Real Cell Phone Boosters?

[Speed Daemon]

Hey I actually understood that! (except the part about bluetooth and wifi being a two way radio...

All of your phone's radios are 2-way in that they can transmit to other radios (cell towers, Wi-Fi wireless access points or other phones) and receive as well. The only 1-way radio in a cellphone is the GPS receiver. (Despite the plots of countless TV thrillers, GPS is strictly a 1-way proposition, even for the military.)

But wait... Your telling me my fancy smanchy 4G cell phone is supposed to get 4G signal??? Surely you jest!

When it comes to "4G" I think the jest is on us, if you follow me...

I'm a 100% 3G data user too, and sometimes wonder if I'll live long enough to see actual 4G where I can actually use it.

 

[Bob Maxey]

For those with concerns and what to do in an emergency, consider a SAT phone. Just sayin'

 

[Speed Daemon]

For those with concerns and what to do in an emergency, consider a SAT phone. Just sayin'

Most satellite phones are costly to own because there are monthly fees that can make them unattractive to people who might need their satellite phone once or twice a year. A great alternative is one of the several 2-way satellite messaging devices that are on the market for sale and rental. The rates to keep these data devices can be more reasonable, and some will respond to the emergency button even if you let your contract lapse. (Big fees for false alarms, though!)

I've seen these things popping up on the shelves of big box retail stores, so it seems that they're becoming popular. Features range from being able to send a couple of predefined messages to predefined recipients (plus HELP), to text messaging over e-mail, SMS and proprietary protocols. Not practical for checking your e-mails because of limited message length, though.

The low data rate that these devices use make them more reliable than a sat phone in an emergency. Needless to say, read the fine print before even thinking of pressing the red button!

 

[Bob Maxey]

Most satellite phones are costly to own because there are monthly fees that can make them unattractive to people who might need their satellite phone once or twice a year.

Then how about a Brieitling emergency Watch:

"Designed for pilots and aircrews, the Emergency is an instrument watch with built-in microtransmitter broadcasting on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency. Following a crash or a forced landing, for example, the Emergency will send a signal on which rescuers can home in. The watch thus serves as a complement to the aircraft

 

[Bob Maxey]

Most satellite phones are costly to own because there are monthly fees that can make them unattractive to people who might need their satellite phone once or twice a year.!

A SAT phone can be quite inexpensive and you are not tied to contracts. You can purchase prepaid cards for access. If you are worried about problems on the road or in the hills, a SAT phone is a good idea.

then again, if you are a licensed Ham, there are some bery nice radios that you can carry with you that will likely let you get a message out. If you have a portable GPS, you can find help, usually.

 

[Speed Daemon]

Then how about a Brieitling emergency Watch

That's not very practical since it used to cost a bundle (they're no longer made, or at least sold in the US), was good for one use and then had to back to the factory to be reconditioned, was only available to people with current, valid pilot's licenses and could get you in serious trouble if the search party doesn't find you next to a crashed plane.

Besides, you can buy a guard beacon or a EPIRB beacon the size of a walkie-talkie for a hundred bucks or so. That's why I went with the B-1:

Even that's a pig, taking two batteries and a trip to Switzerland to replace them under warranty. But it sure is pretty!


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[Speed Daemon]

A SAT phone can be quite inexpensive and you are not tied to contracts. You can purchase prepaid cards for access. If you are worried about problems on the road or in the hills, a SAT phone is a good idea.

I admit that I don't keep up to date on a daily, or even monthly basis with the satphone market. Can you recommend a good phone model and dealer that offers no contract service?