Wireless RF preamplifier or booster

[DeanSanders]

Can a person determine the Bands used on a given cell tower, and if so, is a homebrew RF preamplifier or booster possible? I see commercial boosters are not cheap, and I assume it's because of the multi band problem. I live in the country and would like to get away from my satellite internet system. I am getting enough 4G LTE signal for cell phone use, but not strong enough for good wireless internet use. The antenna is an external Log Periodic Yagi.  Will I need a preamplifier for receiving and an amplifier for transmitting?  Any advice or information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Dean Sanders

[jpanhalt]

I faced exactly that same problem a few years ago in Northeast Ohio (45 miles Southwest of Cleveland).  Verizon worked OK for cellphone.  I went the amplifier route and various other Verizon options without success.   Then, just as I was getting ready to buy a 60+' tower, the local FOIS (Armstrong) stopped at my door.  Armstrong was extending fiber optic service to my area.  That was a no brainer.

Were are you?   Have you checked with the nearest fiber optic players to find out their plans?   In my situation, Verizon, Warner, AT&T, Sprint, etc.  had "no information."  You cannot depend on what competitors tell you.  Go to the actual players.

John

[donmr]

No, it is not practical or legal (at least in the US).  mobile phones use complicated signaling and you would be transmitting on frequencies only your provider has a license for.  They would have to evaluate your device and give their permission....

There are commercial products available that do this, look at Wilson Electronics <www.wilsonamplifiers.com>.
You have to get one that works for your provider and your connection type (3G, 4G, LTE, ...).  These are costly and the large number of "standards" does not help.