Nextel BDA

[Vschlitz]

I am looking for a solution to improve in building reception of Nextel. The bulding is approx. 11,000 sq feet with several block walls as room seperators. Outside of the building the Nextel reception is excellent, inside reception status, when in field test mode decreases by 25db, resulting in dropped calls. I have looked at some sites (wpsantennas) that offer solutions, but brought more questions that I have unanswered.

Maybe you guys can help me out with these questions.

I am assuming Nextel is still using 800mhz in the Frederick, MD area, any idea when they will move to the 900mhz? If, and when they move, I will have to purchase and replace the amplifer to match the freq.

Is there a different freq for telephone aspect, or does PTT and voice both use the 800mhz?

Would a BDA help with 800mhz Frederick Public Safety in building reception since the freq are so close to Nextel? Which I guess will only work until Nextel moves to 900mhz.

If any of you can elaborate on the above that would be great.

[N_Jay]

To be legal you need to contact Nextel.
They have engineers to help with these issues (or at least used to).

[Vschlitz]

N_Jay, I plan to contact them, I have tried on the general support number and they had no idea what I was talking about, kind of frustrating. I am trying to get some figures together, and anticipated future costs if and when they move to a different freq. band.

[N_Jay]

Try these guys.
Jack Daniel Co. - In-building wireless coverage Experts

[SkyPager]

N_Jay is correct. You must have the express permission of the carrier to install and operate a BDA.
Don't waste your time with Nextel customer service. Contact your sales rep, or walk into a Sprint store; and ask them to put you in contact with the in-building or CNS group. (Campus Network Solutions)
Nextel is currently operating 800 and 900 MHz in the DC area, which includes Frederick. You iDEN phone will be assigned a channel depending on channel availability, 800 or 900 MHz. Not all cells are 900 MHz capable.
Don't try to install one your self. You will do more harm to the network rather than improve your situation. Also since Frederick PD operates in the interleaved portion of 800 MHz and on some NPSPAC channels an incorrectly adjusted BDA will get John Law at your front door. BDA's are easy to DF.

[maus92]

Also search "Wilson Electronics"

[mancow]

We have one here and it repeats the local 800 Mhz trunking system beautifully. Since the external directional antenna happens to be pointed toward a large agency two Counties over I can hear their trunking system in the basement as well. It's a nice side benefit.