Verizon 4G LTE network extender does NOT work with FRONTIER fiber optics. Worked fine with broadband.

Here is a link to a previous discussion on this topic.

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Mobile-Network-Archive/Verizon-4G-LTE-network-extender-does-NOT-work-with-fiber-optics/td-p/1256527

It has been archived and I can no longer reply. I am having EXACTLY the same issues. Switched from cable broadband to fiber (Frontier for both), and while my network extender worked fine with broadband, it does not work at all with fiber. I can make/receive calls, but nobody can hear me, nor can I hear them. I bought a newer model of the Network Extender from Verizon, and it doesn't work either (The Network Extender "2"). Toward then end of the previous discussion on this, a VZW employee finally admitted that the 4G LTE Network Extender does not work with fiber internet, only broadband (cable); this discussion was in 2022. Has anything changed since then??? Does Verizon have a newer network extender yet that works with fiber? I have no choice but to stay with the fiber - Frontier will not allow me to go back to cable, and there are no other providers in my area yet. I know Verizon has purchased Frontier in my area and will be taking over the internet service at some point in the future, but as of now my only option is Frontier and my network extender is useless. Thanks for any help on this...

Accepted answers

SynthpopAddict

I would contact Frontier and ask them about the WiFi calling issue then, as well as searching the internet elsewhere for possible things to try. As an example, Samsung phones require location permissions to be turned on all the time now with Android 14 both in the general settings as well as in the phone app itself before WiFi calling works. There may also be a problem if you haven't entered the E911 contact information into the phone. Apple has a community of its own for iPhone issues/questions, as does Google for Pixel users.

Per Jav6's earlier post, no Verizon network extenders have ever worked with fiber internet. Based upon what I've read elsewhere, would guess it has to do with the fundamental differences between how cable and fiber internet work. One is using radio waves and the other uses pulses of light. The network extender is a mini cell phone tower, so is using radio waves, therefore wouldn't know what to do with a light transmitting technology. With Verizon's competition either no longer selling extenders or telling you there is a limited service area in which they work - makes me think extenders are becoming a thing of the past, so it's not likely Verizon would try to design a new extender which is compatible with fiber internet.

All comments

SynthpopAddict

Sorry to hear your extender will not work with the only ISP available to you. IMO you're going to have to look into switching mobile carriers, unless you can use WiFi while at home. If you're able to do the free trials the other guys offer (you need an unlocked smartphone capable of dual SIM and supporting eSIM), check them out, or the next best option is to ask the neighbors who they use.

jav6

@wjkline13
wrote:
Here is a link to a previous discussion on this topic.
https://community.verizon.com/t5/Mobile-Network-Archive/Verizon-4G-LTE-network-extender-does-NOT-work-with-fiber-optics/td-p/1256527
It has been archived and I can no longer reply. I am having EXACTLY the same issues. Switched from cable broadband to fiber (Frontier for both), and while my network extender worked fine with broadband, it does not work at all with fiber. I can make/receive calls, but nobody can hear me, nor can I hear them. I bought a newer model of the Network Extender from Verizon, and it doesn't work either (The Network Extender "2"). Toward then end of the previous discussion on this, a VZW employee finally admitted that the 4G LTE Network Extender does not work with fiber internet, only broadband (cable); this discussion was in 2022. Has anything changed since then??? Does Verizon have a newer network extender yet that works with fiber? I have no choice but to stay with the fiber - Frontier will not allow me to go back to cable, and there are no other providers in my area yet. I know Verizon has purchased Frontier in my area and will be taking over the internet service at some point in the future, but as of now my only option is Frontier and my network extender is useless. Thanks for any help on this...

Does your phone support WiFi calling? That should be an acceptable solution to your network extender issues. WiFi calling goes through your internet connection just as the calling via a network extender does but is more compatible. Nothing has changed over the years regarding the LTE 4G Network Extender (ASK SFE-116) requiring ONLY a broadband always-on internet connection and not supporting satellite or fiber internet services. What has changed is the online website support for the extenders and management of their Access Mode settings (Open, Closed, Hybrid) has declined/gone away. Check out WiFi calling.

wjkline13

Thanks. I've turned Wi-Fi calling on, but can't make calls using it for some reason.. frustrating...

SynthpopAddict

@wjkline13
wrote:
Thanks. I've turned Wi-Fi calling on, but can't make calls using it for some reason.. frustrating...

What make/model phone do you have? If you use a search engine for "[phone model] wifi calling not working" it will likely give you some suggestions.

wjkline13

Several different phones, not working for any of them. Wonder if it's related to the Frontier router. Either way, I'd like to know if there is any way to get the Network Extender to work with fiber internet, or if Verizon has come up with a newer version that works with fiber. This has become a real safety issue for us.

Verizon_Support

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wjkline13

I have no private message from you.