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Boost your signal with a mobile repeater
Mobile repeaters (4G and 5G) are a type of active antenna designed to boost your mobile connection at home, work, or on the go. They capture the strongest available signal in your area and re-broadcast it to eliminate dead zones and improve weak signals, enhancing your overall mobile reception. You can also find out about other ways to boost your connections here.
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What are mobile repeaters?
Mobile repeaters can enhance your mobile reception at home, in your business, or on the road. They work by receiving a strong mobile signal and re-broadcasting it in a circle around the repeater. This signal can come directly from your device or via cables to a passive antenna on your roof.
The coverage area of a mobile repeater depends on the unit type and obstacles like walls and furniture, typically ranging from 20m to 60m.
Ensure your repeater and antenna is compatible with your network, most repeaters are network specific. The telco’s network coverage maps will indicate if mobile repeaters may be useful – Telstra , Optus, and Vodafone.
Mobile repeaters are licensed by the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) to operate on various telco networks and require power to function. Using unlicensed boosters is illegal and can interfere with the mobile network, leading to hefty fines. Currently, only CEL-FI-branded equipment is licensed for use in Australia.
Whilst mobile repeaters can boost signal, they can’t overcome congestion issues with a network.
Benefits of a repeater:
- Australian carrier approved – approved for use by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) approved devices – the current list of licensed models can be found on the ACMA website.
- Enhanced mobile signal in remote areas – Improved signal strength means a greater chance of communication.
- Improved battery life of mobile devices – better signal strength, means less energy used searching for a signal, resulting in longer mobile battery life.
- Optimised mobile data speeds – increased signal strength will potentially increase your data speeds.
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Repeaters currently legal in Australia
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1 Mobile (road or water)
CEL-FI ROAM R41
Networks approved – Telstra, Optus & Vodafone/TPG
The CEL-FI ROAM R41 is a plug-and-play mobile signal booster that keeps you connected on the road or water. Suitable for cars, 4WDs, trucks, fleet, caravan/RV, and boats. ROAM R41 ensures you have reliable voice and data in transit with up to 100dBm of system gain.
Currently the CEL-FI ROAM R41 only supports the 4G network and requires Nextivity to provide new software to utilise Australia’s 5G network frequency 850MHz (n5/n26). The Cel-Fi ROAM R41 needs to be locked to Band 28, till this software becomes available.
Photo credit : Powertec Wireless Technology
CEL-FI G31
Networks approved – Telstra, Optus & Vodafone/TPG
The CEL-FI G31 are an older model that works on the 4G network. These devices will only work on a single specific network and can be be installed in homes, offices, cars, trucks, and boats.
Photo credit : Powertec Wireless Technology
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2 Residential/ small business (fixed)
CEL-FI GO G41
Networks approved – Telstra, Optus & Vodafone/TPG.
The CEL-FI GO G41 is the latest model designed for stationary use. CEL-FI GO G41 is a single-operator mobile signal booster that can deliver reliable 4G and 5G connectivity for homes, small box retail stores, and branch offices.
Currently the CEL-FI GO G41 only supports the 4G network and requires Nextivity to provide new software to utilise Australia’s 5G network frequency 850MHz (n5/n26).
Photo credit : Powertec Wireless Technology
CEL-FI GO G51
Networks approved – Telstra & Optus
The CEL-FI GO G51 is compact, easy-to-use, and does not require manual configuration, making it easier to equip buildings with 5G connectivity and assist better voice quality, 5G data speeds, and fewer dropped calls.
Photo credit: Powertec Wireless Technologies
CEL-FI G31
Networks approved – Telstra, Optus & Vodafone/TPG
The CEL-FI G31 are an older model that works on the 4G network. These devices will only work on a single specific network and can be be installed in homes, offices, cars, trucks, and boats.
Photo credit : Powertec Wireless Technology
Please note: Pairing the repeater with a surge protector and a UPS unit is highly advised for uninterrupted operation. These units, meant to power a desktop for around 15 minutes, are robust enough to keep a CEL-FI repeater running for an extended period during general power failures or when an alternative power source isn’t available.
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3 Where can I get legal mobile repeater equipment and advice?
You can find licensed and legal mobile repeaters at many retailers of Nextivity CEL-FI products. These repeaters are the only legal options for use in Australia.
Note: Cel-Fi GO repeaters and Telstra Branded GO Repeaters are the same devices with different branding, colours and locked to the Telstra network. Cel-Fi Pro equipment is no longer sold, but some may still be in use.
The following companies can provide equipment and advice, and even installation in some cases (note this list is not exhaustive):
- Zetifi – Offers a smart antenna that automatically switches between high and low gain modes based on GPS location, altitude (tilt), or user selection and can be paired with a repeater.
- Michaels Electronics – offers a portable hardcase CEL-FI solution.
The Regional Tech Hub strongly recommends professional installation of equipment, especially when it involves working at heights, using dangerous power tools or modifying car auto electrics.
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4 How can I maintain my mobile repeater?
The Nextivity CEL-FI WAVE app provides an effortless way for end users to quickly and easily register, configure and manage their CEL-FI devices.
More information about the CEL-FI WAVE app can be found here.
CEL-FI WAVE is available on both smartphones and tablets from the following app stores: Apple App Store and Google Play
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