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A Private GSM Cell?
mr number two asks: "I live in the mountains and have poor GSM reception. I can buy an active repeater to boost signal strength in my home to good levels, but what I'd really like to do is have a private GSM picocell, such that at home I would be connected to my own PBX. Calls to my home phone number would ring through to my cell phone. I wouldn't have to worry about a home cordless phone (and 802.11 interference) and I'd have all my speed dialing / contacts info right there. There are many other benefits. Ignoring FCC licensing issues, is there a base station I can purchase which has a signalling interface that will interface to a small PBX?"
Speak to a GSM network providor, like Vodaphone, Orange, O2 or something (to give UK examples). All of these providors will sell you a local cell unit, its a service they provide to companies with large sites or campuses, to use mobile phones instead of DECT phones across a wide area with automatic roaming off site. Calls within the same cell are free, with a annual rental, and calls off the local cell are charged at the standard airtime rate, and the bonus is that its just a normal mobile cell.