GSM amplifiers for all operators
The vast majority of users with mobile coverage problems, prefer to purchase a GSM amplifier that serves to improve the cell phone signal of any operator. This is a quite logical decision from a forward-looking point of view, since this way we can make portability and change operators without having to worry about the lack of coverage.
This situation implies choosing a repeater that supports a larger number of frequency bands and, in general, more expensive equipment. However, in this entry we will see that sometimes it is possible to have coverage of all operators without the need to mount a multiband repeater, thus being able to save a considerable amount of money in the cost of equipment. Let's remember how mobile telephony frequencies are used in Spain based on the available technologies:
- 2G telephony: the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands are used. They allow voice calls with standard quality. It also offers mobile data services at low speed but sufficient to use messaging applications (Whatsapp, Telegram, Line...), e-mail and send SMS.
- 3G telephony: the 2100MHz band is mostly used, although operators Vodafone, Movistar and Orange also use the 900MHz band in rural, remote or difficult to access areas. It allows calls with higher voice quality, video calls, surfing the Internet and watching videos quite comfortably and quickly.
- 4G telephony: 1800MHz and 2600MHz bands are used. It is expected that during 2015 the 800MHz band (Spain) will also start to be used. It is the latest generation of mobile telephony that offers the highest data and voice transfer rates.
We complete this information with the one presented in the post about the typical cases in which we can increase the mobile coverage by means of an amplifier.
- 2G only: 3-4 Rooms, Several Floors.
- 3G only: 1 Room, 3-4 Rooms, Several Floors.
- 2G, 3G and 4G: 3-4 Rooms, Several Floors.
Since the telephone stations are usually located in different places, it is best to mount the repeaters with outdoor GSM omnidirectional antennas, so we can amplify the coverage of any company regardless of where the signal comes from. The most economical option is to use a 3G-only booster, as they operate on a single band (2100MHz). However, keep in mind that the device will increase the mobile coverage of all carriers as long as the technology is available in the area for each carrier. On the other hand, it will be compatible with mobile terminals that support 3G, which covers all current smartphones but not older cell phones, voice boxes or alarm systems that only work on 2G. The safest option is to use a 2G, 3G and 4G amplifier because they work on the three most used cell phone frequency bands. With these amplifiers we will have cell phone coverage of all operators and all technologies available in the area. The intermediate option is to use a 2G-only amplifier and could even be the best if circumstances favor us. Carriers can offer at least 2G in any region so there is a much better chance of success. Carriers transmit this service on lower frequencies that propagate more efficiently through the air and over obstacles, which means we could cover more area. Although a priori, the above repeaters are for 2G only (900 and 1800MHz), we could also have 3G and even 4G with equipment of this type as there are companies that transmit 3G on 900MHz and 4G on 1800MHz. This depends on the type of deployment carried out by the companies in each area. All related equipment is valid for each of the mobile technologies (GSM, UMTS, LTE), but it is possible that due to the deployment of base stations not all technologies are available. For example, a 3G-only device will not work if this type of coverage is not available. GSM amplifiers cannot create a type of mobile signal that does not exist.