Forums > Specific Focus > Technical Mexico

Carron

Feb 2, 2009, 3:49 PM

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Wacky Cell Phone Service

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During the 8 years we have lived in northern Coahuila, my husband and I have used pre-paid US phones from T-Mobile with Del Rio numbers and only local charges to each other even in Mexico and to family back in Texas. A $25 refill would last 3-4 weeks, definitely within our budget. We had slight reception problems in town, but so does everyone else.

Then last year Movistar came to the neighborhood and anytime we were in town our phones changed over to their signal and even followed us back to the ranch, over-riding T-Mobile. We could neither make nor receive calls during this time. Usually after an hour or so, we could get back on T-Mobile. Just recently we have noticed that the same $25 refill hardly lasts a week, even though our calling patterns have not changed. I guess we are now being charged some exhorbitant international fee.

Last week I bought a pre-paid Movistar phone, hoping to save money and solve a problem. Our TelMex home phone plan gives us free long distance within Mexico so I figured Hubby and I could keep in touch for very little expense. As soon as I got back to the ranch, my Movistar phone suddenly changed over to AT&T!!! Now where that came from I don't know. Anyway, it stays there. I can receive calls but can't call out. My phone even stays on AT&T most of the time I am in town.

This morning I re-activated my T-Mobile phone in case of emergencies. (I live alone at the ranch--nearest neighbor about 2 miles--and really need to be able to call out at times, no matter the cost.) Both phones were on the table not 6 inches apart. Yes, the Movistar one was on AT&T and the T-Mobile was on T-Mobile. Frustrating. And crazy.

johanson / Moderator

Feb 2, 2009, 4:15 PM

Post #2 of 6 (3524 views)

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Re: [Carron] Wacky Cell Phone Service

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Weird. Thanks for posting your problem. It was interesting. I sure hope someone here has a solution for you. I don't have the slightest idea what one could do,

taltman711

Feb 3, 2009, 10:00 AM

Post #3 of 6 (3495 views)

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Re: [Carron] Wacky Cell Phone Service

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On my phone, if you go to Settings-- Network--Available Networks, it will search for networks in your area. Select the network of your provider. You can then register your phone for this network. I assume your phone has something similar, as my phone is very basic. I know little about cell phones, so this may or may not solve your issues.

Tim

Carron

Feb 3, 2009, 10:13 AM

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Re: [taltman711] Wacky Cell Phone Service

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Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely give it a try. Our phones are also cheapos: bottom-of-the-line Nokias. Hate to pay for something more expensive if they won't work any better!

raferguson

Feb 3, 2009, 10:55 AM

Post #5 of 6 (3489 views)

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Re: [Carron] Wacky Cell Phone Service

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One approach to this problem is a directional antenna. A directional antenna will increase the signal strength in the desired direction, and decrease it in other directions. It might be trial and error to get the direction right, and of course I cannot guarantee that it will work. Most of these type of antennas have a "null" off to one side, where the antenna is more or less deaf to signals from that direction. But again this is theoretical, since you may have signals bouncing around. Note the polar plot on the web page.

The signal strength meter on the cell phone should help you aim it. What you will want to do is figure out which direction the various cellular base stations are located.

I 95% sure that T-mobile only operates on the higher cell phone band, 1900 MHz, as does movistar. The link below shows one kind of directional antenna.

http://www.alternativewireless.com/...Hz-yagi_antenna.html

Not all cell phones have a jack for an external antenna. Some cell phones have such a jack, but it is an undocumented feature. You might have to pull off a little plastic plug on the back of the phone near the antenna.

In addition to the antenna, you will need an adapter to plug into the back of your phone, as those jacks are not standardized.

You really have a fixed cell phone application, which should be an ideal application for a directional antenna. These antennas can be used inside or outside, but with the microwave frequencies involved, the antenna cable needs to be kept very short.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

Carron

Feb 3, 2009, 5:42 PM

Post #6 of 6 (3470 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Wacky Cell Phone Service

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No matter how "wacky" my technological problems, you guys certainly steer me in the right direction!

I tried Taltman's suggestion about changing the Network Settings on my Movistar phone. I apparently do not have that feature on my Menu. I did, however, manage to change the language from Spanish to English, which is in itself a major help.

Hubby is now looking up the Wilson directional antenna on-line, via both your link and eBay, and we have found very affordable prices from $59 down to $49. Certainly worth a try. In a previous life he once drove an 18-wheeler for a few short but interesting months, and your response jogged his memory about other drivers who boosted their reception with these antennas (antennae??), also available at every truck stop NoB.

We do have a CB radio at the ranch powered by a car battery and an antenna with which we receive round the clock weather reports from Del Rio. Never have a reception problem with that set up, so I am confident we can eventually fix the phone situation as well. Thanks again.