Mobile Signal Booster Reviews for the UK in 2023
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UK users may find themselves confused by the abundance of different signal-boosting solutions, as there are many on the market today for the home, office, or car. All of them can significantly improve call quality and provide stable mobile Internet. However, not all of them can be used legally. So which is the best mobile phone signal booster available on the market? Let's deal with this question once and for all. In this article, we will take a look at the available legal mobile signal boosters and discuss the main characteristics of each device.
Is it Legal to Use a Mobile Signal Booster in the UK?
Usage of mobile signal repeater devices or boosters is illegal under Section 8 of the WT Act 2006, but some devices are exempt from this law for in-building and vehicle use. Unfortunately, it is still legal to sell repeater devices that do not comply with the law—it only talks about installing and using them.
If you purchase the wrong type of repeater device, you might face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to a year of imprisonment. The distinction lies in the interference with the mobile networks. If a device does not interfere with other networks and adheres to Ofcom’s licence exemption conditions, your repeater is safe to use. Keep on reading to learn which of the best mobile signal boosters in the UK are legal.
6 Best Mobile Phone Signal Boosters in the UK
To help navigate the available options for boosting the mobile signal in a building or vehicle, here is a compilation of six mobile signal boosters from Cel-Fi, which are legal to buy and use in the UK.
Cel-Fi Prime
The first device on the mobile signal booster reviews list is Cel-Fi Prime. Cel-Fi Prime is designed for small areas (up to 1,000 square feet / 100 square meters). Cel-Fi Prime is available on the 3 and EE networks in the UK. It can boost the mobile network signal by up to 80dB and provide better 3G and 4G services. Having a stronger signal can also extend your phone’s battery by reducing the power it consumes to connect to the network.
Cel-Fi Prime provides improved coverage and offers reliable and stable connections. The technology behind the device allows it to address pilot pollution issues that cause poor signal when several mobile signals at one location compete with each other. Cel-Fi Prime comes with Nextivity’s electrically steerable antenna technology, which provides industry-leading performance and is available in the UK and other countries.
Main features:
- Easy to install—plug and play;
- Configured via a mobile app;
- Integrated antennas.
Cel-Fi GO X
Cel-Fi GO X is one of the best mobile phone signal boosters in the UK, known for its high power and scalability supporting 3G, 4G, and 5G. The device can boost the signal by 100dB and cover 15,000 square feet (1,400 square metres). Cel-Fi GO X is a perfect solution for small office spaces or private homes that require a mobile network speed and coverage boost. The Go-X can also be switched into mobile mode for use in vehicles. The device can be configured to any one of the available UK networks.
Main features:
- Up to 100dB gain with single-carrier coverage;
- Dynamic gain control to ensure maximum gain in changing RF environments;
- Configured via mobile app ;
- Option to switch between carriers;
- Small, ruggedised form factor.
Cel-Fi QUATRA 1000
The next mobile signal booster on review is Cel-Fi QUATRA 1000. This is an Enterprise-grade solution suitable for larger buildings covering up to 50,000 square feet (ca. 4,650 square metres) per system but can be expanded beyond this. The QUATRA 1000 is an all-digital active DAS hybrid solution that delivers up to 100dB gain (1000x stronger signal). As the system is digital with RF signal being delivered over structured cabling, there is no signal attenuation right to the perimeter of the building. QUATRA 1000 is a single carrier solution, but multiple systems can be deployed to provide coverage for multiple networks. QUATRA 1000 is designed to be easy to deploy and can bring full mobile coverage to a building in a matter of days. The system can be configured and managed remotely via the Cel-Fi WAVE portal.
Main features:
- Single-carrier coverage;
- Digital system with 100dB gain;
- Suitable for large Enterprise deployments;
- Remote configuration and management.
UCtel can help you pick the best mobile signal booster in the UK that matches your needs and budget. By evaluating your current issues and comparing the available products, we can deliver the most suitable solution for you.
Cel-Fi GO G41
Cel-Fi GO G41 is the latest evolution in the Go range and one of the best signal boosters for mobile phones for areas of up to 3,000 square feet (ca. 279 square metres). The G41 supports 3G, 4G, and 5G networks and significantly enhances data performance. When paired with outdoor or extra server antennas, the device can cover even larger buildings. The G41 has a built-in Ethernet port for remote management.
Main features:
- Easy to assemble and set up;
- Small form factor;
- Ethernet port for remote management.
Cel-Fi SOLO
Cel-Fi SOLO is the best mobile signal booster for offices, as it enhances the quality of calls and data performance in spaces up to 16,000 square feet (ca. 1,500 square metres). The system can add an extra 100 dB and provide a reliable and steady connection. Additional indoor antennas can expand the coverage area and allow the system to cover even larger office spaces. Cel-Fi SOLO is easy to install and set up and delivers superior mobile performance. The Cel-Fi solo can be remotely managed via an LTE connection.
Main features:
- Easy to use and set up;
- Compact and aesthetically appealing design;
- Perfect for small and medium premises such as offices, banks, pubs, clubs and large homes.
Cel-Fi QUATRA 4000e
Cel-Fi QUATRA 4000e is a more robust solution for large enterprises and office buildings covering up to 125,000 square feet (ca. 11,200 square metres). This is one of the best mobile phone signal boosters created to enhance the quality of communication within large buildings and solve common dead zones and spotty coverage issues.
The QUATRA 4000e can boost up to four networks in a single system with up to 100dB of gain per network with support for 3G, 4G, and 5G. The system is an active DAS hybrid and uses structured cabling with optional extensions via fibre to cover a large area with no loss of signal. The QUATRA 4000 can be remotely managed via the Cel-Fi WAVE portal.
Main features:
- Can boost up to four networks in a single system;
- Suitable for large buildings where coverage for multiple networks is required;
- Remote configuration and management;
- Maximum coverage with innovative network unit setup;
- Can use a CAT5 network cable.
How to Choose the Best Mobile Signal Booster for Your Goal
So, how do you choose the best indoor mobile signal boosters? This question is complicated and requires additional expertise. Choosing the best signal booster on your own is quite a complex task, requiring you to consider many third-party factors. The best solution, in this case, would be to contact a professional who will select the best option for your needs. For example, you can contact UCtel. Our specialists will assess the scope of work in no time, take all the details into account and then carry out the installation on a turnkey basis. Still, let’s see what factors to consider when choosing the best device.
Coverage area
Why would you buy a signal booster capable of covering several thousand square meters if you need a small and compact solution for your car? In this case, the best indoor mobile signal booster is the one that suits your needs best. You should pay attention to the coverage area, otherwise you run the risk of buying an industrial-grade solution for an unsuitable purpose.
Number of carriers
In our list of the top indoor mobile signal boosters, you might have noticed single-carrier and multi-carrier solutions. A single-carrier device is designed to amplify one specific network and is usually more powerful and stable. A multi-carrier can amplify the signal of many different operators, so you will avoid potential problems when you change your mobile phone provider.
Signal strength
It is important to consider the strength of the signal. It is measured in decibels and is directly related to the amplifier's power. Typically, +80 dB +90 dB is sufficient for home solutions. You can also buy a more powerful solution, but this power will be excessive. Offices and other commercial buildings, on the other hand, require solutions from 70 dB or higher, otherwise, you risk not being able to cover the whole building with stable communication.
Region
When choosing the best signal booster in the UK, you can be fooled by the rich functionality and support for multiple operators. But when you buy such a device, it will turn out that it simply does not work in your region. For instance, the CEL-FI GO line of devices referred to in this article includes the GO G32 model, which works in all regions, whereas the GO G31 is only available in Australia and New Zealand. This is due to different legislation on signal regulation. It is best to contact the experts to select the best signal booster for a mobile phone that is sure to work.
How Can We Help?
UCtel delivers solutions to businesses that improve connectivity and allow employees to have a stable and reliable mobile network at their workplace. Take a look at our success story with the client Dufry:
Dufry
Dufry is a global travel retailer that struggled with communication within the company, leading to an unsatisfying customer experience. They needed technology to help them solve this problem and upgrade their communication quality.
The solution:
We installed a new centralised system that noticeably improved the quality of calls and thus interactions with customers. We enhanced internal communication by implementing new devices like phones, headsets, and softphones and offered a single-vendor infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
Before investing in a new device, it is important to conduct thorough research and understand what suits your needs. Many things need to be considered when choosing the best mobile phone signal repeater for your house or office. If you are unsure which booster would make the most sense for your situation, get in touch with UCtel. Our team of experts will help you analyse your needs and goals and find the perfect solution.
