Review: Verizon Wireless Network Extender
Having recently purchased a vacation home in the mountains, we found that we received one bar or less of signal strength from our Verizon Wireless phones. We needed a solution.
We had two choices: either a cellular repeater or the Verizon Wireless Network Extender. The repeater need at least one bar of signal strength to work and we could not return it. The Verizon Wireless Network Extender needed a broadband internet connection. The choice was easy given the two options.
Upon receiving the Verizon Wireless Network Extender, it only took a few minutes to set up. For the Verizon Wireless Network Extender to work, you must be within Verizon Wireless’ coverage area. The Verizon Wireless Network Extender has built in GPS to ensure that you do not use the unit outside of the coverage area, so the unit must be placed close to a window. A small cable is included if you need to take out the internal GPS antenna and convert it into an external one. It only took about 5 minutes for the GPS to work with the unit without using the cable.
In a 650 square foot condo, the signal strength with the Verizon Wireless Network Extender was 4 bars within a few feet of it, and 3 bars elsewhere in our condo. Not great if you have a big home.
Later the same night I set up the Verizon Wireless Network Extender, the GPS signal was lost. I used the cable to convert the internal GPS antenna into an external one. We went to bed an hour later and the GPS never did lock on to the satellites. Keep in mind that we have an upstairs unit, the sky was clear that night, and we enjoy a clear line of sight. We woke up the next day and the Verizon Wireless Network Extender was working once again.
The Verizon Wireless Network Extender has 4 channels for cellular communication, one of which is dedicated to 911 calls. Using a web based management interface, you can designate up to 50 Verizon Wireless numbers to receive priority for using the Verizon Wireless Network Extender. Any Verizon Wireless phone within range can use the unit since there is no way of locking these numbers out.
Having used the unit for a few weeks, it works OK for the most part. Every now and then, the signal strength will inexplicably drop to one bar when there is nothing on the unit to indicate an issue.
One final note. I paid $199 minus a $100 rebate for the Verizon Wireless Network Extender, which comes in the form of a Visa Debit Card. To the credit of Verizon Wireless, I received the rebate exactly two weeks from the time I actually mailed the form in. That was impressive!
While the Verizon Wireless Network Extender is not perfect, we would only have barely one bar of signal strength outside on the deck without it. Our condo is at 9,400 feet elevation, so going outside to use your phone in the winter is not an appetizing option.
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Review: Verizon Wireless Network Extender | The Upper Deck Blog