As a long time Verizon customer and having had difficulty messaging and receiving service from the home , I am wondering if its time to switch to a service with a company that offers home cell towers.
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The purpose of a Cellspot is obviously not to use data off of it, as that would be horrid and expensive. The point for having LTE is that it allows phones with Voice over LTE / VOLTE / Advanced Calling enabled to place those kinds of calls, and seemly transition them to the native LTE signal. It is also for future proofing as Verizon is already beginning the process of shutting down their 3G / 1x networks by refarming spectrum. LTE only phones are supposed to be launching soon, too.
LTE enabled phones lacking CDMA simultaneous use radios also have difficulty with 3G only CellSpots.
Verizon also still needs to get native Wi-Fi calling support. Waiting on the FCC for that first.
VZW already has a network extender. You can call in and have them look at the signal level in your area and let you know if one would help. But, another carrier might provide better coverage in your area - you just need to figure out what's best for you. My suggestion is to talk to people who have different carriers and see how each works in your area. Oh... and never trust the coverage maps - they all seem to show full coverage where there is little to none.
He is asking about Cellspots not extenders which Verizon charges you for. T-mobile announced they have upgraded their Cellspots to LTE. They are giving out one for free for home or office. Just plug it into your Internet and it covers 3000 square feet and up to 16 calls at once.
They are not free. They do have a cost
Depending on how you look at it. A $25 refundable deposit compared to an expensive extender that may or may not help depending on your original signal strength.
it's not refundable last I remember. I have one in my house. I guess I should double check.
The refundable deposit is for the new LTE version they announced today. I have no idea how the original worked.
I verified it is refundable. The old one isn't. From my understanding with what the rep says which I am going to verify with a higher up(I know personally when he's awake). There are other restrictions aside from the deposit, but he wasn't sure so I am getting clarification.
Tidbits is correct. I just saw an article talking about T-Mobile's "CellSpots" (which is their version of VZW's Network Extender and AT&T's MicroCell) and they go for a refundable $25 deposit.
Cellspots and extenders are the same thing :X. Both use your fixed line broadband to function, and both can be used by anyone within range. On the flip side, Verizon is still selling 3G base stations, and is overdue to release an LTE edition soon.
Word of advice - if you do not have strong Wireline broadband at home, consider using a WeBoost amplifier instead. One that can handle the 3G (850Mhz), LTE (700Mhz), XLTE (1700Mhz) and ideally the PCS LTE (1900Mhz) bands.
Why does it matter if the network extender is only 3G? It needs a broadband connection to function. This means that you'll probably have a Wi-Fi router and therefore not need VZW's data connection anyway.
The purpose of a Cellspot is obviously not to use data off of it, as that would be horrid and expensive. The point for having LTE is that it allows phones with Voice over LTE / VOLTE / Advanced Calling enabled to place those kinds of calls, and seemly transition them to the native LTE signal. It is also for future proofing as Verizon is already beginning the process of shutting down their 3G / 1x networks by refarming spectrum. LTE only phones are supposed to be launching soon, too.
LTE enabled phones lacking CDMA simultaneous use radios also have difficulty with 3G only CellSpots.
Verizon also still needs to get native Wi-Fi calling support. Waiting on the FCC for that first.
smith6612 wrote:
The purpose of a Cellspot is obviously not to use data off of it, as that would be horrid and expensive. The point for having LTE is that it allows phones with Voice over LTE / VOLTE / Advanced Calling enabled to place those kinds of calls, and seemly transition them to the native LTE signal. It is also for future proofing as Verizon is already beginning the process of shutting down their 3G / 1x networks by refarming spectrum. LTE only phones are supposed to be launching soon, too.
LTE enabled phones lacking CDMA simultaneous use radios also have difficulty with 3G only CellSpots.
Verizon also still needs to get native Wi-Fi calling support. Waiting on the FCC for that first.
Thanks for the clarification.
All carriers are waiting on FCC approval for native Wi-Fi calling but with Advanced Calling enabled and Messages+ there is a work around for it.
I was with T Mobile and used their cellspots, it gave me a constant four bars in an otherwise dead area. They didn't charge for it. I'm with Verizon now and am moving to a dead zone. It would be nice if Verizon offered a similar cellspot.
We can definitely make sure that you have the coverage you need once you move, Derekwh. How do you know that this area is a dead zone? Will you have home internet at this new location?
PedroM_VZW
I went to a Verizon store today and the woman informed me that there will always be "pockets" where cell reception is poor and to basically just deal with it. She said to buy the $250 extender if i was not happy with my service at home. She had not heard of Verizon offering a cheaper fix to their customers in the near future. I was a little taken back by her coldness since I have been with Verizon for over ten years and have "dealt" with the weak reception at home. I was just hoping that Verizon would be more helpful to their customers that live in "weak" spots. I will have to look more into T-mobiles Cell spots and see if this would be a good thing for me. Unfortunately, outside of the home Verizon seems to have the best coverage in my area of the country.
The thing is that they don't have to be more helpful. They have never guaranteed that your service will work inside of any structure. Had they made a promise that your service would work inside your house then you'd have an argument but they haven't made that claim.
The reason she may have been a little cold is because she probably gets that question/complaint 100 times a week. It is very tedious. Just like how many times it has been asked and answered on this forum. A quick search would have given you all of the same responses that we all have posted in numerous thread on this very subject.
I was not arguing about the weak service in my home. That is a given with any provider in my area. I was asking about the possibility of Verizon adding Cellspot or extender as T-mobile has. Since the Cellspot has just been announced yesterday I don't think there is numerous threads on this subject.
They already have an extender. You have to buy it. It costs $250. That should help solve the issue of not being able to call from inside the house. But then again, so would a land line.
Verizon Messages+ also has Wi-Fi calling through the app if you have and Advanced Calling capable device with Advanced Calling enabled.
We appreciate your loyalty. Ten years is a long time to spend with one company. We value your business and are proud that you picked us for your communication needs. It pains me to hear that you had not only a difficult time at the store, but are having trouble with your service as well. I would like to first saythat I would like to provide feedback to the store. At which location did you have this experience? I would also like to help with your service. Are you having these issues only in your home? Does this happen indoors or outdoors?
NicholeK_VZW
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