 19 Sep 2011 ![]()
How many people have been prosecuted?
Any ideas? Is this something one could ask under FOI act? I suspect if any have, they have been taking the mickey with a badly installed or very 'noisy' system that has attracted the attention of neighbours and therefore the radio police (DTI or w/e it's called theses days). After all, as I understand it the network just sees another mobile phone - nothing to say it is a repeater.... so how is anyone going to know? This also rather suggests that there isn't any technical issue in using the better designed repeater systems in the first place - just the networks and G'ment protecting their interests (understandably). MW
By martinw1nlow on 1 Oct 2011 ![]()
Nextivity Ce-Fi -3G mobile signal booster
looks like the solution I need for home. How likely is this to be licensed for other networks?
By Flatpack on 7 Oct 2011 ![]()
Cel-Fi from Nextivity
@Flatpack Cel-Fi has officially been approved by Orange and T-Mobile and is compatible with O2. We are currently in discussions with O2 and 3, so fingers crossed it is soon available for these networks as well. If you have any questions have a look at the official UK website www.cel-fi.co.uk as it's live now :)
By sk00007 on 16 Nov 2011 ![]()
@sk00007 that really is great news. i'm very grateful for all your efforts.
By khumu on 5 Dec 2011 ![]()
Using GSM/UMTS repeaters
It may well be frowned upon but there is simply not a hope in hell of prosecution be brought against anyone for using a small 1-2 watt output KU band transciever, which is what such a device is. 3 UK actually use these devices and offer them to their customers should their 3g signal at home be weak, i should know, i have one! Transmitting gsm data at up to 10w,propagated via an antenna all eminating from a box nailed to a wall, has been commonplace for years in alarm system set-ups...in fact, by their very nature, every mobile phone in existence redistributes gsm (or whatever) data packets. So such a uniform law is daft and no-one who suffers poor 2g/3g reception should bother about anything the DTI legislates for. Unless you build a repeater that hinders,restricts or alters existing digital packets communication, you have nothing to concern yourself with...fm transmitters are by similar definition illegal too..but they are widely used and have been for years without anyone succumbing to prosecition...only radio pirates fall foul of the law and it's because they operate at much higher wattage (output power) than the wee device you plug into your ipod...it's all about legal and practical perspective. Your 2/3g repeater is perfectly safe, and tacitly legal to use. I'll say it again, if you need such a device, buy one, i would suggest a chinese import via ebay...you'll pay a fraction what another poster is selling them at and probably a better product with a better aerial and whatever. And no, im not nuts and im not Chinese. Just happens thats where they are manufactured and you pay a LOT less buying from HK via a reputable ebay trader.
By tommyd on 30 Dec 2011 ![]()
@tommyd
Yes, Three sometimes provides customers with repeaters. As do the other mobile networks. They are allowed to! You say that repeaters are "tacitly legal to use" - sorry, but that's just utter tosh. If the authorities turn a blind eye to these things, as you appear to be suggesting, why does Ofcom go to great lengths to specifically mention them and the penalties for using them on its website?
There ARE legal alternatives, as I've covered over several columns in PC Pro. You be bonkers to risk running an illegally imported repeater, and it's really silly to advise others to do so.
By PaulOckenden on 30 Dec 2011 ![]()
PaulOckenden
Hi Paul, thanks for your reply, however, the so-called legal alternatives you mention are either devices that switch to a land line based wi/fi network should the 3g signal become so weak, or passive repeaters (which are completely useless) But what if you dont have a land line and a wi/fi set-up? Your suggestions are null and void and, for some odd reason, you seem intent on pointing folk towards land lines and wi/fi set-ups. I am advocating for those who only want 3g access and do not wish for a land line based set-up, in which case a 3g repeater is an absolute must. Assuming there is at least a hint of signal, a decent 3g repeater will suffice lovely. It is not 'bonkers' to risk anything of the sort as the DTI couldnt care less for anyone using a 3g repeater, how on earth could 3 UK, Vodaphone, O2 and a plethora of BSI accredited alarm system manufacturers sell and operate all their microwave band transceiver equipment?? I can tell you that there has never been an instance in UK law, EU law or international criminal action brought on any individual, company or organisation relating to radio transmission anywhere on the planet in relation to 3g repeaters. That is an absolute fact. Like i said, the DTI legislates by way of umbrella laws but there is room for common sense and 3g repeaters are indeed that...if they werent, you could surely quote examples of succesful prosecutions. You couldnt though, because there are no such instances and never will be, unless some clown were to construct the 3g equivalent of a pirate radio station..i'll say it again, 3g repeaters are not just safe to use, they are also a requirement for many and scare stories about the DTI are just way of the mark.
By tommyd on 30 Dec 2011 ![]()
RE: Paul
To put it another way...the legalities of the telecomunications act and any other legislation of that ilk should be observed, of course they have to be but such laws, in the case of 3g repeaters, would only be in contention if a person (and their device) were to cause an obvious problem to others, which could only be achieved by deliberate malice, not to mention an incredible grasp of electronics, rf microwave use and radio principles...to somehow construct a device that would inhibit or corrupt data transmission. We really are talking something else, yes, akin to the FM pirates. All the orgs (3 UK, Vodaphone etc) could not use such equipment if the DTI had issue with such. That is my point and if anyone is concerned about the DTI and their legislation, well, if it's good enough for such companies as i mention...it's good enough for us all.
By tommyd on 30 Dec 2011 ![]()
one more thing...
...excuse the 3 part post..you mention that 3 UK are 'allowed to' use such equipment. Yes, they are and WITHOUT any sort of broadcast license! Broadcast licenses for reserved airspace, for any frequency, are protected by UK legislation, however in practise, prosecution would only be used if an individual and their device were to broadcast in such a manner that would cause harm to existing radio traffic. Yes, like you say, 3 UK are allowed to, and by giving me such a device, such privelage extends to me personaly, for use at my home, NOT at a DTI licensed cell-site of 3 UK. You see what i'm getting at here?? What on earth makes the brand on the unit, or who provided it, questionable in any way?? If it does the same thing as what 3 Uk's device does, then what exactly is the problem?? On such grounds, the DTI wouldnt have a case going after anyone for using an off-the-shelve 3g repeater. Thats an absolute fact. tommy
By tommyd on 31 Dec 2011 ![]()
Not enough time or space to answer all of that, but...
Not all of the devices I've written about using Wi-Fi or are passive repeaters. So I presume you don't actually read PC Pro? The Cel-Fi for example, or Virgin's SureSignal.
It's an interesting defence to say that it's OK to break laws if you won't get seen doing it. I must remember that next time I'm at a red traffic light and there's no policeman in sight.
As for 3, it is the holder of a licence to transmit in the particular bands (nothing to do with broadcast, by the way).
I'm always nervous about replying to posts which are full of inaccuracies but which end with "Thats an absolute fact". Sorry, just because you say something is true/legal/whatever doesn't make it so.
By PaulOckenden on 31 Dec 2011 ![]()
RE: Paul
Sorry for the amount of posts, tiredness...anyways...You are right, I don't read PC Pro and had stumbled across this page however i did read your suggestions and unless i am missing something, none of them cater for a 3g only solution. Perhaps you forgot to mention the device you had in mind when uploading the article?? There are no 3g only devices in your article. As for inaccuracies? I am just not overly-pedantic, which is what you are and it is yourself that fails to grasp how law actually works in practise if you really believe some person with a 3g repeater, bought from ebay, will somehow succumb to prosecution from the DTI for using it in their house. It has never happened anywhere and never will. Now, if you dispute that, then give, at least, one single example of a succesful prosecution. Now, we can all be pedantic observers of DTI regulations and suffer no 3g or we can apply common sense and use a repeater. You fail to realise that the laws relating to ALL radio transmissions (yes, GSM packets, 3g packets too)is intended to both mantain and protect particular frequencies from being 'swamped' by unlicensed transmissions and other such rogue practise, NOT to waste tens of thousands of pounds(perhaps more) to bring a home based 3g user using a repeater to the civil or criminal courts. It is technically illegal to walk across the road without using the green man, but...I understand you don't want to contradict the DTI, being that you hold such office at such publication as Pc Pro but dont force your own peculiar agenda onto others. I would also be quite certain most of the UK public would feel the same.
By tommyd on 31 Dec 2011 ![]()
Re: Using GSM/UMTS repeaters
@tommyd, leaving aside any questions of legality which I'm personally happy to risk, can you help with a couple of questions relating to your 30 December posting.
1. how/where did get hold of a repeater from 3UK? I'm a customer of theirs and can find nothing regarding such a device. I've trawled their website, phoned cs and sales and visited the flagship Westfield store and no one could help. I can't even find a history of them being previously available thru the normal second hand channels.
2. you mention repeaters being available on ebay direct from HK at a fraction of cost elsewhere, could you say what a good price would be (for a 2100MHZ device) as the stuff I found on ebay was more expensive than uk/eu webstores I saw
By AlexiR on 7 Jan 2012 ![]()
The CB fiasco all over again?
I remember when 27MHz CB radio was initially banned in the UK. This didn't stop hundreds of CB shops opening in the UK selling the things!
Yes, a few people with bad rigs and huge masts got prosecuted. But only because they got stupid.
So I say, set up a system where there is a list of approved units and apply to a central address for a legal user license.
(I expect in the following months one of the UK phone providers will be selling the cel-Fi or equiv. in their shops and soon all the other carriers will come forward).
Heck the government want us to spend money to get over the current money crisis don't they?
By quatermass on 11 Jan 2012 ![]()
Ofcom
It's worth noting that Ofcom has updated the advice on its website since the original article above was published. Please see http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-l
icences/mobile-wireless-broadband/cellular-wireles
s-broadband/policy-and-background/repeaters-booste
rs/
P.
By PaulOckenden on 12 Jan 2012 ![]()
RE: Alexi R
Hi there Alexi, sorry for not replying sooner, too much work and all that. Anyways...The 3 device was not from 3 UK but instead from 3 Ireland and from all the stickers emblazoned on it, seems it had been previously used but it works ok. I got it due to some being available as trial units via my work. However i have since modified it to some extent, to increase the incoming signal strength, not (and this is important) to increase it's transmitted output. It is indeed a sort of Frankenstein affair but works fine. I live in a heavily urbanised and built up with tenements part of Glasgow (which could be anywhere here really...) so 3 in partiular has a tough time passing it's higher frequencies through such areas and their structures. However, i also know 3 UK are to provide such devices to their UK customers, and very soon too (late jan/beginning of feb according to 3 UK) and there is a website that you can lodge a complaint (of sorts..) regarding your providers coverage in your post code area, you give details and someone from 3 UK will actually call you, the next working day, and explain 3 UK's plans re these devices and if you are contract, will be told to wait till they are available and you will get one. It is a wee bit difficult having conversation it has to be said as they are based in India but persevere! Units from Ebay? If you can mount a yagi antenna outside, then by all means, i'd def suggest such a unit that has a yagi aerial, a decent (60db+) repeater/booster unit complete with an indoor antenna, as a complate package and such can be acquired for less than £150.00 inc postage from HK or mainland China. These units might take a bit of more messing about with but the performance increase is worth it by miles. I personaly never tried such a set-up but heard only good things from them and with a yagi aerial as a reciever, if it's aimed properly then you will be in shock at the difference, of course, you must be in sight of at least some signal remember. And yes, quatermass. Exactly like CB and i remember folk having aerials the size of 30 story tower blocks...on top of their cars!! Yep, it's about disturbing others via rogue radio transmission and with CB radio, if did sensibly, there will never be an issue.
By tommyd on 13 Jan 2012 ![]()
Hi Paul
From the DTI website..
1.That the equipment is CE marked, indicating that the manufacturer has declared it complies with all relevant EU regulatory requirements, including the Radio equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive;
2. That the use of the equipment is specifically authorised in the UK, either via a licence or by regulations made by Ofcom to exempt the use from licensing
Now, from the above it does leave the DTI somewhat screwed re taking criminal (they mention criminal as opposed to civil) action as apparently a CE sticker on it exhonerates. That is extremely precarious if it's supposed to inhibit personal use of a repeater, as it is promoting such use and the legalities and indeed the actual confidence of a CE sticker mean zilch now (breast implants??!) Personaly and as someone who worked in the electronic sector for a long time, CE certification counts for nothing and isnt worth the wee sticky label it's emblazoned on (unlike the BSI which actually did mean quality) That's my rant at EU standards! But nonetheless, it does appear Ofcom are succumbing to a more rational point of view. I will say this, if a repeater is bastardised to transmit at output in excess of 5 watt, then it should be illegal, and having a high power (yes, even at >5 watt) microwave transmitter somewhere in your house would be inviting serious health problems! So there are other concerns too but i certainly stand by all i said regarding these units and for 3g only broadband users, they are essential. When i advise Chinese imports via Ebay, i mean units that operate at the same levels as 'known branded' types and share same technical specs, which means pretty much anything but research fully. You dont have to know the complexities to the nth degree, but enough to understand what will work for you.
By tommyd on 13 Jan 2012 ![]()
@tommyd
Thanks for the feedback, my situation seems similar to yours; urban location but too many walls for a 2100Mhz signal to penetrate I checked some Irish sites for info on a 3.ie booster and came across something from Nextivity, is this what you have? http://nextivityinc.com/products. If Three will be offering these soon then I'll certainly take one but after many calls patiently explaining myself no one there seems to have any knowledge of such a product
By AlexiR on 13 Jan 2012 ![]()
RE AlexiR
Yes Alexi, it is indeed a Nextivity manufactured unit. For some odd reason, the original branding had been covered by labels belonging to a small comms company, who do work for 3 in the Irish Republic seemingly. But the unit had been in the wars, it wasnt new and i admit, when i enquired about the signal to 3 UK being weak, i was fishing for a new unit:) i told the chap i had a 3 repeater already but had to return it as it was being loaned to me...the 3 rep was a bit flabbergasted and told me to switch it off and return it to an address of 3. I hung up! A few weeks later, i found a website that allowed me to enter some details and i was astounded when the next day, someone from 3 UK contacted me, heard my problem (i kept quiet about my device!) and passed on my issue, i was called later that day (all from India) and asked what i would like to do as they had no plans to upgrade the local cell-sites. They were basicaly asking if i wanted to be freed from the contract..i think..but i asked if they could give me a repeater, the chap went away, came back a few moments later and said 3 had no such units at that time but should have then by the end of jan/beg of feb, i cannot vouch for his sincerity but he certainly knew what i was talking about and 3 would give me a unit, though i would have to call again at a later time and ask as he couldnt put a to-do note on my account. So, 3 UK will supply you with a repeater, i don't know the terms but hopefully will soon. I wish i had the web address of the site i registered poor reception but shouldnt take too long to find as i stumbled across it myself.
By tommyd on 13 Jan 2012 ![]()
It's the Nextivity device I wrote about in the original article! UK distributor is http://www.cel-fi.co.uk/
By PaulOckenden on 13 Jan 2012 ![]()
@tommyd
The main point with the legal (network supplied) repeaters is that they are network specific. They'll only work on the frequencies allocated to that particular network (and on which that network has the rights to broadcast). The eBay style repeaters work across the whole band, and typically spew out all kinds of mush and harmonics. Try using an AM radio next to one. Then do the same with a Nextivity box.
By PaulOckenden on 13 Jan 2012 ![]()
RE Alexi
I think this was the page i used...https://www.three.co.uk/Support/Signal_and_
Coverage/Feedback
By tommyd on 14 Jan 2012 ![]()
RE: Paul
Hi Paul. Network specific frequency repeaters are built at slightly lower cost than a wideband unit. A repeater is a very high frequency bi-directional amplifier. It also includes a multiplex and mixing stage as to syncronize transmission packets with recieved data. Like a timing/sync crcuit, This principle is inherint with every GSM phone, be it 2g, 3g or 4g. Some handsets are limited to 2g, whilst others have 3g and some are tri-band etc...in other words, some phones are narrow-band whilst others are wide-band and repeaters are the same. There would be no reason other than a very unusual fault to occur that would have your phone or your repeater to 'spew out all sorts of rubbish' (like what exactly?) How many phones have you ever heard of that do that? So why would a repeater device do it?? For your info, Paul, these units are actually very simple in design and construction and the most important factor is simple rf isolation between input and output stages and such is dealt with simply through careful PCB design and case construction to a degree. The elecronics for the amps are a handful of components with the critical being GaaS transistors, arranged as a n channel darlington pair. Very simple and very cheap but also, very stable and such circuits dont lend themselves to causing issues like what you suggest and as for AM radios (what year is it??) All mobile phones cause digital noise to be heard on these things. Esp lesser GSM band frequencies like 800mhz. Try putting any handset near an AM radio. It will make all manner of noise, my iPhone makes my laptop quite tuneful at times when it drops between 3g and 2g. If you are genuinly interested in the nature of microwave radio principles (or radio principles generaly) then i suggest some reading. Don't read snippets and form completely irrational conclusions, which is what you are doing. If you don't like the notion of third party repeaters, just say it, don't use scare stories of being sent to the gallows or ruining AM radio reception. Neither 'argument' is anywhere near fact. And for your info, the nextevity units are built ok but are plastic pigs compared to some heavily reinforced alloy housed units, being sold at half the price on Ebay and yes, you guessed it, from China! I dont write articles for magazines and review products but i have been in the electronic industry for about 15 years, ranging from analogue broadcast to digital encryption systems and many other weird and wonderful matter. I do know what i'm talking about when it comes to electronics and rf principles. Trust me on that.
By tommyd on 14 Jan 2012 ![]()
RE: Paul
Hi Paul, i really don't mean to be a geek ass, i am an engineer and just happen to know some things about elctronics and radio transmissions, television broadcast systems and how these things work, how their designed and how they may be constructed and whatever. I even have a drawer full of industry awards from large manufacturers through my years spent as an engineer. I repaired complex electronic equipment, though i work as an electrician these days, since the Chinese made things so cheap there is scarce market for repair now, so i have scant desire to promote Chinese built electronics but it's just the way things are now. And i am open minded, If i don't understand something i take interest in, I read about it and form an opinion through folk that know better than me...which there are many! However i feel this thread has become ever-so catty and perhaps even a bit childish. Sp to straighten a couple of things out. It would be nigh on impossible to fall victim to criminal proceeding for using a 3g repeater, we have established that even more so with the update of the Ofcom stance. Agreed? Are all of the repeaters sold, from China, via Ebay all operate through all frequencies? No. They certainly do not and such units are actually at a ratio of about 1-20 as they are quite rare, No. The vast majority of imported repeaters are narrow band and limited to either one GSM band or one particular 3G carrier frequency band and if you don't beleive me, Check ebay. This isn't me using tech guff to sway an argument, i am telling you to smply just check ebay and look for yourself. I have suffered rotten 3G performance and realised i could make it better, without too much expense and trouble and want others in the UK who are in the same situ to know there may be a solution, instaed of changing operators etc. I have no agenda whatsoever, only the want to genuinly help people. If you did, you would research your subject matter a bit more, at a fundamental level too if you want to educate the public on the use of radio devices, and by radio, i mean everything that uses the air to carry it's signal. GSM phones, FM radios, 3G things, UHF TV etc etc...maybe you should employ someone who actually knows the technicalities a bit more...like me:) So really, no hard feelings and if your magazine is on the look-out for someone who can offer such, you could do a lot worse than me. I have a good job already but would love to have gadgety things sent to me so i can take them to bits and whatever, then offer open advise and as a bonus, get paid for it too! Yep, i'll have some of that, so do keep me in mind should such a requirement arise. Yours, Tommy
By tommyd on 14 Jan 2012 ![]()
I'll get back to you when the tears stop rolling down my face. I may be some time.
By PaulOckenden on 14 Jan 2012 ![]()
RE:Paul
Exactly my sentiments when i read most of your comments, but hey, at least were introducing humour into the debate! Always keen to educate but also very glad i can offer it with a smile. And also extremely glad you have been entertained! I have too:) However, amidst the waffle of petty debate, I do hope the actual points discussed RE the legality, availability, practicalities and technical aspects of 3G repeaters have been made clearer to people looking for genuine information. I feel i have contributed to such, in a fair, unbalanced and factual manner. It's a lot more than can be said for yourself as your original advice was bum and you have still managed in all your posts to offer nothing informative whatsoever. As for the tears rolling down your face? I think you should get out more...it wasn't that funny:) Lets face it, with folk like yourself on the staff...
By tommyd on 16 Jan 2012 ![]()
RE:Paul; Cont'd
...there is hope for us all in the world of Pc magazine journalism. Good luck, Tommy
By tommyd on 16 Jan 2012 ![]()
Paul Ockenden
Paul is a contributing editor to PC Pro specialising in smartphones, mobile broadband and all things wireless. He's technical director of a combined IT and marketing company, which works on websites and intranets for several blue-chip clients.
advertisement
- How to make Google AdWords work for your business
- The curse of sloppily written software
- Paying for your crimes with Bitcoin
- Behind the scenes: tech support for Formula 1
- The security risk of fat fingers
- Why Windows Phone 7 isn't quite ready for business
- When will Microsoft stop fiddling with Windows 8?
- Flash down the pan?
- Metro Style apps vs desktop applications
- Coping with Facebook changes
- Chrome's shine getting lost in translation
- BytePac: the cardboard hard disk enclosure
- How tech loosens our grip on reality
- Hokum watch: Safer Internet Day
- Why I'm deleting Adobe from my PC
- Prepare to be patronised: it's Safer Internet Day
- Dear Sony, Samsung and every other tech company in the world: stop trying to be Apple
- Will Apple's Final Cut Pro X update placate the pros?
- Smartr Contacts for iPhone review
- Switching to Office 365's Outlook Web App
- VeriSign slammed for security breach cover-up
- SAP willing to share HANA with Oracle
- Why using a tablet could harm your health
- New RIM boss: no need for drastic change
- RIM founders fall on their swords
- Slow economy helps boost Red Hat revenue by 23%
- Google+ pages get multiple admins
- One in five companies lack card industry compliance
- Oil industry warns hacking attacks could kill
- British workers fear email monitoring
advertisement

