Where is AT&T Fixing Outdoor Reception?

AT&T is one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States, serving more than 240 million subscribers nationwide. Despite its vast infrastructure, many customers still encounter outdoor reception problems—dropped calls, weak signals, or slow data speeds. Outdoor coverage is especially critical for travelers, rural residents, first responders, and businesses that depend on reliable connectivity. Over the past few years, AT&T has invested heavily in network improvements, 5G expansion, and small cell deployment to address these issues. But where exactly is AT&T fixing outdoor reception? This guide explores the key areas where the carrier has made improvements, why reception varies, and what customers can do to take advantage of better coverage.

Why Outdoor Reception Matters

Outdoor reception is the backbone of mobile connectivity. While indoor coverage often depends on building materials and Wi-Fi availability, outdoor signals come directly from cell towers and small cells. Strong outdoor coverage ensures reliable calls, fast mobile internet, and consistent performance for navigation, video streaming, and mobile payments. Without strong outdoor signals, even the best smartphones can struggle. AT&T’s network improvements are targeted at reducing these gaps and strengthening performance across rural highways, suburban neighborhoods, and dense urban environments.

AT&T’s 5G Expansion

AT&T has aggressively rolled out 5G coverage across the United States. Its strategy involves two key technologies:

• 5G+ (millimeter wave): Ultra-fast speeds in dense urban areas such as downtowns, stadiums, and airports. Ideal for high-capacity zones but with limited range.

• 5G mid-band and low-band: Wider coverage for suburban and rural areas. These bands travel farther and penetrate obstacles better than millimeter wave.
  Cities like Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami have seen significant improvements in 5G+ coverage, while smaller towns are increasingly benefiting from mid-band 5G. Customers in these areas report stronger outdoor signals and faster data, even during peak usage times.

Rural Coverage Improvements

One of the biggest challenges for AT&T has been extending reliable outdoor reception to rural America. Large distances between towers, mountainous terrain, and lower population density make it harder to justify investment. However, AT&T has participated in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rural broadband initiatives and FirstNet, the nationwide public safety network. As part of these projects, AT&T has added thousands of new towers and upgraded existing sites in states such as Montana, Wyoming, West Virginia, and rural Texas. Ranchers, farmers, and small-town residents are beginning to see more consistent outdoor signals where coverage was once spotty.

Suburban Small Cell Deployment

In suburban communities, outdoor reception often suffers due to tower congestion and interference. AT&T has responded by installing small cells—low-powered antennas mounted on streetlights, utility poles, and buildings. These small cells strengthen reception in neighborhoods, parks, and shopping districts. For example, suburban areas around Phoenix, Orlando, and Nashville have benefited from expanded small cell networks. These upgrades provide more reliable voice service and reduce data slowdowns in areas where traditional towers once struggled.

Coverage Along Highways

Highway coverage is critical for truckers, commuters, and travelers. Dropped signals along interstates create safety concerns and limit productivity. AT&T has focused on upgrading highway corridors, particularly those connecting major cities. Interstate 10, Interstate 70, and Interstate 95 have received significant upgrades in recent years, with additional rural towers placed along rest stops and service stations. These improvements ensure smoother calls, better GPS navigation, and faster streaming for drivers on long routes.

FirstNet and Public Safety Coverage

AT&T operates FirstNet, a dedicated wireless network for first responders and emergency services. As part of this initiative, AT&T has invested in strengthening outdoor reception in disaster-prone areas and locations with high public safety needs. Wildfire zones in California, hurricane regions in Florida and Louisiana, and tornado-prone states like Oklahoma have seen FirstNet-driven tower upgrades. While designed for first responders, these improvements often enhance reception for regular customers in the same areas.

Urban Dead Zone Fixes

Even in cities, outdoor reception problems occur in “dead zones”—spots where skyscrapers, stadiums, or infrastructure interfere with signals. AT&T has invested in distributed antenna systems (DAS) to improve outdoor reception in places like Times Square in New York, Millennium Park in Chicago, and the Las Vegas Strip. Sports venues and airports are also high-priority locations, with AT&T adding new 5G nodes at NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, and major airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL). These upgrades ensure stronger outdoor reception during high-traffic events.

Customer Reports and Crowdsourced Data

AT&T customers often report where outdoor reception is improving, providing valuable insights through crowdsourced coverage maps and independent testing firms. Reports show recent improvements in cities like Denver, Charlotte, and Salt Lake City, as well as along rural corridors in Kansas and Nebraska. Coverage-tracking platforms confirm that AT&T’s upgrades are reducing dead zones and boosting speeds in both metro and rural regions. Checking these reports can help customers confirm if their area has received improvements.

What Customers Can Do

While AT&T is fixing outdoor reception in many areas, users can also take steps to maximize signal strength:

• Update your device: Newer iPhones and Android models support AT&T’s latest bands and 5G frequencies.

• Enable Wi-Fi calling: Helps bridge coverage gaps indoors, especially in areas with strong outdoor signals but weak indoor reception.

• Use a signal booster: External antennas and boosters can amplify weak outdoor signals for vehicles and homes.

• Check coverage maps: AT&T publishes updates showing where upgrades are live, helping customers decide when improvements will reach their area.
  By combining AT&T’s network improvements with smart device settings, customers can enjoy stronger and more consistent reception.

The Future of AT&T’s Outdoor Reception

AT&T has committed billions of dollars to network improvements, including expanding its 5G footprint, upgrading towers with fiber backhaul, and adding more small cells. With the rise of smart cities, connected cars, and IoT devices, strong outdoor reception will be even more important in the future. Customers can expect AT&T to continue addressing dead zones, expanding rural service, and strengthening urban networks over the next decade. The carrier’s goal is to deliver nationwide 5G that rivals or exceeds the reliability of traditional 4G LTE.

Conclusion

AT&T is fixing outdoor reception across the country by upgrading rural towers, deploying 5G in cities and suburbs, improving highway coverage, and enhancing public safety networks. While challenges remain, customers in both urban and rural areas are already noticing stronger signals and faster data speeds. By investing in modern infrastructure and expanding FirstNet, AT&T is building a more reliable outdoor network that benefits everyday users, businesses, and emergency responders alike. For customers wondering where AT&T is fixing outdoor reception, the answer is clear: everywhere from small towns to major cities, highways to stadiums, AT&T is strengthening its network to keep America connected.

Should Phones Be Banned in Schools?

Some say that phones should be banned in schools because they can be a distraction and prevent learning. For example, some say that banning phones could improve academic performance, reduce cyberbullying, and cut down on screen time. Others say that phones can be used as a learning aid, for instant communication, and for classroom collaboration.  Some experts are concerned about the impact on school culture and urge leaders not to implement overly restrictive policies.

The question of whether phones should be banned in schools is a topic of ongoing debate and can vary depending on different perspectives and educational contexts. Some schools block cell phone reception.  Here are some points to consider regarding this issue:

Schools Blocking Cell Phone Reception

Is It Right For Schools to Block Cell Phone Reception?

Do TV Signals Affect Your Phone Reception?

Yes, it’s true that LTE signals from local cell towers can interfere with TV antenna reception. This is because LTE is now carried on frequencies that used to be used for television, and so if an antenna isn’t designed to block those signals there can be problems. In an ideal world, signals in the air wouldn’t mingle, mix, or blend with other signals. Our world would be simpler if wireless RF signals would dutifully follow separation rules. However, they are freewheeling spirits that enjoy visiting their friends in the cables. This means that using your cell phone near your TV can result in interference.

In order for a TV signal to interfere at all with a cell signal, it would have to first be stronger than that cell signal. Over the ages engineers have done their very best to keep the interference to a minimum. A simple way to do this is to have the signals in the cable use a different frequency range than the signals in the air. It turns out that signals at different frequencies don’t like to mingle. However, the wireless spectrum has gotten crowded, and relatively recently cellphones have begun using frequencies that cable TV systems use. With our natural separation solution out the door we have to fall back to our next line of defense: RF shielding. This includes using multiple layers of shielding on our cables, tight connectors and well-designed cable modems and set-top boxes.

Transmitter Interference

Communication systems that transmit signals capable of generating interference include amateur radios, CBs and radio and television stations. Design flaws such as insufficient filtering and inadequate shielding or frayed or corroded wires may make equipment susceptible to transmitter interference. To determine whether the interference is caused by a transmitter or electrical equipment, unplug one household electronic component at a time to see if you can isolate any electrical interference source. If your equipment is reacting to nearby transmitters such as an amateur radio or CB, you will have interference only when the radio operator is talking and you will be able to hear only half of the conversation. If this is the case, you may be able to verify the interference source if you see an antenna mounted on a nearby house or car. Cordless telephones use radio frequencies and have no protection from interference. If you are experiencing interference on your cordless phone, you should contact the equipment manufacturer for assistance.

Electrical Interference and The TV

Electrical interference appears on the audio and video portion of television programming. Short bursts of interference may be caused by hair dryers, sewing machines, electric drills, doorbell transformers and garage door openers. If the pattern is on continuously, it may be caused by equipment that is in use full time. Electrical interference may be caused by power lines or electrical equipment in your home. Interference caused by your power company’s electrical equipment is normally continuous and your power company should be notified. A simple method of determining the location of electrical interference is by using a portable AM radio tuned to a quiet frequency at the lower end of the dial. You should hear static or a buzzing sound as you get close to the source of the interference. The closer you get, the more intense the static will be. 

What Should I Be Doing?

If you find that interference has befallen you and the video on your TV is breaking up when you use your portable device, the first thing to do is check that the connector on the cable leading to your set-top box is tight. Experts at https://longrangesignal.com/which-direction-should-a-tv-antenna-face/ are able to assist others with a step by step guide in helping diagnose and solve the connection problems you face. So, whenever in a predicament on what to do, try doing a little light reading before touching anything.

Tightening the connector with your fingers is another sufficient solution, but keep in mind that if you move the set-top box the connector may get loose again. Next, check the cable feeding the set-top box. They’re not the least expensive in the store, but they also aren’t much more expensive than poor-quality cables. You will want to look for the cables with quad layer shielding. Finally, check for any RF splitters in the line. Look at the back of the RF splitter if the back plate is glued on instead of soldered on then you will want to replace the splitter.

While some of these problems can be fixed by yourself, it’s best to check with your cable provider first. They may offer you cables or splitters for free or a nominal fee, or provide you with suggestions for which ones to buy. Whatever the case, there’s always a solution to these problems and all you need to do is ask the right questions. 

Does Your School Have Cell Phone Service Problems?

Do Schools Block Cell Phone Signals? 

We were interviewed today by CBS TV in Fort Lauderdale, Florida which is doing a news story on cell phone coverage in schools.  They were asking questions about whether schools block cell phone signals in schools or whether cell coverage is just a factor of the cell phone tower being located too far from the school.  

The cell phone coverage in each school depends on a lot of factors.  

1)  Does the school block signals using a cell phone signal jammer?

2)  How far is the school from the nearest cell phone tower? 

3)  What material is the building made out of concrete, steel, or wood?

4)  Are hills or trees blocking cell phone signals?

5)  Does the school allow students to make phone calls and send text messages over WiFi when a cellular signal is not present?

6)  Has the school installed cell phone DAS antennas/repeaters?  

7)  Does the school have adequate WiFi coverage in every classroom and location throughout the school campus?  

Here is another community in California concerned about cell phone towers causing cancer on school campuses.  Sprint actually removed a cell phone tower on campus because it was thought it could have caused 4 cases of cancer. 

Please add your comments to this story below about cell phone coverage and policies in your school.  What are your thoughts about having cell phone coverage in the school?  

Walmart & TracFone Offer Prepaid Wireless

The prepaid cell phone market continues to gain lots of momentum as consumers are still looking to save money. The new discount cell phone service is offered exclusively from Walmart through Tracfone Wireless, a subsidiary of America Movil. Walmart is currently offering two plans: the first is a $30 plan that provides 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts, 30 megabytes of data and unlimited 411 for 30 days; the second for $45 gets you unlimited talk, text and data for 30 days. The discount plans prices do not include phones, which on Walmart.com's Straight Talk brand shop range from LG and Samsung models between a basic $39.98 device and a $328.88 phone with touch-screen, camera and video.

This should bring lots more competition from new sources that AT&T or Verizon cannot just buy out (i.e Alltell or Cingular). This should also translate into more reasonable prices for current plans in the not so distant future.

Ironically there are currently 16 Walmart stores listed in our database as having poor cell phone coverage around the US.  Hopefully, someone diligence from Walmart or Tracfone will find this information and take some action to fix the problems for its' customers.

Related sites:  See Our Tracfone Consumer Generated Coverage Maps

How to Report Cell Reception Problems

How to Report Cell Phone Reception Problems to AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, TracFone (Video)

Wireless coverage is a personal issue and most customers want transparency about where wireless service will work as advertised. Most coverage problems can be fixed with new cell phone towers, distributed antenna systems, picocells, repeaters and femtocells provided by the carrier

Step 1 - Select a carrier AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile or Other Carrier and search the map by zip code, city, state. Double click on pins to review the comments from others.
Step 2 - Grab the pin on the left-hand side of the map and drag it to the new location and add comments about the problem location and how often it occurs - In-building, Outdoors, Data Congestion, Dropped Calls
Step 3 - Share the map with your family, friends and colleagues to get the attention of your carrier in your neighborhood.
Step 4 - Check back frequently for comments posted by others, service providers to the carriers who try to fix the coverage problem with new antennas, cell phone towers, femtocells or repeaters.

LTE Cell Phone Tower Industry Growth

Stadiums & Airports Are A Focus for LTE 4G Not Current 3G Cell Phone Towers

LTE 4G cell phone tower build outs will NOT be as big of an opportunity as projected by the analysts for the cell phone tower operators like American Tower, SBA Communications and Crown Castle. Carriers are taking a much more rifled and focused approach to building out new towers versus the shotgun approach used for 3G network build outs.  Carriers are taking 3+ years to build out the new faster networks and only will do it if the demand is there.  

New cell sites are getting built at 4G airports & stadiums that have concentrations of people and customers.  These high traffic areas first are also getting smaller cell tower antennas which are taking on different forms like distributed antenna systems and femtocells.  Tower operators are starting to use new systems built by femtocell manufacturers that are starting to eat into the traditional cell tower business.  One other new industry growth opportunity would be for one of the cell tower operators to get into the Wi-Fi business because many speculate that Wi-Fi cell phone towers are the future.

In order to understand this read up on the "inside out" strategy for building the LTE networks. Carriers are building out LTE 4G much differently than they did 3G which was much of a shotgun approach without much focus. Carriers will focus on smaller sites first like stadiums, malls, hotels and homes (using femtocells) and then move to build out where capacity is needed most. Its not the same as a 3G where they blanketed entire markets. Carriers also recognize that devices aren't ready yet for the masses and most people are not going to be watching movies in their cars or outdoors.  This is why AT&T to Spend $1B on Free Femtocells does not bode well for the cell phone tower operators who don't have their tentacles in this market yet.

Article in reference to: Tower industry primed for growth with carrier buildouts - RCR Wireless News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Ree related posts: Forget 4G Cell Towers, Bring on Femtocells

AT&T to Spend $1B on Free Femtocells

AT&T To Give Away 10 million Microcells (Femtocells)

AT&T plans to spend $4B to enhance its network and $1B of this to be allocated at giving away 10 million  Microcells at $100 each.  This is only 12% of their entire customer base and we speculate that its' loyal small business customers who desperately need home or business coverage will get priority.  We are simply foreshadowing the inevitable news that AT&T seems to be avoided as they can sell early adopters this first iteration of the Cisco manufactured AT&T Home Cell Tower or MicroCell for $150.

AT&T has rolled this out in about a half dozen markets and claims they will go Nationwide later this spring or summary.  I think they are testing the market to see how early adopters are just willing to pay $150 and $20 per month for enhanced in-building coverage.  We speculate they are going to be forced into giving away a minimum of 10M femtocells (Microcell mini cell phone towers) to its' customers that cost them $100 each because of pressures from the cable operators and the smaller operators.  These mini cell phone towers will fix the horrible coverage more than 40M of AT&T's customers have indoors. 10M microcells would only be a fraction of their customer base of 80M that actually needs the product or may switch to another dump pipe operator in the near future.

See our related posts about the Microcell:  AT&T Customers Will Soon Be Happy,

Obama's Emergency Internet Shutdown Workshop

How The US Will the Shut the Net Down in an Emergency?

As Americans increasingly rely on broadband services for so many aspects of their lives, including public safety and national security, it is critical for the FCC to gain a better understanding of the survivability of existing networks and explore potential measures to reduce network vulnerability to failures in network equipment or severe overload conditions in emergencies.  

The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) will hold a workshop on April 13, at 9:00 AM ET to discuss communications infrastructure and information collection. The workshop will focus on reliability and security of the nation’s communications critical infrastructure. Discussion will address both protecting and securing communications and information systems and incentives that should be in place to encourage increased resiliency and security in communications networks. More information can be found at FCC.gov To attend this online workshop in-person, register online at FCC Registration.  Audio/Video coverage of the meeting will be broadcast live with open captioning over the Internet from the FCC's web page at FCC.gov/live. The FCC’s web cast is free to the public and does not require pre-registration.

AT&T's Microcell U-Verse Set-Top Box

AT&T's Microcell U-Verse Set-Top Box

AT&T is reportedly working on a U-Verse IPTV set-top box that will include a Femtocell, claims an anonymous employee. This unit will cover TV, telephone, internet and improve your cellular reception with its Microcell technology included to route cell phone calls through broadband. Owners of iPhones, Blackberry's and 3G phones will be excited to hear any news but will it be enough to get you to switch from Fios, Time Warner, Comcast, Cox or Cable Vision?  The all-in-one box is said to launch in 2010, while U-Verse continues to expand throughout the U.S. However, in addition to this news comes the 3G Microcell, AT&T's stand-alone Femtocell, which is out in limited locations throughout the US.  Features include:

* Full bars indoors - supports voice and data up to 5000 square feet.
* Available unlimited minute plans - Individual or Family Plan.
* 3G handset compatible - works with any AT&T 3G Phone.
* Up to 4 simultaneous voice or data users supported.
* Device is secure - cannot be accessed by unauthorized users.
* Seamless call hand-over between Microcell and cell towers.

It has also been speculated by insiders and lightly reported in the media that AT&T will Spend $1 billion dollars on Free Femtocells for its customers or approximately 10M customers.  This accounts for only 12% of its 80 million customers who could likely see a free Microcell if they complain loud enough and are high ARPU customers.

Satellite Coverage Maps for Cell Phones

Satellite Coverage Maps You Can Believe

SkyTerra's satellite network system operates over North America and within 200 nautical miles of the waterways surrounding North America.  Terrastar's coverage map is a lot more believable coming from low level orbit versus AT&T's, Verizon & Sprint maps which are derived from cell phone towers on the ground.    Satellite cell phone service is coming to the masses and should be a viable alternative to the congested and spotty cellular networks.  If you have needs for reliable cell phone coverage, especially in the Western US you will be a good candidate for this new service.  

A prominent New York hedge fund billionaire intends to take on several of the country's biggest telecoms by building a massive 4G wireless network that one analyst has called "breathtaking in its ambition." Harbinger Capital Partners, run by Philip Falcone, and SkyTerra announced a merger -- a take-private deal with an enterprise value of nearly $2 billion, according to the companies. The FCC formally approved the deal last Friday.

Harbinger issued a statement saying it's building a new network that will cover most of the country by 2015, with tests rolling out in Denver and Phoenix next year. Falcone aims to use spectrum owned by his satellite investments -- including SkyTerra and TerraStar -- to build a wholesale data network "that could be resold by anyone wanting to offer 4G services to their customers, such as retailers or laptop/device manufacturers."

SkyTerra's satellite network system operates over North America and within 200 nautical miles of the waterways surrounding North America. Certain technical considerations and limitations, as well as the nature of customer terminals, can affect the availability of service in certain areas, including Alaska and Canada. In addition, the availability of service at the edge of coverage fluctuates depending on various conditions.

Related Article:

82% of the World is a Cellular Dead Zone

AT&T's 'Mark The Spot' iPhone App Review

10 Reasons Why AT&T's iPhone App Fails

This image is just one of the many reasons why AT&T's "Mark the Spot" iPhone app is a failure to customers and the wireless industry that services the telecom giant. One would believe that as an iPhone user, telling AT&T where their coverage stinks will help fix their coverage problems but most believe including me it is far more of a PR tool than anything.  AT&T claims they are generating lots of data each month from the "Mark the Spot" app but here are ten reasons why ultimately it fails to meet customer and industry expectations.

1. Fails to report dropped call, failed call, no coverage, data failure, poor voice quality if no data or cell coverage available regardless of GSM signal strength 
2. Fails to report the coverage problem indoors or do not have a view of the sky
   
3. Highly protective of complaint data and does not share with customers or public 
4. Only works on the iPhone and maybe Blackberry soon (i hear)
5. Data generated is concentrated in major metropolitan areas and neglects rural customers
6. No incentive for the customer who contributes data (rebates, femtocell, microcell, free service)
7. No feedback loop if the data is being used to actually fix coverage or just thrown into the trash
8. No published summary of users contributing the data and volume of complaints 
9. Infrastructure service providers are developing their own apps and begging for the data
10. AT&T does not accept customer complaints on their own web site ATT.com & management has endless amounts of excuses why they will not license our data.

FCC Could Ban Cell Signal Boosters = Bad Idea

People Don’t Seek Solutions Unless There Are Problems!

Comments on the RCR Wireless Article FCC to address cellphone boosters, jammers and is the FCC losing its' authority and credibility based on this court ruling?

The Federal Communications Commission is considering implementing a law that would make cellphone boosters illegal unless they are deployed by a wireless operator (DCZ:  Wireless operates hate signal boosters b/c they are not under their control)  or with the consent of a wireless operator, a move that could impact thousands of end-users already owning such devices.  (DCZ:  What problem are they trying to solve that the network operators have not dealt with for years?)

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking before the FCC addresses an ongoing controversy within the wireless industry and could impact devices like MagicJack (DCZ: this product is not a booster its VoIP.  However, they have a product called FemtoJack under development) and other femtocell solutions, as well as local and state governments that want to be able to use cellphone jammers to prevent prisoners from unauthorized use of cellphones. (DCZ:  Or schools who want their kids paying attention to the teacher)  Depending on whose argument you believe, the eventual ruling could even have an impact on net neutrality rules.  (DCZ:  I don't see how this applies to Net Neutrality)  One proponent of signal boosters and jammers said that making boosters illegal won’t address the products already in the market, nor will it stop the sale of signal boosters.  (DCZ:  There are a handful of big companies and thousands of people employed by them with hundreds of thousands of devices already on the market.)

Wireless industry trade association CTIA in 2007 filed a petition for a declaratory ruling at the FCC, asking that it outlaw the sale and use of any device that can enhance or impair cellphone calls. (DCZ:  Might have worked under the previous corrupt Bush Administration)  The petition was a surprise to some third-party retailers, who called RCR Wireless News at the time and thought the story had to be wrong. Therein lies the crux of the problem: a cellphone booster can enhance coverage for a customer, but also has the potential to interfere with someone else’s signal (DCZ:  How often and how can they prove this?). Yet, cellphone boosters have been marketed to carriers and end-users alike as a way to improve the cellular signal in areas where coverage is less than satisfactory – and the reality remains that cellphone coverage in some locations is spotty.  (DCZ:  Carriers need to get their act together with Femtocells first before they decide to outlaw something like this. Signal boosters provide a lot of value in the car.)

The FCC’s definition of signal boosters is fairly broad as it includes amplifiers, repeaters, boosters, Distributed Antenna Systems, and in-building radiation systems that enhance CMRS signals or Part 90 signals. CTIA is asking that the commission rule that companies must have an FCC license to operate a signal booster or have the consent from an FCC licensee (i.e., operator), and that the sale and marketing of devices to unauthorized parties (i.e., end-users or commercial building owners) is illegal.

CTIA also says that wireless microphones, jammers, and new products like the MagicJack femtocell device also are threats to the network.  (DCZ:  What happened to let entrepreneurs create technology to help the industry progress?)

“Unlike wireless handsets, which are under the control of the wireless licensee’s base station, signal boosters cannot be controlled by wireless licensees. However, it is clear that the commission’s rules require carriers to control and govern the use of signal boosters and amplifiers. In fact, this control contemplated in the commission’s rules exists for very good reasons. Signal boosters, because they are not controlled by the base station, do not operate at the lowest possible power. Rather, these devices are intended to operate at much higher power, which raises the noise floor, harming spectrum efficiency and causing interference that leads to degraded or dropped calls unless the devices are properly installed and overseen by the carrier,” CTIA said in comments on the NPRM.

“To address the harm caused by unauthorized signal booster operation, the commission must affirm its existing requirements, which prohibit the sale or marketing of signal boosters to unauthorized users. Currently, many manufacturers and retailers market and sell these products to end-users with the knowledge that these devices do not and cannot comply with the commission’s licensing and interference control obligations. Under FCC rules, the use of signal boosters is only permitted by licensees or parties authorized by licensees. However, illicit sale and operation of these devices will continue to proliferate – and will be impossible to effectively enforce – if the commission does not take prompt action to affirm these requirements.”

Not everyone agrees. Howard Melamed, CEO of CellAntenna, said a blanket “make them illegal” mandate doesn’t solve the problem. It will just force end-users in need of a solution to buy products overseas. “People don’t go out seeking a solution unless there is a problem.”

Howard said some of his clients are hospitals that have needed coverage but not been able to get satisfactory coverage from the carrier. Instead of a blanket mandate, the FCC should force signal-booster manufacturers to tighten the design specifications. He’s also advocated that a registry be created where people can register their signal booster with the FCC so in the event the signal booster is affecting the network, the carrier can know who or what is causing the problem. Melamed also joked in an interview with RCR Wireless News that he is a “persona non grata” within the wireless carrier community.

Wilson Electronics in its filing with the FCC argued that mobile amplifiers should not be subject to the same rules as larger, traditional fixed power boosters. Wilson also said the mobile boosters, designed for personal use in a car, for example, are an example of net neutrality initiatives at the FCC that are designed to allow any device to attach to the network.

CTIA disagrees with that assessment, as well as comments filed by The DAS Forum that recommend a code of conduct is followed, rather than more regulation.

Both CTIA and Howard agree that poor-quality boosters can cause problems. But Howard argues that not allowing U.S. companies to sell boosters that meet FCC certification standards will only lead people and businesses to buy poorer quality boosters overseas. Signal boosters are sold throughout the rest of the world, he said; the controversy only is occurring in North America.  (DCZ:  Pointing the finger in the wrong direction)

Jammer issues

But cellphone boosters are only half of the FCC’s notice of proposed rulemaking. The commission is also reviewing the sale of cellphone jammers, which block signals. Jammers can only be sold to federal authorities under the way the law reads today. Melamed argues that state and local authorities need to be able to use jammers, especially in a society where cellphones are used to remotely detonate bombs and are the No. 1 device illegally snuck into prisons. However, the FCC may not be the final authority on the use of cellphone jammers at the local and state levels. The Senate in October passed the Safe Prison Act, which allows the director of the federal bureau of prisons or the CEO of a state to seek FCC approval to deploy cellphone jammers in their jurisdictions to block wireless coverage in correctional facilities.