Rural cell reception boost

Running in very desolate stretches of the upper Midwest on 2-lane, there are stretches of 100 miles with no cell service. I have a (K1M) Motorola cell phone on Alltel/Verizon, digital bands only, no port for external antenna.

http://www.ehelpfultips.com/how_to_get_better_cell_phone_rec.htm may be helpful. Anyone used the Digital Antenna Powermax mentioned there or site sponsor https://www.maximumsignal.net/store/home.php?cat=2 ?

I only have online access on my 34 hr reset (weekends). Thanks in advance for any input.

JoeB

 

Thanks! Researching Wi-Ex, along with the OP options.

I run the same back roads that your hubby did, see a lot of O/O bull racks.

Since my rig is company-issued, I'm concerned about modifying the cab (drilling holes). AFAIK, the Wi-Ex http://www.wi-ex.com/YX230.aspx product uses magnetic mount antenna.

Other options under consideration:
Different handset, with external antenna capabilities.
Motorola M800 bag phone (digital bands).

I only need 1 phone, so a bag phone, or a Velco-attached antenna (to existing K1M [no external antenna]) would be cumbersome.

Will keep thread updated weekly as progress is made.

 

So the Wilson helped analog signal, eh? Thanks, good to know...

 

Not weekly, but here's an update:

Installed Wilson 801233 today. Purchased at Radio Shack in Montana. Paid full retail $290 for the booster alone. Save $100.

Also got the Wilson 301101 antenna for $60. Save $30.

Using Wilson 901106 horizontal mount bracket ($12) & Barjan spring (heavy-duty, for 48" IIRC). A fellow trucker recommended getting the heaviest spring possible.

Reception is great where I'm parked for the weekend; without the Wilson. I'll update the thread in a week or so once I've had a chance to test it in weak spots.

Oil field truckers I know in Montana use Wilsons, with short/whip antenna. Seems to me the 6-radial style I've installed would work better.