Improving Cell Phone Reception In Buildings?

Amphigory asks: "Not too long ago, I got a digital cell phone. Unfortunately, this phone simply doesn't work in my office even though it works in other parts of the building and even outside the building. For a variety of reasons, I would really like it to. What I'd like to be able to do is put some kind of antenna or maybe a retransmitter from my office to the roof of the building that would allow the signal to get through. Has anybody out there ever done anything like this?" I've heard of systems like this for large convention centers, but I'm not aware of the details. Can anyone shed some light on this subject?

Comments

This is what I do.

[Icepick_]

I'm a Radio Frequency Engineer with a major US PCS company. I design new cell sites, the great majority of which are now aimed at improving in-building coverage.

If you're asking what you can do by yourself, the short answer is not much. If you're realitivly close to an area of good reception, you could string an external antenna along, but I can't see that being terribly practical. Also, call up your provider, and tell them that you have no inbuilding coverage at your location. I recieve these reports, and use them to assist in locating new sites. Better yet, do it a couple of times. ;)

If your company owns the building you work in, AND it has a fair amount of phones from whatever provider you use, then talk to your building managment, and give your provider a call. My company has build several microcells upon the request of companies that have bought phones from us. If you can get that accomplished, you'll almost certianly get excellent coverage.