Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use HomeCell 2.0 with my current cell phone with any US plan?
   All US Cellular plans but “walkie talkie” iden services like Nextel.
   
   
2. If I have cellular service outside my home, but not inside will HomeCell 2.0 help me?
   YES!  HomeCell 2.0 brings the outside signal inside!
   
   
3. Will HomeCell 2.0 give me service in my home if there is no service inside or outside my home?
   NO!  HomeCell 2.0 only take the signal that is outside and brings it inside.
   
   
4. Why do I get signal outside my home by not inside?
   There are many possible reasons.  The general reason is that there is some type of grounded shielding in the walls of your home, or around your home.  This could be metal in the walls, moisture in bricks or cinder block, too many trees, etc.  HomeCell 2.0 remedies the situation by running a cable through the shield (walls) and re-transmitting the signal inside the home.
   
   
5. Why do I get good signal on the second floor of my home but not on the ground floor?
   Cellular signals originate at towers.  In some cases the signal is stronger the closer you get to the height of the tower.  In addition, the floor in your second floor may be “shielding effect” as discussed above.  In this case you may want to mount your internal antenna on the roof of your home or the attic.
   
   
6. Why do I get good signal in some places in my home and not others?
   Cellular signals are traveling though the air in your home.  In some places those signals will be blocked by the “shielding effect” discussed above.  If you can imagine these signals being blocked in some places and not in others you can imagine that in some places the signal will be good and others not so good.
   
   
7. Do I have to know what band my cell phone works in or what carrier I have or what region I’m in?
   No – HomeCell 2.0 works with all cellular phones but iden phones like Nextel. (“walkie-talkie” type).  With HomeCell 2.0 you can change carriers and know that your HomeCell 2.0 will still work!  All your friends phones will work in your home as well!
   
   
8. Does the outside antenna need any special positioning?
   It should be mounted vertically wherever you get good cellular service.  If you get good service on your cell phone where you mount the antenna then it will work properly.  Typically the best signal around your home will be on the roof,or in the attic.  If these locations are too difficult to reach then anywhere there is good signal, at least three bars, will be fine.  Do not be concerned with obstacle clearance.
   
   
9. Does HomeCell require an electrical power outlet?
   Yes.  The amplifier requires a power outlet.  An AC/DC power converter is included.
   
   
10. Can HomeCell cause problems for the Cellular company?
    There is a chance that a feedback loop can cause a technical issue for your cellular provider.  This can happen if the outside antenna is electrically "too close" to the inside antenna.  The outside antenna must be seperated from the inside antenna by at least 15 feet, at least ten feet elevation or a solid concrete wall.