Anyone know what frequencies AT&T cell phones use?

[JoshuaHufford]

I recently bought a cell phone booster for my work vehicle, I do service work, often in rural areas, and I depend on cell service for GPS/Maps, looking up service manuals, part information, calling tech support etc. Also my work vehicle only has 3 windows, the back is completely enclosed so I'm sure that doesn't help a cell signal get into the vehicle.

This is the unit I bought,

Fusion2Go 3.0 Fleet Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Booster

The Fusion2Go 3.0 NMO Fleet is designed to outperform other in-vehicle cell signal boosters with twice the output power and significantly faster data speeds.

www.surecall.com

So far I'm really happy with it, it certainly has improved things, I've been in areas where previously I had nothing, and now I can make calls, and get data, although I do still drop a call once in a while.

The antenna that came with the kit, is made by Larid, it is actually this antenna,

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-tra6927m3nb-6167

And while I'm sure it is a quality antenna, it is very wideband, and I know these low profile antennas are a compromise in performance, I'm sure that SureCall chose this antenna so it would work with any carrier, and knowing that most people wouldn't want a taller antenna on their vehicle. Me on the other hand don't mind, I already have a 5/8 wave VHF antenna on their, so another won't matter.

So anyway, wondering if anyone knows what frequencies ATT uses, which is my carrier, so I can get an antenna tuned a little more specific and perhaps improve performance even more.

Thanks!

 

[K4EET]

Joshua,

Due to the broadband nature of your network provider, you are going to still need an antenna like one on this webpage:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/antennas-191/mobile-antennas-192/

or this one:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/antennas-191/mobile-antennas-192/cellular-data-voice-lte-wifi-201/

The folks at The Antenna Farm should be quite knowledgable and could help you select a higher gain antenna in hopes of improving your coverage even more. Of course, at some point, you reach the point of no return and the signal is just not going to make it back to the cell tower no matter how good of an antenna you have.

When I was working at the police department, I called up our cellular provider and was able to discuss in general terms coverage areas. Their coverage maps are very proprietary for obvious reasons but you may be able to find out if there is just absolutely no coverage in XYZ City, MO. That way, you know that getting a better antenna is not going to help.

Finally, remember that the system needs to be balanced. You have to be able to hear the cell tower and the cell tower has to be able to hear you. So be a little careful spending a lot of money on your end improving transmit capabilities because if you cannot receive the cell tower's transmissions, things are not going to work.

Dave

 

[JoshuaHufford]

Thanks Dave. I do realize there will still be areas where I won't get coverage, but I also like to make thing work to their full potential, that is why I'm asking.

 

[K4EET]

Thanks Dave. I do realize there will still be areas where I won't get coverage, but I also like to make thing work to their full potential, that is why I'm asking.

You are certainly welcome. I was hoping that some others might chime in too with some additional comments because I'm not the smartest cookie on the planet. LOL! I do hope you can find the "best" system arrangement for your vehicle to give you the full potential that you are looking for. Another thought, do you have an AT&T cellular rep in your area that you could contact? They may also know more about the actual coverage specifics of their territory and may give you a hint as to where they know that they have no coverage. It is worth a shot perhaps...

Dave