New ATT Cellboosters -- iphone intermittently not seeing the signal

Hello @dannywkahn, we understand how important it is to have a good signal. We're happy to help with troubleshooting steps to help with your connectivity.

We recommend checking the coverage in your area. Go to the AT&T Network Coverage Map.

1. Enter an address, state, or ZIP Code, and select the search icon. We'll show you what type of coverage is available.
2. Find step-by-step help with Cell Booster setup, use, and troubleshooting. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Go" then follow the prompts.

In an area with limited or no coverage? Try these options:

• Move closer to a window
• Go outside
• Use Wi-Fi Calling

Sometimes your wireless device or its settings can cause issues. Have your device handy and try this:

1. Go to our troubleshooting tool.
2. Select the issue you’re having.
3. Follow the prompts to fix your service issue.

In addition, we recommend reaching back out to the device manufacter if there was a replacement made. In some instances, you can review your AT&T Device protection options. Click on "Fix or replace device" and then follow the prompts. 

Meet us back here with the results of the troubleshooting tool if you have any questions. Thank you for contacting AT&T Community Forums. 

Alasani, AT&T Community Specialist 

How close are these boosters?

Why not use wifi calling? 

How us the cell signal without the boosters? 

Is wifi calling on? 

The Cell Boosters need to be at least 50’ apart at the very least. The question is tho why do you need both? It would be helpful to know what your setup is and what you are trying to achieve. As mentioned, why don’t you use WiFi -C (WiFi Calling)? Have you read my Cell Booster Tech Guide, the link is in my sig line?

@OttoPylot

We need a cartoon graphic of cellular and Wi-Fi calling, and 2 cell boosters fighting to get a connection on the phone, and ruining the connection instead.  The poor phone, sort of like an indecisive squirrel in the road, trying to figure out which connection to use. 

Yippee!  I finally connected with "Otto" who (if he is really a person!) appears to really know these devices.  Yes, I've read your guide, and have been trying to figure out a way to find you directly.  Someone observed that given your "name", it is likely not real, but regardless, I've connected with "you" and I'm thrilled.   

I am not using WIFI calling as it works poorly as a feature.  (My WIFI is enterprise class meshed, so all good on that front). 

I am a long-time telecom consultant, was part of the AMPS field trial in Chicago, and starting with a fledgling Ameritech Mobile, built all their Call Centers for 15 years.  I know the industry.  I also installed a "duplex amplifier" cellular repeater atop my home/office almost 30 years ago to improve our non-existent coverage.   

To answer the question re why both units, I was trying the basic ATT booster, then when it kept failing and they replaced it, I tried buying the Pro to see if it was better.  I never had them both powered simultaneously.  I finally was able to connect to a support person at ATT (a major feat), and he suggested first reinitializing the unit(s), and then turning off "5G Auto" in favor of LTE.  Using the basic now.   Not sure which of the two actions caused it, but there is a vast improvement.  Thus far, my phone hasn't lost signal and forced me to do Airplane Mode to reconnect.  Fingers crossed

Since I have "Otto", I'd like to ask a few questions. 

ATT Microcell "Support" (I use the term support loosely), has told me a few things I either know or think are incorrect, and I'd like to expand my knowledge.   Multiple Agents suggested I try "forget this (WIFI) network" to drop and reconnect with the unit.  I had to emphatically explain that WIFI is NOT used with these units at all -- and got a big argument from them!   They also asked if the unit is located near a window, which they said was required so the unit "could communicate with the Towers".  I explained that as far as I knew, the only thing that needed window view was the GPS antenna, which is on a long wire.  The actual unit needed no over-the-air access to external signal -- it does that over internet.  They said this instruction is in the manufacturer's instructions to them. 

The only possible reason I could think of for putting the unit near a window would be for it to gauge the amount of cellular signal available off-air (in my case, almost none), and calibrate its own power levels appropriately.   Is that by chance happening, or were the ATT Agents misinformed by the Manufacturer's instructions? 

 BTW, some years ago I replaced my very old rooftop Verizon repeater with Verizon's Samsung extender, and it worked great.   Recently replaced that one with Verizon's newest (black) Extender, and it also works great.   The ATT unit has given me fits!  Hope this resolved it.

@dannywkahn

LOL... You are correct.  @OttoPylot  can confirm. 

It's pretty sad when the customers understand how things work and customer support has no clue.

"Ottoc wrote the guides, as a customer, no compensation.   I suspect he has an engineering mind, that has to know how things work, but partly to resolve the issue of AT&T not knowing their way out of a paper bag on this topic.  He's gone above and beyond by creating a cell booster guide, for an actual cell booster.   And now the expert on the new "cell booster" (that isn't) AT&T has taken advantage of his free tech services.  You reap the benefits, as have I.  

Window location is necessary for GPS and the tower (for maintenance, signal strength, handing off). See my Cell Booster Tech Guide for how the Cell Booster works.

The Verizon repeater was a cellular booster which is entirely different technology than AT&T’s femtocells (the old MicroCell and the new Cell Booster). 

The CB has absolutely nothing to do with WiFi or really the external cellular signal (other than signal “interference”).

I would not recommend using the CB and a cellular booster at the same time, especially a cellular booster that is designed for another providers network.

Can you explain your setup in a little more detail? Can you do WiFi-C (WiFi Calling), which is the preferred method for improving poor in-home coverage.

Pay no attention to CS because they haven’t a clue other than what they have to read from their scripts.

@dannywkahn  Sorry, I missed your first post. I’m on a little vacation so replies on my iPad are a bit slower and maybe not coherent.

WiFi-C works very well (more reliable than the CB). However it is dependent on your WiFi, your phone, and your internet service. I put my CB back on the shelf and only bring it back online every few months for any updates and to keep my account active. Other than that, we use WiFi-C exclusively with a mesh WiFi system and it works perfectly with excellent call quality.

My WIFI calling  has always been unreliable, and it's not the WIFI or internet -- both great.   It just doesn't work well. 

The current Verizon device, and the previous one, at least appear to me to be similar in concept to the ATT CB.  They both use a GPS for timing and location validation, and both use wired internet to get to Verizon.  The new one has vastly more coverage than the older Samsung.   Not sure which Verizon "repeater" device you're referring to.  The original Samsung "femto-cell" or whatever was great, but didn't hand off.  The new one does.   

I just re-read your outstanding manual, and did find the place where it says that it looks for local towers to adjust its own strength and develop a "hand-off list".  Missed that the first time.

Thanks for your incredible work and responses.  I would be interested in knowing something of your background.  Mine is as a pretty technical, but not degreed engineer, consultant.  I began consulting as I went into college in 1970 and have been doing it ever since.  Clients include lots of the largest law firms, for whom I've implemented world-wide phone systems, as well as a DAS in NY for one "Bracewell & Giulliani" law firm -- paid for by ATT!  I even convinced ATT to try to put the GPS in a window, rather than on the roof as they wanted, since getting it to the roof was going to cost > $75,000 in conduit installation.   My favorite coolest client was Ameritech Cellular, who hired us to help move their HG office phones.   They showed me their Call Center that was supporting IL, MICH, and OH.  5 people!   We worked with them for about 15 years, building all of their early Call Centers, installing a SONET ring among their facilities, etc.   Really cool company to have as a client!

Thanks again.

Danny