3G Network Extenders: Your Top Questions Answered
Here's everything you need to know about improving the cell phone signal in your home or office.
What is a 3G Network Extender?
It's a mini cell phone tower for your home or small business. For anyone who struggles with spotty service inside the house, products like the 3G Network Extender can improve your 3G signal and improve your call quality and data connection. It provides a coverage area of up to 5,000 square feet.
But what about 4G data coverage?
A 3G Network Extender can only enhance your 1X calling and 3G data coverage. It's not designed to enhance 4G LTE data coverage or 4G Advanced Calling. If you're looking for better call quality and basic app and Internet use, 3G should do the trick.
Who should use a 3G Network Extender?
It can be extremely helpful if you live in a rural area, a basement bedroom or in a garden-level apartment, all of which can fall prey to poor connectivity.
What are the benefits of the 3G Network Extender?
You can go from zero to five bars within minutes of setup. That means faster mobile Internet, making clearer calls and sending texts quicker. A 3G Network Extender not only expands your indoor cell service, but it also won't drop your call if you leave the house, as long as there is an adequate signal from the outside network.
How does it work?
The 3G Network Extender plugs into your home Internet router via an Ethernet cable (DSL or broadband are supported) and creates a mini cell tower providing 3G cellular coverage.
The 3G Network Extender also uses GPS so 911 operators know your location in case of an emergency. Note that if the GPS signal strength is weak, move the 3G Network Extender near a window or install the external GPS antenna.
How close does my phone have to be to connect to the 3G Network Extender?
Your phone must be within 15 feet of it for up to 3 minutes to establish a connection. Once connected, your phone can be up to 40 feet away.
Does it work outside of the US?
3G Network Extenders work in many places within the Verizon Wireless coverage area.
How do I know if it's compatible with my phone?
The 3G Network Extender works with all Verizon mobile devices with 2G capability, so you're covered.
Can I use more than one 3G Network Extender in the same home?
That's not recommended because they can interfere with each other's cellular signal.
How many devices can use a 3G Network Extender at once?
Six. Keep in mind that only four of these six mobile devices can use data (e.g., surfing the web, downloading email or apps) simultaneously. All of the six devices can make voice calls at the same time. A seventh slot is saved in case a phone is needed to make a call to 911.
Can I control who accesses my 3G Network Extender?
No. But you can specify who gets priority access to it. If you're a Verizon Wireless customer, log into your My Verizon account and enter "network extender" in the search box. Select Manage Network Extender, then choose Managed Access. From here you can add up to 50 Verizon Wireless mobile numbers.
How will a 3G Network Extender affect my bill?
You don't pay a monthly fee to use the 3G Network Extender. You simply buy it at the one-time price and install it. Voice, messaging and data usage will be billed based on your rate plan.
And don't worry about footing the bill for people not included in your account who use your 3G Network Extender. The minutes and data used by each device connected to the signal booster will be charged to the account associated with the device.
The above content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without otice. Verizon is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages, arising from or related to use of or reliance on the above content.