Judging a Gadget by Its Coverage

January 03, 2006

Horicon, WI Water Tower "TIRED OF SPOTTY cell phone coverage? We've got the solution for you!"

Wireless Extenders, a company based in Norcross, GA, has released a product dubbed the YX500-PCS Wireless Extender. It is supposed to provide improved in-building coverage for suffering cell phone users who are experiencing poor signal strength indoors. According to the manufacturer, approximately one third of the wireless subscribers in the U.S. have in-building coverage problems. Somehow that number seems much lower than I would have expected. Nonetheless, that adds up to 50 to 60 million consumers who may be interested in a product like this. The device only works with PCS phones operating at 1850 to 1990 MHz.

Meanwhile, a different company is launching a similar gadget geared for consumers who use their cell phone in their car. Illinois-based Richardson Electronics is manufacturing a new product called the Call Capture. Richardson Electronics claims the device will improve the signal strength and coverage of cellular phones inside a car.

While I do not see these products replacing the need for more antenna sites any time soon, they may entice some misguided person at a zoning meeting to say, “Why can’t everyone use a signal amplifier instead of companies having to build those ugly towers?”

Hopefully these devices really do work, which will increase cell phone usage, increase revenues for our clients, and decrease network capacity. ■

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