Boosting mobile coverage

Captain Kidd · 15-07-2022 10:29pm #1

Hi, I moved into an old house in Drumcondra, and the mobile reception is pretty bad to non existent. I’m with virgin. I’m guessing it’s the heavy bricks used in the house but the back garden isn’t so great either. Is this a common thing in the older red brick houses, or a particular network thing and lastly are there tricks to boosting the signal inside?

Thanks for any help

The Cush · 15-07-2022 11:45pm

Foil backed insulation, double/triple glazed windows etc. also contribute to reduced mobile/radio signal indoors.

Mobile repeater would be required to improve the signal.

Captain Kidd · 18-07-2022 12:59pm

Thank you, a mobile repeater is a different thing to the WiFi booster? Any idea if mobile providers provide these or you need to purchase separately? Any good brands you might recommend?

Thanks again

The Cush · 18-07-2022 2:09pm

WiFi boosters/mobile routers are differnet devices.

If you require a device to improve mobile calls (and data) indoors you will require a repeater. They are not cheap and cost will depend on what range of frequencies/voice/data range you require. The MNOs don't supply them.

Information on them here - Mobile Phone Repeaters | Commission for Communications Regulation (comreg.ie)

Stella Doradus are an Irish manufacturer of such devices, based in Waterford. Have a look at their website - StellaHome Family | Ensure Better Signal at Home | Stella Doradus

babelfish1990 · 22-07-2022 11:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058254692/boosting-mobile-coverage

Mobile Repeaters are expensive and outdated technology. A better solution is to use WiFi calling, which routes normal mobile calls and text messages over WiFi when you are within coverage, so you can be guaranteed perfect coverage indoors. However, Virgin and their carrier network (Three) don't support WiFi Calling. The only network in Ireland that fully supports it is Eir (and their GoMo brand), including text messages and roaming. Vodafone have a limited version - but it doesn't support SMS or roaming. You will also need to make sure that your handset supports WiFi calling for your specific carrier. Most recent Smartphone models do support it, but you need to check that the phone manufacturer has included the carrier-specific settings in their firmware, if you are not getting a new phone from your new carrier.

The Cush · 23-07-2022 9:34am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119375152#Comment_119375152

Mobile repeaters are expensive, yes. Outdated technology, definitely not.

WIFI calling is shag all good if you don't have decent broadband.

We've gone from poor 2g/3g calls here to 4G+ having installed a repeater. Other family members have installed them over the years.

Broadband options are scarce around here, no fibre until 2025/26, phoneline adsl is about 4 Mbps, fixed wireless is difficult and the starlink kit is also expensive plus the costly monthly sub.

A mobile repeater combined with the €10 GoMo sub can't be beaten here.

babelfish1990 · 24-07-2022 8:09am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119375724#Comment_119375724

Sorry for your Broadband woes, but the OP is in Drumcondra, so it is a reasonable assumption that good Broadband is already available.

The Cush · 24-07-2022 9:03am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119379192#Comment_119379192

Thanks for your comment re my broadband situation.

Regarding WiFi calling, yes a much cheaper solution but is an individual solution for each user/visitor in the house if they are enabled for it. A mobile repeater is a location solution regardless of the service provider or device.

Captain Kidd · 27-07-2022 2:11pm

Thanks all, I really appreciate this. Will look into these, expensive alright but worth it if family and visitors can’t receive calls indoors. Thanks for the links. Much appreciated

Boosting mobile coverage

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