External cell phone antenna for home use/extended range?

[GeauxLSU]

Surely someone has mastered this. Cell coverage sucks at my cabin (even though it's probably not much over a mile from an interstate as the crow flies).
Verizon was pretty bad and now that I switched to AT&T it's much worse (yes I may switch back but it's still an issue). It's almost impossible to get 1 bar and when you do if fades in and out (on different phones, so it's not a phone issue).
Does no one make some sort of external indoor antenna/range extender that doesn't cost hundreds of dollars? I don't know squat about the technology but just don't understand why a passive antenna wouldn't help.
I see these sorts of things https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st_price-desc-rank?keywords=cell+phone+range+extender&rh=i:aps,k:cell+phone+range+extender&qid=1470418883&sort=price-desc-rank
But yeah, way too much.
I see this https://www.amazon.com/1700MHz-2100...&keywords=cell+phone+external+antenna+booster but would perfer an omni directional indoor antenna. Perhaps that's not really an option though?

 

[lmitch]

Have same problem and haven't found inexpensive solution. In for suggestions.

 

[blacklabel]

we use this at work, we are also AT&T. I work in a manufacturing facility that is huge cell phone killing metal box....These send your call over your internet connection. They work great, if you have internet at the cabin.

https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Microcell-Wireless-Booster-Antenna/dp/B00NZI5QMQ/ref=zg_bs_2407782011_1

 

[Peacekeeper]

At&t sells a micro cell tower you attach to your router. Tell them you are not getting a gh ood signal and they will offer to sell you one. If you work at negotiating it they will credit your bill with the cost.

 

[GeauxLSU]

but we use this at work, we are also AT&T. I work in a manufacturing facility that is huge cell phone killing metal box....These send your call over your internet connection. They work great, if you have internet at the cabin.

https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Microcell-Wireless-Booster-Antenna/dp/B00NZI5QMQ/ref=zg_bs_2407782011_1

Unfortunately I do not have internet there.
Ideally I'd like the signal strong enough to use the hotspot generator on the phone to use a PC. I'll settle for just being able to make a call when I need to.

 

[Peacekeeper]

There are repeaters you can buy, they use an antenna and power amp.

 

[Don231s]

GeauxLSU I had a client with the same issues, and we never found a good hardware solution. Offices were in a metal building, and they had horrible reception. However, what we did was to incorporate bluetooth headsets/earpieces for all the senior staff. With your phone stationary and placed where the signal was strongest, like near a window, there are fewer signal drops, because you're not always changing the phone's antenna position. It's not exactly a fix for your situation, but it worked for them in keeping calls from dropping.

 

[Peacekeeper]

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/cell-phone-signal-booster-guide

 

[blacklabel]

I have also had good experiences with these in businesses. But they are not cheap. The Wilson products work well, has an antenna that goes on your roof, then it runs to a booster.

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/medium-sized-home-solution-kits/

 

[GeauxLSU]

To be clear, it's not an interference issue. I have the same issue standing outside in an open field. It's a proximity issue to the originating tower.
Now that I'm looking around, this may be moot since it appears no new phones have external antenna jacks anyway.