Do I need an external cell phone antenna?
Some cell phones can improve reception using an outside antenna (connects to your phone using a connection- magnetic mount outside antennas) or using a passive repeater which is a glass mount antenna to bring the signal inside your vehicle.

Well, I did it!  I changed all my mobile phone, except one, to GSM.  They finally got a tower near the shop and home so I really can use the phone inside my house. 

Remember, that GSM is a single band phone, so when you leave the signal area you cannot place a call.  Ah, but so clear, lots of features.  Best of all is that I can talk to my kids all day long without using minutes.  I had Cingular TDMA service and joined the ranks of the nationwide GSM plan with rollover minutes.  My kids have Cingular.  Most of my firends have Cingular so now I talk more!  But I did keep one of the numbers with TDMA service so it can be used when outside the GSM area.  I'm too old to walk miles if I have a flat tire.  Remember the last hint I gave regarding keeping an old phone (TDMA) in your car?  911 and 611 are free calls whether it is activated or not.  Just some security.

But, this tip is on external antennas.  Are they useful or are they just on your car so everyone knows you have a cell phone that does not get good reception?  The matter of fact is that they really work!  Why?  Because they are outside the car.  The signal is brought to your phone from the outside antenna through the sire that is plugged into your phone.  You get a more constant signal and better reception.  Those cellular waves that go through the air bounce off the metal parts of your car.  If you have an outside antenna that brings the signal to your phone then the reception is better.  No kidding! 

Before I switched to GSM, I did a side by side comparison through a rural part of Oklahoma.  Both of us had the same provider and the same phone (of course, they were decorated differently).  I had an magnetic mount antenna on my van that plugged in the back of my Nokia 5165 and she did not.  She lost signal several times while driving through the country and I never lost my signal.  They work!

Now all we have to do is find the right adapter for all the new phones.  The race is on to see if Motorola or Nokia will take first place.  Samsung and LG are coming on strong because of all the camera phones.  Sprint started the picture information highway back a few years.  They are CDMA and have dual band phones.  But they have no service at my shop or at my home.

If you are having trouble maintaining a signal while driving then look for a way to get an outside antenna for yur car.  Of course, the deep valleys and peaks still have problems.  The signal from the tower does not penetrate rock or dirt too well regardless what you see on TV.

That's my advice on external antennas.  WE don't have the adapters for all the phones yet but we will soon.

Thanks for visiting my site! 

Have a Blessed Day!

Anne