Gadgets or programs to make cell phones work where there is no service

[DrRod]

Our cabin is in a valley that has no cell phone service. We have internet access [when it works] and phone service but its not digital -- we use a pulse tone phone plus an old dial phone. People tell me that all I need is an xyz converter or an application for wi-fi or whatever. I have no faith in the claims of tech companies and rather than start researching blind I thought I would turn to the experience in here [this never disappoints]. All thoughts and recommendations are welcome.


Thanks

 

[Diggin It]

Where is the nearest cell tower? How deep in the valley are you? How heavy is the tree cover?

I have a cell repeater that boosts my 1-2 bars into 4-5 inside the house. But the antenna is mounted on a pole several feet above the house and within 7-8 miles from more than one cell tower with little tree interference.

 

[CADplans]

Yep, we have such a system, and almost no direct cell service at our house,,

Our system is exclusive to Verizon, the box connects to the internet,, Verizon phones work within its range,
which is about the size of a typical 2,000 square foot house,, maybe a little larger.

Our daughter has one also,,
Many nights, she will see a friend pull into her driveway,
the next day she will ask what they were doing,,
They will tell her, they had to make a cell call, and knew her driveway was a "hot spot" for Verizon,,, :laughing:

 

[RNeumann]

What operating system does your phone have- iOS, Android etc. Most phone nowadays don’t need extra software/apps. Their is a setting that allows for incoming and outgoing calls over WiFi/Internet.

 

[DrRod]

Well, you motivated me to search for the nearest tower and its about 14 miles away. The valley is deep and narrow and tree coverage is heavy except for out in the fields.


Our internet and land line is Verizon.


My cell phone is Apple I-phone 5. I know I should update but waiting for a family complication to expire.

So are you saying that if I flick on wi-fi enabled, or whatever its called, I could use my phone through my internet modem?

 

[Diggin It]

Well, you motivated me to search for the nearest tower and its about 14 miles away. The valley is deep and narrow and tree coverage is heavy except for out in the fields.

OK, so cell repeater is out.

So are you saying that if I flick on wi-fi enabled, or whatever its called, I could use my phone through my internet modem?

Possibly. You should get internet on your phone that way, but you may have to call VZW or log in to your cell account to see if they offer WiFi calling and how to enable it.

 

[prichard]

Iirc, wifi calling was not available on older iPhones but don't know how old or when that changed. Also, some cell carriers don't allow wifi calling.

 

[msb1766]

Take a look at these two videos they installed a Weboost system in an RV, the results are impressive.
The video is about a long antenna to pickup low to no signal.
Wilson Cell Phone Boosters | Wilson Boosters | weBoost
How to Install a WeBoost Drive 4G-X Cellular Booster & 4G-OTR Antenna - YouTube��
WeBoost Connect RV 65: Cellular Booster Overview �� - YouTube

 

[RNeumann]

Well, you motivated me to search for the nearest tower and its about 14 miles away. The valley is deep and narrow and tree coverage is heavy except for out in the fields.


Our internet and land line is Verizon.


My cell phone is Apple I-phone 5. I know I should update but waiting for a family complication to expire.

So are you saying that if I flick on wi-fi enabled, or whatever its called, I could use my phone through my internet modem?

In your iPhone go to the gears (settings) and tap “cellular” (it is near the top). From there you should see “WiFi Calling”. Turn that on and it should switch over for you while you are out of cellular coverage.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Yep, we have such a system, and almost no direct cell service at our house,,

Our system is exclusive to Verizon, the box connects to the internet,, Verizon phones work within its range,
which is about the size of a typical 2,000 square foot house,, maybe a little larger.

Our daughter has one also,,
Many nights, she will see a friend pull into her driveway,
the next day she will ask what they were doing,,
They will tell her, they had to make a cell call, and knew her driveway was a "hot spot" for Verizon,,, :laughing:

This is your answer. Verizon has the equipment, last one I bought was $200. You will have cell phone at your house only when you have internet service. The unit they recommended to me had a range of 5000 wide. They should have them at the stores, not sure on the franchised outlets. Order on line also. Easy to set up. You can make it secure so neighbors don't pirate your strength.