Antenna to boost signal strength

PhotogTom

Just outside my home office, I have fairly spotty phone coverage. I live in a very hilly area and the phone mast is very close but on the other side of the hill. But, I do have some coverage outside.
Is there some type of external antenna that I could mount outside the building I'm in and run the feed down to my desk? I don't really need to be able to "walk around" but I do need consistent, clear coverage at my desk.
Thanks for any input.

PhotogTom

Sorry, just had another thought - is there a particular model phone that I can get that already is set up to accomodate an external antenna? I've been googling away and thought this might be an option!:)

HiredGun

Have a look at this:

http://www.cellantenna.co.uk/repeater/building_repeater.htm

rebel.ranter

I would not advise purchasing one of the units above. The installation of such a unit requires the re-transmision of licensed GSM spectrum. The mobile phone operators would not look kindly on these type or installations if they go wrong. Also they are probably a little bit expensive for what the OP is looking to try to achieve.
Most handsets such as the Sony Ericson k800i & Motorola V3 etc. etc. etc. have an external antenna port at the rear, it is normally covered by a small rubber grommet. Any decent car kit installer shoudl be able to knock you up a mam mount car antenna with cabling and a suitable connector for your model phone.
Just attach the antenna to a location outside in an area of known good coverage, make sure the cable is only as long as it needs to be to keeps losses to the lowest possible. plug the antenna adapter into your phone. HShould work for you.
Antenna Adapter

Antenna

PhotogTom

I had found the repeater option (same company even) and I think it is probably too much money - although it may be a "last resort".
I had not even thought of a getting hold of a car kit installer. Sounds like it would be easy enough to give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.