I’ve been asked again a few time recently how I seem to have phone signal where no one else does.
We’re all used to being somewhere our mobiles don’t work and often, that’s in our own homes. (Ours included!)
There are two ways you can achieve good mobile reception if you have a working broadband internet connection and a wireless router.
N.B. This is only available via ORANGE or VODAFONE
Orange provide the simplest version of this.
You will need any handset with UMA (Signal Boost) capability. (For a list, search here on the Orange website and filter your search by ticking the ‘SIGNAL BOOST box)
The service uses WiFi to enable voice calls and text messages. This does not cost and more or less than your current call package or PAYG allowance. It merely routes your calls over an internet connection rather than a mobile phone mast.
The beauty of the ORANGE UMA/Signal Boost service is that you can use it anywhere you can get WiFi access. Either at a free WiFi location or somewhere you are permitted to log on with the secure password.
There’s a brief video here…
In reality, it’s not boosting anything whatsoever so the name ‘Signal Boost’ is something of a red herring. It is routing your calls over the internet rather than a cell phone mast using VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
Vodafone
Although using the same technology, Vodafone do it slightly differently. You will be supplied with a Vodafone
Sure Signal box for around £50 which must be based at one location.
You can register up to six vodafone handsets on your sure signal box so the whole family or a few regular visitors can have access to your service. Again, this does not cost any more or less than your current phone call package.
The slight downfall with vodafone’s version is that you can’t use it in someone elses house just because they have a sure signal box, unless you are one of their chosen six…
Also, you can not use this in public WiFi areas. However, if it’s mostly for home, then vodafone sure signal does a good job and may enable you to stay with vodafone rather than change to orange.
Phones:
Orange – You must have a genuine ORANGE branded handset direct from orange. Resellers such as fones4U and the carphone wharehouse do not have the correct handsets so be sure to go direct to Orange and ask them about signal boost.
Vodafone – Most genuine vodafone smart phones will work with this system but again, talk to vodafone first to confirm which equipment you need.
