Cell Ranger boosters claim up to 3 bar increase
updated 01:30 pm EDT, Fri August 22, 2008
Cell Ranger signal booster
Cell Ranger has announced two new products intended to increase signal strength for cellphones or 3G data cards in fringe areas and reduce the number of dropped calls. The Cell Ranger Stix for automobiles is powered from the 12v car plug, and the Cell Ranger Port is powered through USB. The devices both work by boosting incoming signals in the 800MHz to 1900MHz range. CellRanger claims two to three extra signal bars for any cell phone or 3G data card.
A magnetic antenna is included with both that attaches via 15 ft. cable to the power source (USB or 12V for vehicles). The products were designed to boost incoming signal strength within 6 ft. of the included antenna. A review from Gear Diary claims confirmation of a two to three bar boost in signal strength in a low signal area, and reconnection to an EDGE or 3G network that the phone didn't show available until the Cell Ranger was turned on. The review also noted an increase in data speed from 600-800k with the booster off to a steady 1000k with the booster on.
Cell Ranger claims compatibility with every carrier in the US and Canada except iDEN phones used by Nextel, Southern LINC, and MiKE. The booster is not an uplink booster, if the reception problems are being caused by a tower receiving a weak signal from the phone this product will not help. Both the Cell Ranger Stix and Cell Ranger Port cost $150 and are available from Cell Ranger.
