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Are there FCC approved LTE signal boosters available for sale?

I live less than 1 mile from the closest VZW tower. Data speeds vary but usually during the day at my residence they are 1-2 mbps down, .65 mbps up. At the tower site they average 40 - 50 mbps down and 30-40 mbps up. (speeds based on Open Signal)

Less than 1 mile from a tower shouldn't require a booster but are there approved units available?

Comments

Momma23dogs

Any booster sold in the USA is FCC approved. You have to register the device after you get it to be in compliance.

Weboost has the best selection, but you can buy the same booster off Amazon. It might be an older generation and a few buck cheaper.

The boosters sold by Weboost work for any carrier in the USA, for 2g, 3g and LTE.

Momma23dogs

Reception vs data speed....

A booster does nothing for speed. All it does is improve your connection. With my booster I have ‘more bars’. Calls are clearer and data works better, ‘dead spots’ are smaller. It doesn’t effect speed, which is a function of tower output.

Verizon_Support

I certainly understand the importance of having a quality signal, LCPNC. I am happy to go over some details with you. Please note that there is a specific signal booster (network extender) that is approved to with the Verizon Wireless signal as this unit can be paired with our billing system to ensure that your devices work. Please also note that many signal boosters require a high-speed landline internet connection to work. I have added a link below with information about the approved signal booster:
http://spr.ly/6589DLrAN
In regard to your speeds, 1-2 Mbps is a bit below the standard LTE speeds we accept. What is the zip code for the area you're located in? How long have you noticed the slow speeds? Lastly, do the speeds improve outdoors?

Greg_VZW
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Verizon_Support

LCPNC,

This is correct; coverage may vary from day to day. It is due to a variety of reasons such as cell site changes, foliage, construction, population changes, and interference even when the cell tower is just 1 mile away. The 4G LTE is able to handle download speeds between 5 and 12 Mbps (Megabits per second) and upload speeds between 2 and 5 Mbps, with peak download speeds approaching 50 Mbps.

We always want your speeds to be reliable and fast. Our approved boosters are called Network Extenders. You can check out the details here: http://spr.ly/6580DLTEp.

I'll be happy to help and look into this for you. What is your Zip Code? Does this happen indoors and outdoors? Tell us the details, what type of service issues are you experiencing (can't watch Youtube videos, calls and text)?

Ryan_VZW
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If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

Momma23dogs

Okeeee...

Now the difference between a Verizon Network extender, and a booster:

Extender: If you change service providers, you own a useless bit of hardware. The network extender is a microcell or mini tower type device which uses your home internet to create a signal where there is none. It requires a Verizon acoount to activate service.

Wifi calling eliminates the need for hardware. If you have home internet, it’s unlikely you need an extender. If you don’t know if your phone is capable or how to turn it on, just post back your phone models.

It’s very unlikely you need to buy an extender as most popular Verizon phones are capable.

Booster: Per it’s name, it boosts existing signal. It can’t create signal. A booster is universal so if you move or change carriers, you can still use it. It doesn’t require home internet, just electricity and installation.

LCPNC

Hi Ryan

Thank you for responding and taking the time to look at this.. Firstly, a ticket was created by Chris a week or so ago - [removed]. As stated then, the down/up speeds were in the 1-2 down, Kbs up. ping as high as 545. This was using Open Signal, might not be the most accurate but used it throughout for consistency. I was attempting to use the VZW app to report the issue, even that wouldn't load.

My observations were that at 4:00 am speeds were fast - 20's down, 2-3 up. Then, around 8:00 am speeds would drop to the 1-2's. During the day, speeds would sometimes increase to 12-20 down and 2-4 up. Then back to 1-2 ten minutes later.

Same location in house each time. Nothing inside changed, I was observant of that.

Since the initial report, I blew through 2Gb's of my data plan and made some observations at the house and at surrounding locations, the results are attached.

For example:

[removed]

Voice calls seem OK, its the data that is inconsistent. Other than the speed tests, I'm not doing anything more than to access the local news apps, the weather and radar apps, email.

This is my residence. In the event of power outages or other natural occurrences, I need a reliable data connection to be kept updated on the situation. Everything relies on internet connections now, FPL, Emergency Management, even your VZW app. If I need to purchase additional equipment I'll certainly consider it. Or I will have to explore other carriers that supply a more reliable cellular connection. I don't want to switch, I think VZW is the best but this is a life safety issue for me.

Just as a note - As I am drafting this response to you, data speeds are 10.5 dn, 1.9 up.

For your reference, my home address is: [removed]

Attachments: (2) maps

(2) pages data collection

Thank You for any assistance and direction you and your team can provide

Loren [removed]

Personal information removed as required by Verizon Wireless Terms of Service

LCPNC

Hi Greg

Thank you and Ryan for responding. I replied to Ryan this morning with my issues and observations. Also, the link you sent only shows "an unexpected error has occurred" message.

Again, than you and the team for any assistance

Loren [removed]

Personal information removed as required by Verizon Wireless Terms of Service

Momma23dogs

Your post makes me think you do not have home internet, just rely on your cellular connection. Is that correct?

If so, the network extender is not going to work.

Per section 4. https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/4g-lte-network-extender-faqs/

“the 4G LTE Network Extender requires a broadband internet connection, but it doesn't require a computer for operation. A computer may be needed to access the local Admin Webpage in order to manage the device or for troubleshooting purposes.”

Which brings the conversation back to a Booster.

Verizon_Support

We thank you for taking the time to get a ticket filed last week, LCPNC. Have you received the results from the ticket at this time?

The last thing we want is to lose you as a customer. We totally understand people rely heavily on their cellphones these days, so that makes it difficult when the service does not work the way you expect it to work. That ticket will tell us what is going on.

Let's try the link again regarding the Signal Boosters

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/signal-boosters

https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/accessories/register-signal-booster/

Tamara_VZW
Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

boringusername

LCPNC wrote:
I live less than 1 mile from the closest VZW tower. Data speeds vary but usually during the day at my residence they are 1-2 mbps down, .65 mbps up. At the tower site they average 40 - 50 mbps down and 30-40 mbps up. (speeds based on Open Signal)
Less than 1 mile from a tower shouldn't require a booster but are there approved units available?

That has nothing to do with signal strength but congestion and a signal booster won't help with that, the possibility your house is full of signal blocking materials. Do you have lots of trees, brick, metal roof or siding or stucco? Also Verizon uses frequencies from 700 MHz up to 2200 MHz a booster usually boost signal of much narrower range. If anything you're likely to make things worse

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