Q: I have heard of "local number portability".  How does that work?

 

A:   If you wish to change carriers, simply tell your new carrier that you want to keep your current cell phone number.  With a few restrictions, all phone numbers are portable...including your landline home phone.

 

Q: Does it take long to move this phone number?

 

A: It should take only a matter of a few hours.  The FCC is strict guidelines for this process.  Keep in mind, you will be without service during this time period.  Check with the new carrier to be sure you understand their process.

 

Q: I would like to eliminate my "wired" home phone and utilize my cellular system.  Can I move my home telephone number to my cell phone?

 

A: You certainly can.  Landline phone numbers have been "portable" for a long time. However, they are now included in the switch to a wireless system.  Moving your landline phone number to a cell phone may take a bit longer than moving a cellular number.  Check with your cellular service provider.

 

Q: Why is my signal good in one location but poor only a few feet away?

 

A: Radio waves are very unreliable.  Therefore, cell phones are unreliable.  Buildings, building materials, clouds, and foliage all have an impact on the strength and reliability of your signal.

 

Q: My signal strength shows "5 bars".  Why is my connection so bad?

 

A: The signal meter on your mobile phone measures only the signal coming from the cell tower.  It does not indicate the signal strength from the phone back to the tower.   In all cell phone connections you must have a good connection in both directions.

 

Q: What can be done to improve the signal strength?

 

A: Unless you are using the old “bag phone” or other AMPS device, your signal output to the tower is probably .6 watts.  An external antenna can be attached to the phone that will provide gains of 3 dB to 9 dB…this translates into a signal increase of up to 400%. See our Accessories section for a selection of antennas, boosters, and repeaters.

 

Q: I have heard of "signal boosters"…what do they do?

 

A: A signal booster is attached to the cable between your phone and the external antenna.  This unit will bring the power of your cell phone to the legal limit of 3 watts.  However, be certain that you have a signal to amplify.  It cannot increase a signal that is not there.

 

Q: How does the Docking Station help the signal?

 

A: The docking station may be placed in the 'hot spot' in your home or office.  Since you will not move the cell phone from this location, you will always receive the best signal possible.  If the signal in your home is unsatisfactory, the internal antenna of the cell phone will will link directly to any external antenna.  With the aid of an 'antenna adapter cable' the handset antenna can be connected to a antenna or an amplifier.  This will greatly improve the signal quality and strength without hindering your movement in your home.

 

Q: What can the Cellular Wireless Terminal (CWT) do that my cell phone cannot?

 

A: Both the CWT and the Docking Station will give you a dial tone and allow you to make a call without pushing a “send” key.  You can also link multiple standard telephones to them.  However, the Wireless Terminal (depending upon the model and the service provider chosen) will allow you to send and receive FAXes, and transmit and receive computer data (E-Mail, Internet surfing, etc). 

 

Q: Do I receive all of the benefits from my cellular contract if I use the CWT or the Docking Station?

 

A: Absolutely.  The Docking Station is a way to link your cell phone to a standard phone for calling convenience.  It has nothing to do with the contract from your provider.  The Cellular Wireless Terminal is actually a cell phone.  It must be set up through a service provider before it can operate.  It will even qualify as an extra line on the “family plan”.

 

Q: Are these units "mobile"?