T-mobile Resources: Coverage, Unlocking, and Signal issues

[Ellen]

--Coverage--


http://compass.t-mobile.com/default.aspx (Just hit no when it asks whether or not you are a representative.)


--Free Unlocking--
How to request an unlock code for your TMobile handset:
To receive your unlock request, you must meet the following criteria and this criterion can not be waived.

* The account must have been active for 90 days (unless the customer paid full retail for the handset), and a refill on the account if the request is made by a prepaid customer.
** Please note that some prepaid customers have reported receiving an unlock request without adding a refill to their account.

* You must have a TMobile phone number.

* Only one unlock code will be issued per active line within a 90 day period.

* The account must be current, with no outstanding balance on it.

* The IMEI number must be provided directly from the customers handset (IMEI number can be obtained by pressing *#06# on your handset).

* Handsets that were purchased from eBay, pawnshops, garage sales, or other sources must still meet these requirements.

To obtain the unlockcode for your handset send the following information via email to: customercare@t-mobilesupport.com, or call customer care directly at 1-800-937-8997. ** When calling you are still required to provide all of the information listed below.

Information needed for unlock code:

* Account holders name (required). xxxxxxxx

* IMEI number (required) *#06# on the mobile handset.

* Account password or the last four of the account holders social security number (required). For prepaid customers this can be the last four of your TMobile To Go pin code number. xxxx

* Customer contact number or email address. xxx-xxx-xxxx, or xxx@msn.com.

* Make and model of the mobile handset. (ie: Nokia 6030)

* The name of the wireless carrier if the handset is from another carrier. ie: at&t. (Please not that TMobile is not required to provide unlock requests from other carriers, but has been reported to do so by a few of their customers.)

* Reason for the unlock request. (ie: Going on a trip abroad, or giving the phone to a friend on another network.)

*** Please note that in some cases it may take up to 14 days for TMobile to fulfill your unlock request.

--What to do if you have a poor signal--
Thanks to Chookay for this:

ANSWER TO: "Help! I get poor/no signal inside my house, but don't want to leave T-Mobile!"


Lately there have been SO MANY PEOPLE are asking this same question, so I have decided to compile some "answer(s)" below that can solve this problem. (NOTE: ALL "answers" may NOT work in ALL situations, and some "answers" MAY work better than others in certain situations! Please keep this in mind and use what's BEST FOR YOU!)


1) HOTSPOT@HOME (http://www.theonlyphoneyouneed.com/)

Pros:
==> Can work in areas with NO signal at all inside AND outside. (WiFi calling does NOT depend on T-Mobile's GSM tower coverage.)
==> Works with ANY T-Mobile HotSpot WiFi signal, ANY existing unsecured WiFi network, and ANY existing secured WiFi network that you have the Key to (WPA/WEP).
==> Unlimited calling within the U.S. IF you subscribe to a HotSpot@Home Add-On ($9.99/mo - $19.99/mo).
==> Unlimited INTERNATIONAL WIFI calls TO U.S. from foreign countries IF subscribed to a HotSpot@Home Add-On (otherwise it will just use your Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W, or Unlimited M2M just like a "normal" domestic call would... with NO INTERNATIONAL ROAMING CHARGES!).
==> Multiple people can use HotSpot@Home simultaneously (although in theory the voice quality will degrade if too many people make calls simultaneously).

Cons:
==> You MUST purchase/use a T-Mobile HotSpot@Home compatible handset from T-Mobile (ie: Nokia 6086, Samsung t409, or Blackberry Curve). (T-Mobile HotSpot@Home router is optional, but gives you better battery life and prioritizes your voice calls over other network data for clearer calls.)
==> You MUST have a fast enough broadband connection to make/get clear WiFi calls (dial-up will NOT cut it).
==> Battery life for WiFi calls will be noticeably shorter than GSM calls (so keep a charger handy if you use your phone a lot).
==> If you're using HotSpot@Home where the surrounding areas have ZERO SIGNAL, then your call will drop once you exceed the range of your WiFi network. (But if you're in an area with coverage outside, then your call will seemlessly handoff to GSM.)
==> Works with T-Mobile cell phone service ONLY!


2) CELLULAR REPEATER / SIGNAL AMPLIFIER

Pros:
==> You can use the same cell phone you are using right now! (In fact, you can use ANY T-Mobile or unbranded GSM phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's network!)
==> Your battery life will be noticeably better (because your phone won't have to work as hard to transmit/receive from the tower... just to the repeater/amplifier).
==> Multiple people can use multiple cell phones at the same time (but there may be a maximum limit on the number of active calls, depending on the repeater/amplifier being used). If your repeater/amplifier is compatible with other GSM/CDMA bands, then other people using other carriers can also use your repeater as well (ie: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon).

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for repeater/amplifier to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST purchase/use a powerful enough repeater/amplifier with at least a 1900MHz band (preferably dual 850/1900MHz bands, which can cost $200+ for a decent one).
==> It is best for repeaters/amplifiers to be set up in the best location to receive a signal indoors (which often means the attic or other elevated location near the roof or window).
==> Some repeaters/amplifiers may also be more difficult to install (ie: routing power cable through walls, bolting unit to roof, etc).
==> Your minutes are deducted from your normal Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W Minutes (if applicable), Unlimited M2M Minutes (if applicable) buckets.


3) DOCK-N-TALK (http://www.phonelabs.com/prd05.asp), CELLSOCKET (http://www.coolproductz.com/cellsocket.htm), ETC.

Pros:
==> Can set it up to make ALL landline phones in the house use your cell phone, or just an individual cordless/wired phone, or even a bluetooth headset/hands-free set (if your cell device has this ability).
==> Very easy installation (just plug into an existing phone jack, or into an individual cordless/wired phone base... or pair with your bluetooth headset/hands-free set if your cell device has this ability).
==> Very easy to use: just plug in your cell phone when you come home, and take your cell phone with you when you leave!
==> Some cell phone docking devices (like CellSocket) has an external antenna that MAY help boost signal reception in poor signal areas.
==> Some cell phone docking devices (like Dock-N-Talk) MAY be used with bluetooth headsets/hands-free sets if you don't like using a cordless/landline phone.

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for cell phone to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST purchase/use the Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device.
==> You MUST keep the Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device in a location that can at least hold a signal (probably near a window).
==> You MUST use your cordless/landline phone (or bluetooth headset if applicable) for voice calls when connected to Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device (which makes it less convenient when you want to user your cell phone's phonebook).
==> IF you are using a bluetooth headset/hands-free set with your cell phone docking device, bluetooth has a maximum range of 30 feet under ideal conditions (cordless phone have a longer range, depending on the frequency and environmental conditions).
==> SMS/MMS messages do NOT forward with cell phone docking devices! You must still use your original cell phone to receive SMS/MMS messages.
==> Your minutes are deducted from your normal Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W Minutes (if applicable), Unlimited M2M Minutes (if applicable) buckets.


4) UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_forwarding)

Pros:
==> NO additional equipment necessary! Works straight from your phone!
==> Forwards straight to your forwarded number WITHOUT ringing your cell phone.
==> You can use it ANYWHERE you go.

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for cell phone to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST have another phone number to forward your cell phone calls to (either landline or another cell phone will work).
==> You MUST keep your phone in a location that can at least hold a signal (probably near a window).
==> You MUST manually select/set your cell phone to conditionally forward all calls to your other phone number every time you want to use it (and remember to manually set it back when you leave your house/poor signal location).
==> SMS/MMS messages do NOT forward with call forwarding! You must still use your original cell phone to receive SMS/MMS messages.
==> Your minutes are deducted from your Anytime Minutes bucket.


5) CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding)

Pros:
==> The SAME as UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_forwarding), except...
==> Every account gets 500 Minutes of FREE conditional forwarding (does NOT come out of your Anytime Minutes as long as you set up CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding) correctly). That's like getting 500 more minutes per month FREE!

Cons:
==> The SAME as UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_forwarding), except...
==> Your cell phone MAY ring first before forwarding (depending on how you set your CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding)).
==> Once you go over your 500 Conditional Forwarding Minutes, your minutes will start being deducted from your Anytime Minutes bucket!


That's all I can think of for right now. If you can think of any more, let me know and I'll add it to this post! :thumbup:


DISCLAIMER: T-Mobile, T-Mobile USA, T-MobileSignal.com (NOT affiliated with T-Mobile or T-Mobile USA), and the Original Poster are NOT responsible NOR liable for the content or use of content from this thread! The information and links contained in this thread is for informational purposes only and does NOT reflect the opinions, views, or positions of T-Mobile, T-Mobile USA, T-MobileSignal.com (NOT affiliated with T-Mobile or T-Mobile USA) in any way, shape, or form. Readers are advised to exercise caution and use this information AT YOUR OWN RISK! NO ONE is responsible for YOUR use of this information and its respective consequences except for YOU!


T-Mobile-To-Go Info

T-Mobile to Go Prepaid Rates (http://t-mobile.com/shop/plans/Default.aspx?plancategory=4)

T-Mobile to Go Coverage Maps (http://t-mobile.com/coverage/Prepaid.aspx)

T-mobile Network Codes

Nationwide, T-Mobile operates on the network code 310-26 or 310-260. In some areas of Nevada and California, the Network code is 310-27 or 310-270. (need confirmation)

Contact T-mobile

You can contact T-Mobile Customer Service several ways:


E-mail: http://support.t-mobile.com/caseSubmitForm.html


Phone: 1-800-937-8997 24/7 611 - from your cell phone

[snaimon]

APPARENTLY they are less demanding with post-paid accounts. I had them unlock 2 phones within about 30 - 45 days of each other. No questions asked.

Stan

[chokaay]

APPARENTLY they are less demanding with post-paid accounts. I had them unlock 2 phones within about 30 - 45 days of each other. No questions asked.

Stan


Maybe or maybe not. I've had reps tell me they couldn't do it until 90 days later. I've had others that did it for me anyway. But it's always good to know the "official requirements", even if the T-mo CSR you get is nice enough to "bend the rules" a little to satisfy your request. ;)

[christyxcore]

Great thread, thanks for the info :)

[cesarrri12]

thanks for info saves people 25 bucks for paying someone to unlocking

[Scooby214]

APPARENTLY they are less demanding with post-paid accounts. I had them unlock 2 phones within about 30 - 45 days of each other. No questions asked.

Stan
I tried to get a second phone unlocked about 30 days after having gotten one unlocked. They put in the request, but I received an email the next day saying that I had to wait until 90 days pass from my last unlock.

[~Evil~|~Steg~]

one thing that ive found out is that you do need to got the carrier to request the unlock code, if you goto the manufacturer, they will not give it out, they will tell you that you have to goto the carrier of the fone. i unlocked 2 fones through tmobile, and on the first fone i had to request the code 3 times, and on the 3rd time it worked, on the second fone the first code i requested worked. the first fone was a used razr v3 and i guess they had to make sure it wasnt stolen/blacklisted imei. but ive been using that fone ever since as my main fone. cs did tell me on requestingg the second fones code i would have to wait the full 90 days from the time i became a customer. but the razr they unlocked righ away because at the time i was gonna use it for another carrier,but eventually changed my mind. all in all i really had no major issues with requesting any unlock codes.

[tmobilefan]

Thanks for the info!

[Tom_in_AZ]

Does unlocking kill any features of the phone?

[~Evil~|~Steg~]

Does unlocking kill any features of the phone?

that all depends, but if it does all u gotta do is re-add them ;) i didnt loose any features on my 6030, but there really arnt any to loose, and on my razr i lost a few when i inserted a prepay sim in it, but i just re-added them via seem edit...

[chokaay]

*Cut*
Info moved to OP

[Inuyasha]

Good post!

[Alex]

This is absolutely great! It's quite informative! Thank you!

[tmobilefan]

Thanks for posting!:)

[chokaay]

Thanks for posting!:)


You're welcome! And HOLY COW you post a lot! I can't believe you post more than GreenBlood! :eek:


:p

[tmobilefan]

You're welcome! And HOLY COW you post a lot! I can't believe you post more than GreenBlood! :eek:


:p

lol
I like T-Mobile! :)

[greenblood]

I personally perfer indoor repeater
that saves good amount of phone upgrade (5 house members use T-Mobile, setup repeater just cost $350 up front)
and it also supports Sprint and at&t 3G

[tmobilefan]

Are they bad to be around?

[Nwahs]

The info from this thread has been moved to the wiki...and is therefor going to be un-stickied. Its still a great post MobilePrincess!

[Ellen]

The info from this thread has been moved to the wiki...and is therefor going to be un-stickied. Its still a great post MobilePrincess!

Thanks Shawn. I think the Wiki is a nice idea.

[Galvatron]

hmm thers a repeater by the office i work it's coming from a concrete company an the sinal is weak however but if you can get on to it you can utilize ther E3 conection an e3 is faster than a T1

[jr_sy]

I personally perfer indoor repeater
that saves good amount of phone upgrade (5 house members use T-Mobile, setup repeater just cost $350 up front)
and it also supports Sprint and at&t 3G


Is this a good one? SPOTWAVE® | Cell Phone Signal Booster - Repeater | Residential (http://www.spotwave.com/residential/)

[greenblood]

Is this a good one? SPOTWAVE® | Cell Phone Signal Booster - Repeater | Residential (http://www.spotwave.com/residential/)

I don't use this
I use the one from solidsignal.com
it works well in small basement without obstruction

[aotothemax]

I hope Hotspot@Home works well for my brother, we're about to set it up for him later this week. He doesn't get any reception in his apartment, with 2 different headsets (Samsung t619, Nokia 6101). I didn't get much of one with my Trace either, when I was using that one (haven't tried my Rizr there yet, but that probably won't get one).
We're going to try using his wireless router at first too. We'll see how that goes, hopefully we don;t regret that choice... ;)

[Nwahs]

I hope Hotspot@Home works well for my brother, we're about to set it up for him later this week. He doesn't get any reception in his apartment, with 2 different headsets (Samsung t619, Nokia 6101). I didn't get much of one with my Trace either, when I was using that one (haven't tried my Rizr there yet, but that probably won't get one).
We're going to try using his wireless router at first too. We'll see how that goes, hopefully we don;t regret that choice... ;)

Sounds great. Report back and let us know how it goes so other users can see what works and what doesn't

[dkb218]

Spotwave Wireless Signal Booster for PCS Services (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8364744&st=spotwave&type=product&id=1177718095124)

Still expensive but on sale at Best Buy for $239.99
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/8364/8364744cv1a.jpg

[BobL]

I have poor service in my house, I can get about -95 dB signal in some spots in my yard or on the second level of the house.

I tried the Spotwave and it did not perform well. The larger piece is the receiving antenna. It's difficult to find a signal and connect the internal antenna. So I continued looking. I found one to try and it works great.

Cell Phone Antennas and Cell Phone Boosters at Wilson Electronics (http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/Products.php?Type=E)

I can get about -80 to -85 (3 to 4 bars). The only disadvantage is the direct connection. But it did prove to me that their products work. I am going to install a wireless repeater system in the house and sell this on Ebay.

[mzrere143]

I'm having the same issues with my phone in my house I have to sit by the window but still no luck I get no reception :( thanks for the post

[Rzrlvr74]

I have the same problem. Some parts of the house have a really weak signal, some no signal at all. I mean granted, cell phones are for travel and house phones are for home, but who wants to be crammed up in the only corner of your house that gets signal just to make use of MyFaves. That signal booster from BestBuy looks like it may be worth a try.

[mzrere143]

Im going to have to look into that signal booster

[itsme]

What do you think about the WiFi calling for students?

My school and many universities have very good WiFi coverage in buildings. Mine requires student log in + PW authentication each time to connect though.

Basement floors have ZERO T-Mobile coverage. Very poor Verizon and Sprint coverage.

[T8y8]

I really want to test this at my school (Seattle University), but I think it may work if the MAC of the phone is excluded from the authentication process. My school allows Xbox360s to be excluded, so I will try and convince them to let me test a UMA phone when I get one. I work in the IT department, so we'll see and I'll let you know.

[aotothemax]

We finally set my brother up with Hotspot@home. It works really well in his apartment, I'll have to ask him and see if he's tried it on campus yet... I remember reading that you can connect to password protected networks and save the pw in your phone, but I don't know how it would work on campus with a vpn and all.

[itsme]

My school uses a different authentication. No password authentication to connect to WiFi, but you have to open a browser and type in a log-in via html form to activate rest of connection.

[clock3687]

My school uses a different authentication. No password authentication to connect to WiFi, but you have to open a browser and type in a log-in via html form to activate rest of connection.

My school is similar. The phone's MAC ID has to be registered and is set to an IP address for the rest of the year.

[analogs]

One (sort of major) limitation of Hotspot @ Home is that if the WiFi network you're connecting to requires you to accept a license agreement or anything like that, you likely won't be able to. Any kind of browser-based authentication page can't be accessed with the basic phones (Saumsung t409, Nokia 6086) T-Mobile offers. For instance, cafe's that offer free WiFi often still require you to click "I accept" to a license agreement on a web site. You get redirected to this page as soon as you try to access any site from your browser but this doesn't work on most phones.

I've read that the Curve's browser can actually load the page in some cases but I haven't personally tested it so I can't say for sure. In theory, *IF* future smartphones (particularly Windows Mobile-based devices) actually support UMA, they should be able to handle this situation.

[analogs]

And just to share my personal experience, I've been using H@H for about a year now with pretty good results. Back in November of last year, just after the service was launched (http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/24/t-mobile-hotspot-home-finally-launches-in-seattle/) in the Seattle test market, I Ebayed myself a Samsung t709 (http://www.mobiletracker.net/archives/images/t-mobile-uma-rumor.jpg). I started using it with my regular old Linksys WRT54G router and it worked okay. Anything was better than NO service, which is what I was getting in my apartment. Since then I've switched to the T-Mobile branded Linksys router and my girlfriend and I both have a t409. The biggest problems with the early hardware was quirky performance when you had other devices on your network. Like if I was on a call and I powered up my laptop, it would drop the call almost every time. If the laptop was already on and connected to WiFi it was fine. I got the new phone at the same time I got the router so I'm not sure which one fixed the problem.

I've had as many as three phones and two laptops all online making calls/surfing the web simultaneously so capacity doesn't seem to be an issue. What does still happen unfortunately is about once or twice a month, the phones lose their connection. I know it's not a problem with the network because my laptop will usually still be online. I have to power cycle the phones and sometimes the router too. Other than that it's been great.

[Ellen]

http://compass.t-mobile.com/default.aspx (Just hit no when it asks whether or not you are a representative.)

[Dominican Rep.]

Or you can just go to:


http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/

[mzrere143]

oh this is cool and why i get no signal at home

[AbsoluteEvel]

Going through Compass is better because you can see towers activated in the past 90 days...

[Nwahs]

--Coverage--


http://compass.t-mobile.com/default.aspx (Just hit no when it asks whether or not you are a representative.)


--Free Unlocking--
Thanks to Ellen for this:

How to request an unlock code for your TMobile handset:
To receive your unlock request, you must meet the following criteria and this criterion can not be waived.

* The account must have been active for 90 days (unless the customer paid full retail for the handset), and a refill on the account if the request is made by a prepaid customer.
** Please note that some prepaid customers have reported receiving an unlock request without adding a refill to their account.

* You must have a TMobile phone number.

* Only one unlock code will be issued per active line within a 90 day period.

* The account must be current, with no outstanding balance on it.

* The IMEI number must be provided directly from the customers handset (IMEI number can be obtained by pressing *#06# on your handset).

* Handsets that were purchased from eBay, pawnshops, garage sales, or other sources must still meet these requirements.

To obtain the unlockcode for your handset send the following information via email to: customercare@t-mobilesupport.com, or call customer care directly at 1-800-937-8997. ** When calling you are still required to provide all of the information listed below.

Information needed for unlock code:

* Account holders name (required). xxxxxxxx

* IMEI number (required) *#06# on the mobile handset.

* Account password or the last four of the account holders social security number (required). For prepaid customers this can be the last four of your TMobile To Go pin code number. xxxx

* Customer contact number or email address. xxx-xxx-xxxx, or xxx@msn.com.

* Make and model of the mobile handset. (ie: Nokia 6030)

* The name of the wireless carrier if the handset is from another carrier. ie: at&t. (Please not that TMobile is not required to provide unlock requests from other carriers, but has been reported to do so by a few of their customers.)

* Reason for the unlock request. (ie: Going on a trip abroad, or giving the phone to a friend on another network.)

*** Please note that in some cases it may take up to 14 days for TMobile to fulfill your unlock request.

--What to do if you have a poor signal--

ANSWER TO: "Help! I get poor/no signal inside my house, but don't want to leave T-Mobile!"


Lately there have been SO MANY PEOPLE are asking this same question, so I have decided to compile some "answer(s)" below that can solve this problem. (NOTE: ALL "answers" may NOT work in ALL situations, and some "answers" MAY work better than others in certain situations! Please keep this in mind and use what's BEST FOR YOU!)


1) HOTSPOT@HOME (http://www.theonlyphoneyouneed.com/)

Pros:
==> Can work in areas with NO signal at all inside AND outside. (WiFi calling does NOT depend on T-Mobile's GSM tower coverage.)
==> Works with ANY T-Mobile HotSpot WiFi signal, ANY existing unsecured WiFi network, and ANY existing secured WiFi network that you have the Key to (WPA/WEP).
==> Unlimited calling within the U.S. IF you subscribe to a HotSpot@Home Add-On ($9.99/mo - $19.99/mo).
==> Unlimited INTERNATIONAL WIFI calls TO U.S. from foreign countries IF subscribed to a HotSpot@Home Add-On (otherwise it will just use your Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W, or Unlimited M2M just like a "normal" domestic call would... with NO INTERNATIONAL ROAMING CHARGES!).
==> Multiple people can use HotSpot@Home simultaneously (although in theory the voice quality will degrade if too many people make calls simultaneously).

Cons:
==> You MUST purchase/use a T-Mobile HotSpot@Home compatible handset from T-Mobile (ie: Nokia 6086, Samsung t409, or Blackberry Curve). (T-Mobile HotSpot@Home router is optional, but gives you better battery life and prioritizes your voice calls over other network data for clearer calls.)
==> You MUST have a fast enough broadband connection to make/get clear WiFi calls (dial-up will NOT cut it).
==> Battery life for WiFi calls will be noticeably shorter than GSM calls (so keep a charger handy if you use your phone a lot).
==> If you're using HotSpot@Home where the surrounding areas have ZERO SIGNAL, then your call will drop once you exceed the range of your WiFi network. (But if you're in an area with coverage outside, then your call will seemlessly handoff to GSM.)
==> Works with T-Mobile cell phone service ONLY!


2) CELLULAR REPEATER / SIGNAL AMPLIFIER

Pros:
==> You can use the same cell phone you are using right now! (In fact, you can use ANY T-Mobile or unbranded GSM phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's network!)
==> Your battery life will be noticeably better (because your phone won't have to work as hard to transmit/receive from the tower... just to the repeater/amplifier).
==> Multiple people can use multiple cell phones at the same time (but there may be a maximum limit on the number of active calls, depending on the repeater/amplifier being used). If your repeater/amplifier is compatible with other GSM/CDMA bands, then other people using other carriers can also use your repeater as well (ie: AT&T, Sprint, Verizon).

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for repeater/amplifier to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST purchase/use a powerful enough repeater/amplifier with at least a 1900MHz band (preferably dual 850/1900MHz bands, which can cost $200+ for a decent one).
==> It is best for repeaters/amplifiers to be set up in the best location to receive a signal indoors (which often means the attic or other elevated location near the roof or window).
==> Some repeaters/amplifiers may also be more difficult to install (ie: routing power cable through walls, bolting unit to roof, etc).
==> Your minutes are deducted from your normal Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W Minutes (if applicable), Unlimited M2M Minutes (if applicable) buckets.


3) DOCK-N-TALK (http://www.phonelabs.com/prd05.asp), CELLSOCKET (http://www.coolproductz.com/cellsocket.htm), ETC.

Pros:
==> Can set it up to make ALL landline phones in the house use your cell phone, or just an individual cordless/wired phone, or even a bluetooth headset/hands-free set (if your cell device has this ability).
==> Very easy installation (just plug into an existing phone jack, or into an individual cordless/wired phone base... or pair with your bluetooth headset/hands-free set if your cell device has this ability).
==> Very easy to use: just plug in your cell phone when you come home, and take your cell phone with you when you leave!
==> Some cell phone docking devices (like CellSocket) has an external antenna that MAY help boost signal reception in poor signal areas.
==> Some cell phone docking devices (like Dock-N-Talk) MAY be used with bluetooth headsets/hands-free sets if you don't like using a cordless/landline phone.

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for cell phone to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST purchase/use the Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device.
==> You MUST keep the Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device in a location that can at least hold a signal (probably near a window).
==> You MUST use your cordless/landline phone (or bluetooth headset if applicable) for voice calls when connected to Dock-N-Talk, CellSocket, or other cell phone docking device (which makes it less convenient when you want to user your cell phone's phonebook).
==> IF you are using a bluetooth headset/hands-free set with your cell phone docking device, bluetooth has a maximum range of 30 feet under ideal conditions (cordless phone have a longer range, depending on the frequency and environmental conditions).
==> SMS/MMS messages do NOT forward with cell phone docking devices! You must still use your original cell phone to receive SMS/MMS messages.
==> Your minutes are deducted from your normal Anytime Minutes, Unlimited N&W Minutes (if applicable), Unlimited M2M Minutes (if applicable) buckets.


4) UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_forwarding)

Pros:
==> NO additional equipment necessary! Works straight from your phone!
==> Forwards straight to your forwarded number WITHOUT ringing your cell phone.
==> You can use it ANYWHERE you go.

Cons:
==> There MUST at least be SOME signal for cell phone to work! (CANNOT be located in a ZERO SIGNAL area!)
==> You MUST have another phone number to forward your cell phone calls to (either landline or another cell phone will work).
==> You MUST keep your phone in a location that can at least hold a signal (probably near a window).
==> You MUST manually select/set your cell phone to conditionally forward all calls to your other phone number every time you want to use it (and remember to manually set it back when you leave your house/poor signal location).
==> SMS/MMS messages do NOT forward with call forwarding! You must still use your original cell phone to receive SMS/MMS messages.
==> Your minutes are deducted from your Anytime Minutes bucket.


5) CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding)

Pros:
==> The SAME as UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_forwarding), except...
==> Every account gets 500 Minutes of FREE conditional forwarding (does NOT come out of your Anytime Minutes as long as you set up CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding) correctly). That's like getting 500 more minutes per month FREE!

Cons:
==> The SAME as UNCONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_forwarding), except...
==> Your cell phone MAY ring first before forwarding (depending on how you set your CONDITIONAL CALL FORWARDING (http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding)).
==> Once you go over your 500 Conditional Forwarding Minutes, your minutes will start being deducted from your Anytime Minutes bucket!


That's all I can think of for right now. If you can think of any more, let me know and I'll add it to this post! :thumbup:


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[beartrack]

One other possible solution that I think might work for limited signal in your house

Using one of the new bluetooth enabled cordless phones that can link your cell phone to it. You could then place your cell where it gets a signal and link it to your regular home phone.

Allows you to receive and place calls from your landline utilizing your cell service.

Several available now from GE fusion, Panasonic and V tech

Haven't tried it yet but have been looking into that possibility for our house.

[DIPPYNA2]

Oh noooo.. I wish I know this thread a while ago, I recently moved from NJ to NC (only 1 bar at home and no data on my sidekick) and happened to switch to VZW already :( I wish the CS knew about this, we still love T-Mobile :( Now we r in contract with VZW, sucks!
But thank you to Nwahs, who post this.