Re: Do these cellular amplifiers work for all cellphones?

On 2022-04-09 09:08:33 +0000, David Woolley said:

> On 09/04/2022 16:16, gtr wrote:
>> Why would it be illegal to listen to ANY signal that is over the air?
> 
> In this case, it is because they retransmit the signal in the vehicle.

Thank you for explaining that there is a retransmission inside the vehicle,
where I've subsequently learned they have an effective radius of 2 meters.
https://www.ubersignal.com/vehicle-signal-boosters.html
 
> However there is an also expectation of privacy.  The default UK 
> position is that you need a licence to receive radio transmissions, 
> although there are some exemptions.

I'm not asking for advice to do anything nefarious.
It's a common need to have better cell phone signal while traveling.

Cell phone boosters are widely sold in the US at normal electronic stores.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/mobile-phone-accessories/signal-boosters/pcmcat326300050011.c

I was asking here hoping that someone used them who could give advice.

> Even the US makes it illegal to listen on cellular frequencies, even 
> though other frequencies, including the police, were open.

This question isn't about listening to other people but to better reception.

It's a normal need which even PC Magazine covered in this recent review.
The Best Cell Phone Signal Boosters for 2022
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-cell-phone-signal-boosters

This is supposed to be a "real world test" of 11 of them done last October.
11 Best Cell Phone Signal Boosters of 2022
https://www.waveform.com/a/b/guides/best-signal-boosters

> I don't think either country has changed its legislation to reflect that 
> cellular systems are now encrypted.

I think in the USA they're perfectly legal and seemingly quite common.
https://www.signalboosters.com/blog/best-cell-phone-signal-boosters/

My main question was whether they work well enough to be worth buying one.
I was hoping to find someone who has used one in a car while traveling.