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Recommendations for GSM booster links? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 5 months ago by Sunny@slrpnk.net to c/technology@lemmy.world

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Hi there,

Family owns a rather remote house in a quite rural area in Europe. This is a vacation home, and whilst it is possible to pay for WiFi, it's not something they want to pay for considering they travel there maybe 3-4 times a year. So am now looking for alternative methods that involve using mobile data, as they have "unlimited" mobile data plans. So I think they're looking for a GSM booster link/Dual Band Cellular Repeater (not entirely sure what the correct term is, but hope one of them are correct). The house they live in has very thick concrete walls, and is multiple stories tall. So while the coverage is somewhat useable on the second floor, it is basically nonexistent on the first floor. So one of these devices would be nice, as it would allow for making calls throughout the house too. So; are there any specific recommendations for this? I guess I would need to buy one that is specifically supported by our mobile operator?

If WiFi were to become more relevant in a few years, would you recommend Starlink over paying for WiFi? It seems more affordable than what WiFi costs here, from what I have checked.

Appreciate any comments and suggestions, have a nice day 🌻

Let me know if there are any other specific details that would be important for making this decision.

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[–] Cras@feddit.uk 3 points 5 months ago (2 children)

A cellular signal isn't one single thing. A GSM booster will improve the availability of a GSM signal, but that's calls and SMS but isn't going to do a lot to provide mobile data given that 3G coverage is basically dead and 4/5G data doesn't operate on a frequency that the GSM booster will be doing anything for. You can get cellular WiFi hotspots that you put a SIM in and they basically become your WiFi router or just use a cellphone that has hotspot functionality

[–] T156@lemmy.world 6 points 5 months ago (3 children)

But if their mobile reception is bad, the WiFi hotspot's reception isn't going to be any better.

[–] MentalEdge@sopuli.xyz 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

You can get external large static directional antennae for them, tho.

The fact they don't need as strong a signal, don't move, and can be pointed directly at the nearest cell tower, means you can get far better throughout.

[–] Sunny@slrpnk.net 1 points 5 months ago

The WiFi also wouldn't be great throughout the house without multiple extenders too sadly. It's a big house and has very thick walls and floors.

[–] Cras@feddit.uk 1 points 5 months ago

Valid, but if you get a dedicated one, you could put in a SIM from a different network that has better coverage, if one exists

[–] SharkAttak@kbin.social 2 points 5 months ago

Yeah, some phone companies sell routers that instead of connecting to a landline, use cellular network. Coupled with some WiFi repeaters should do the trick.