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Using a Cellphone in a Basement?

Nimsoft asks: "I recently moved into a basement flat and as a result I get no cellphone coverage in there. This is incredibly frustrating as my cell provider is so much cheaper than landline offerings I rely on my cell as my primary means of telecommunications. I can pick up a signal the second I step out of my front door and friends on other networks can sometimes pick up a weak signal within my flat. What would the geek solution (must be cheap!) to this issue be? Would attaching a larger antenna to my phone work, or can I hack together some sort of repeater and put an antenna outside somewhere?" While thousands of offers of repeaters and signal boosters are only as far away as the nearest Google search, what recommendations or experiences would you care to share on the subject?

4 of 62 comments (clear)

  1. Dear Slashdotters... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Dear Slashdotters, I need to use my cell phone inside my lead lined closet. Any suggestions?

    1. Re:Dear Slashdotters... by pyite · · Score: 2, Funny

      Dear Slashdot,

      I just bought a new house from Faraday Realty...

      --

      "Nature doesn't care how smart you are. You can still be wrong." - Richard Feynman

  2. I had the same problem... by porcupine8 · · Score: 3, Funny
    I had the same problem in my basement apartment, exacerbated by the fact that I live in a heavily forested area.

    Then a hurricane came through town and took care of some of the trees for me. I get fine reception now! I highly recommend it!

    --
    Warning: Apple/Nintendo fangirl. Likes her electronics cute & cuddly. May be rabid.
  3. Re:Ask, and the shack shall provide by graphicartist82 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Radio Shack: You've got questions, we've got blank stares.