I recently read a number of articles claiming that cell phone reception booster’s work by increasing the signal strength. I did some research and some tests of my own to see if it is myth or fact.

These units are available from many outlets in South Africa sold for a few Rand and on the face of the claims seem to indicate marvellous success.

Findings
My finding however disproves this. Cellular manufacturers like Samsung invest capital into R&D with the development of any of their cell phone models. Such research goes into improvements in both antennae technology, reduction of Electro Magnetic Radiation, quality of speech and so on. Logic has to dictate that Samsung and other major players do their homework and well.

The antennae reception booster makes claim that it can increase dramatically the signal strength by induction or close proximity sympathetic transmission. It generally comes in the form or a PC board type ticker that is attached to back of the phone. Now to the novice this looks feasible and even technical.

What the cell phone user would have to know is where the antennae are located. That is the first hurdle. Secondly, it would have to straddle the battery and no doubt part of the casing meaning you would never be able to remove the battery without breaking the circuit sticker. It may also come in the form of near conductive tab that is adhered to the back of the battery casing called a passive antennae they are both one of the same thing.

The reception boosters can damage your phone, distort the Electro Magnetic Field and cause interference. The fact of placing one of these units on the battery can cause internal damage at best. To the person carry the device it can cause radiation to be emitted from part of the device normally held in hand or part of the face this can be dangerous as it places the signal where you do not want it. Each phone meets strict criteria such as SARS rating, these signal booster devices negate such.

Signal strength
We all see signal strength bars on our cellular phones, later models like the Galaxy S and Tab allow you to see the signal strength in idle mode under settings/about phone/status.

Understanding how you cellular phone works, will allow for the user to understand how his/her device conserves energy in idle mode. Let's say you have two bars reception in idle and you make or receive a call, your cellular phone automatically boosts the signal to compensate. Yes, it may take more energy to get a better signal but the fact it is already built into your phone debunks any statement of another device to improve performance.

Early cellular phones had longer antennae that had to be extended, new antennae use helical antennae. The helical antennae in brief is a coiled antennae of the same length as the old pull out ones, Technology has come a long way but helical antennae have been around for decades.

A helical antenna is an antennae consisting of a conducting wire wound in the form of a helix. In most cases, helical antennas are mounted over a ground plain. Helical antennas can operate in one of two principal modes: normal (broadside) mode or axial (or end-fire) mode. Holding your cell phone correctly is important to maximise the signal and limit Electro Magnetic Radiation.

Urban legend
So it is one of those urban legends, same as tin foil, wire to boost the signal. Signal repeaters must not be confused with signal boosters. Signal repeaters require authorisation from the Network provider and are ICASA approved. Whereas none of the boosters carry ICASA approval.