Eugene's observations

It's been three years since I last blogged about femtocells - the little devices that you can plug into the back of your router and act as a miniature mast for the mobile phone signal.  If you have a reasonable (perhaps greater than 4 Mbps download) speed broadband line, adding a femtocell can boost your ability to send texts and phone considerable - up to about 15 metres from the device anyway.  

You can pick up these devices from between free (from your provider) and £100 but note that it is illegal to use those not sanctioned by your network provider.  Whatever it says on eBay, ask for proof of legality before clicking the buy button.

There is a good tutorial on all aspects of the technology over at radio-electronics.com

There are four main networks:

• Three.  Their 'Home Signal' is free to customers with poor reception. £75 charge applies if not returned.
• EE.   They sell a 'Signal Box' but it's only available to business customers.  A wi-fi calls app is available for home users though.
• Vodafone.   'Sure Signal' costs £69 from the Vodafone Shop.
• O2.   'Boost Box' is only available to business customers.  Residential customers can use TuGo, a free mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.

See also http://www.cel-fi.co.uk/boosters.html