REVIEW – Since NYC was “hit” by the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been working from home, and using 2 smartphones to manage my numerous daily conference calls. One of the main issues that I have been dealing with is that my calls frequently disconnect because of the really weak cell signal almost everywhere in my home. I now get to test and review the Booster Planet Pro 3G & 4G Cell Phone Signal Booster. Hopefully, it can solve my problem.
This Booster PlanetPro 3G & 4G Cell Phone Signal Booster is designed to boost extremely poor indoor network connections (with 1-2 bars outside). It eliminates issues like bad voice quality, slow network speeds, and dropped calls. This booster is compatible with all the major U.S. network providers, such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Sprint, and coverage for this model works for up to 1600 sq.ft.
1 x Repeater 1 x Inside Antenna (Dome ceiling) 1 x Outdoor LPDA Antenna 1 x Power Adapter 1 x 50 ft cable 1 x 16 ft cable 1 x Mounting Kit
Starting with the outdoor antenna, there is a built-in cable and 2 bolts to attach the mounting bracket. The antenna is made of a PVC type material. The inside dome ceiling antenna also has a built-in cable and is also made of a PVC type material. The mounting bracket is attached around the center shaft with the included nut.
The Repeater is installed between the inside and outside antennas and displays signal information. On the back, there are 2 holes for wall mounting and on the top edge, there are the antenna connections and the power port.
Installing this Booster is very simple. I attached the mounting bracket for the inside antenna to a wall near my ceiling and then attached the antenna. I then mounted the repeater to the wall and connected the internal and external antennas using the supplied cables. The 50-foot cable is connected between the indoor antenna and the Repeater and the 16-foot cable between the Repeater and the outdoor antenna. I am not permitted to mount anything to the outside of my building, so I became innovative and using a couple of PVC pipes, connectors, and wire ties, I was able to attach it to the top of a window air conditioner.
Below are pictures of the outdoor antenna mounted to my air conditioner, and the Repeater attached to the wall and powered on. The display on the Repeater provides information on the indoor and outdoor signal strength as well as the system status. The illustration below shows how the Booster should be connected. When choosing a Booster Signal system, the following chart provides the specifications for coverage area and the number of users supported. My cell signal before: My cell signal after:
When I first received this cell signal booster, I was quite skeptical about its ability to actually boost the weak cell signal within my home. I have struggled with a weak cell signal in my home for a long time and it has been more of a “thorn in my side” since I have been working from home. Well, this device is delivering what it promised and I am now enjoying a really good cell signal from every area in my home. With the understanding that the placement of the external antenna is key along with the cell signal within the geographic area, I give this device a well done and two thumbs up!!
Price: $239 Where to buy: Booster Planet website Source: The sample for this review was provided by Booster Planet.
How did you determine optimal placement of the outside antenna? Or were you just lucky that the option you had available worked?
I have limited places that I can attach the antenna. It worked where I placed it on the first try.
I too had a problem with T-Mobile signals within my house. T-Mobile gave me a “Personal CellSpot” for a $25 deposit. This 4G LTE device plugs into my home high speed router and has covered my entire 2-story house with 4-bar, LTE signal. I understand Verizon and AT&T have similar offerings. Certainly worth a call to your carrier to see if they have an inexpensive solution to solve your coverage issues.
Does this add latency to the data side? It’s adding at least one hop to the connection.
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