Active antennas or repeaters boost the 3G/4G signal. Repeaters such as these that require power to the unit (Telstra Smart Antennas & Nextivity Cel-Fi Repeaters) require licensing. If they are not licensed they are ILLEGAL boosters.
Illegal boosters carry a large fine as they can interfere with the mobile network.
” It is an offence under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act) to operate an unlicensed radiocommunications device, or possess this device for the purpose of operation. A person found guilty of this offence may be imprisoned for two years for each offence. A body corporate may receive a penalty of up to $270,000 (1,500 penalty units) per offence (sections 46 and 47 of the Act). Other penalties may apply, such as the interference offence provisions at Part 4.2 of the Act.” ( ACMA )
NB: Cel-Fi Pro and GO Repeaters and Telstra Branded Smart Antennas/Cel-Fi Go are the same devices, with the Telstra supplied one being different in colour, with Telstra branding.
Powertec Telecommunications are the only approved importer of the Nextivity Cel-Fi (outside of Telstra’s branded Smart Antenna). There are many resellers however, check our suppliers page for further info. The below repeaters & the Telstra branded repeaters are the ONLY licensed and legal repeaters that can be legally used in Australia.
CEL-FI Pro
Cel-Fi pro is an indoor smart signal repeater. Available for the Telstra, Optus or Vodaphone networks.
To help with setting up a Cel-Fi Pro or Smart Antenna visit the Cel-Fi page here or see the notes below. To purchase a Cel-Fi Pro in Australia, help with installation and compatible antenna advice visit Powertec
CEL-FI Go Stationary
Cel-Fi Go Stationary is a smart signal repeater. Available for the Telstra, Optus or Vodaphone networks. This multi-band solution is ideal for use in commercial properties, government buildings, agricultural settings, small manufacturing operations, rural areas, businesses, and large homes. To help with setting up a Cel-Fi Go Stationary visit the Cel-Fi page here. To purchase a Cel-Fi Go Stationary in Australia, help with installation and compatible antenna advice visit Powertec
BIRRR highly recommend using surge protectors with the Cel-Fi Pro and Go Stationary devices and a UPS unit to power the repeater during general mains power failures or when the generator is off. They’re designed to power a desktop for 15 minutes or so, but are large enough to power a CelFi repeater for much longer.
CEL-FI Go Mobile
The Cel-Fi GO/GO+ is a Smart Signal booster for addressing the challenge of poor cellular coverage on the road. Ideal for vehicles and boats, a suitable antenna is needed and these are recommended to be installed by a professional. To purchase a Cel-Fi Go in Australia, help with installation and compatible antenna advice visit Powertec
NB: Extension devices are carrier specific, if you require coverage across multiple carriers then you will need multiple models.
Cel-Fi Pro Installation Tips
Details on using the Wave app are available from Powertec here
Installation tips below thanks to Marcus Dowling from Rising Connection
You may like to have two very long power extension leads to help with this while you move the CU & NU around find the best locations.
- Before powering up the units, walk around your property and look for both the strongest and weakest signal on you mobile. This is important, with the Cel-Fi units, if the CU (Coverage Unit/Smaller box) picks up too much signal, it will automatically back its ability off, so find the areas where you get “BAD” signal (preferably none) as options as to where you will put the CU.
- (skip if not using an external antenna) Choose two locations where you are not getting good signal, if the NU (Network Unit/Bigger box) can pick up enough signal with its internal antennas, it will by default ignore the external antenna, the NU has several very decent size antennas in it, way better than any normal mobile phone has.
- (skip if using an external antenna) put the NU (Network Unit/Bigger box) where you can find your strongest signal as in #1, that could be outside, just make sure the unit is protected from the weather and elements, the NU has several very decent size antennas in it, way better than any normal mobile phone has. Look to see that you are getting as many bars as possible (with the CU switched off) on the NU. The better you get the signal onto the NU, the better the CU will work in the next steps.
- Performance wise the NU & CU work best at around twenty (20) meters between them, this will vary depending on your building, some could be over 40 meters, some less then 15 meters, so place the CU now away from NU progressively looking at getting the number for the NU as high as possible, then take it that bit further where it fails (to far from the NU), it is good to know how far you can push the CU. Now the distance you took the CU to where it failed, use that as a guide to bringing the CU back into range, then bring the CU back some more, the CU will be more stable close than further away, when the CU is on the fringe, it can drop out causing your mobile connection to fail intermittently.
Just using these steps often achieves better performance than the performance specifications given for the Cel-Fi.
*Please note, while all care has been taken in compiling BIRRR documents, we recommend that you check with your service provider, equipment provider and installer regarding your own connection issues and equipment needed. Please ensure that any installer is accredited and licensed and that any equipment is legal to use in Australia.
Updated 1st August 2020
Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia (BIRRR) 