Poor mobile signals inside office buildings affect employee productivity and cause dropped calls with frustratingly slow data speeds. Building tenants do check mobile coverage before signing leases, and reliable mobile reception is vital to maintain high occupancy rates.
Signal boosters provide an effective solution to these coverage issues. These smart devices cover areas up to 900 m² while supporting more than 20 devices at once. The technology works well in residential and commercial buildings. Modern mobile phone boosters detect weak outdoor signals, strengthen them, and broadcast enhanced signals indoors. This improves call quality and data speeds throughout the building.
We have put together a practical guide about choosing and implementing the right signal booster. Understanding different technologies, performance optimisation, and compliance with Australian regulations will get the best results for your building.
Understanding Mobile Signal Boosters
Mobile signal boosters help improve poor mobile reception inside large buildings. You should know how these systems work before buying one for your property. Building materials make mobile signals weak in commercial and residential buildings. Materials like concrete, metal, brick, and energy-efficient glass block radio frequencies that mobile signals need to work. Modern construction with foil-based roof insulation and metal roofing (like Colorbond) creates what engineers call a “Faraday cage” effect. This effect makes signals bounce away from your building.
Garry Sholl Fixtel’s Managing Director says, ‘Building owners often underestimate how much poor mobile reception affects tenant retention. Prospective tenants now check signal strength before signing a lease, and weak coverage can be a deal-breaker.’
The building’s distance from the nearest cell tower affects signal strength. Buildings that sit far from towers or have taller structures around them get weaker signals. Physical obstacles get in the way of radio wave distribution. Inside the building, electronic equipment and the layout can create dead zones where signals scatter or vanish.
Mobile Signal Boosters Available in Australia
Australian properties can choose from these signal booster solutions:
- Universal signal boosters – Work with multiple carriers at once and support Telstra, Optus and Vodafone networks
- Carrier-specific boosters – Work with one network but give stronger amplification (up to 100 dB gain compared to 64-72 dB for universal boosters)
- Passive DAS systems – Work well for smaller buildings, and you can install them yourself
- Active DAS systems – Best fit for larger commercial buildings
You must get written permission from a mobile carrier to legally operate a signal booster in Australia.
Key Components of a Signal Booster System
A mobile signal booster system needs three main parts. A roof-mounted external antenna picks up signals from nearby towers. The amplifier serves as the system’s core and strengthens these weak signals. An internal antenna spreads the boosted signal throughout your building to create better coverage areas. Coaxial cables link these parts and carry cellular signals between antennas and the amplifier. Your building’s size, budget, and coverage needs play a significant role in choosing the right signal booster technology.
Passive DAS vs Active DAS systems
Passive Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) distribute amplified signals from nearby cell towers throughout your building using coaxial cables. These systems are more economical than Active DAS, and buildings under 500,000 square feet benefit most from Passive DAS. The installation takes just weeks to complete.
Active DAS works like a personal cell tower inside your building. It delivers better performance but comes with a higher price tag per square foot. The system uses fibre optic cables that minimise signal loss. Large venues over 500,000 square feet are perfect for Active DAS.
Small Cell Technology Solutions
Small cells provide targeted coverage in high-traffic areas through low-powered radio transmitters. These compact units cover 50-200 metres and fit nicely on light poles, bus shelters, and building exteriors. Government body ACMA (Australian Communication and Media Authority) says the main carriers like Telstra and Optus install these and if ‘providers do not follow the rules set out in the code, they may be issued a direction to comply, with further breaches subject to action by the ACMA that can result in penalties of up to $250,000.’ Small cells are a vital part of 5G networks.
Cel-Fi Approved Boosters
Cel-Fi boosters stand out as the only consumer signal boosters that all Australian mobile carriers support, including Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. These smart repeaters deliver up to 100dB gain. This is a big deal as it means that they outperform universal boosters. The products work safely with carrier networks and boost coverage even in areas with weak signals.
Installing Mobile Phone Signal Boosters in Large Buildings
Your mobile signal booster’s performance depends on proper installation. A structured approach will give you the best possible results from your investment. A detailed site survey creates the foundation for successful signal booster installation. This vital assessment measures cellular bands and frequencies outside the building. Signal strength checks in each room help identify problem areas and locate nearby cell towers. Professional signal metres give precise readings instead of relying on phone bars. These readings show where the strongest signal comes from and guide proper donor antenna placement and system design.
Installers find weak signal areas indoors to place internal antennas in the right spots. This full picture helps calculate the minimum coaxial cable needed. It also shows if you need additional components like filters or splitters.
Walk Through Tests
Ensuring seamless mobile coverage in large buildings starts with comprehensive walk-through testing. Fixtel’s In-Building Coverage (IBC) and Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Walk Tests provide a detailed analysis of signal strength before and after installation, identifying weak spots and ensuring optimal network performance. Pre-installation walk tests help determine the best placement for DAS components, while post-installation tests verify that the system meets coverage expectations. These tests are essential in high-rise buildings, shopping centres, hospitals, and commercial office spaces where building materials like concrete and metal can block signals.
‘Without proper walk-through testing, even the best DAS system can underperform. Our in-depth assessments ensure that businesses get the full benefit of their investment, delivering strong, uninterrupted mobile coverage throughout their entire building,’ says Craig Taylor, Director at Fixtel.
Antenna Placement Strategies
The external antenna’s location makes a huge difference in how well your system works. Mounting it at the highest point on the roof usually catches the strongest signal. Directional antennas need precise aiming toward the nearest cell tower. The internal antenna works best in areas where people use their phones most often. You need enough space between external and internal antennas to prevent oscillation (feedback).
Cable length can also affect your signal quality. Longer cables might weaken your signal strength. You might need a more powerful booster system to make up for this loss.
Professional vs DIY Installation Considerations
DIY installation might save money, but professional installation has clear benefits for buildings over 15,000 square feet or those with complex structures. Professional installers come with specialised equipment and technical expertise. They use signal metres that detect specific frequencies for all carriers.
Buildings need professional installation if they have elevator shafts, stairwells, firewalls, or concrete walls. This also applies to multi-story structures or setups that need long cable runs (over 100 feet) or multiple internal antennas.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Signal Booster Solutions
Mobile carriers in Australia take different approaches to signal boosters. You need to understand their requirements before you spend money on a solution for your building.
Telstra provides its own GO Repeaters that work specifically with their network. Their coverage extends over 2.7 million km² (about 1 million km² more than their closest competitor). Only Telstra-qualified technicians can install these carrier-approved devices. Telstra GO Repeaters support 3G, 4G and 4GX technology and work with 3G 850MHz and 4G 700MHz/1800MHz bands.
Optus suggests their Ultra WiFi Booster as the best choice for homes, though these devices extend WiFi rather than boost mobile signals. The company allows certain Cel-Fi repeaters on their network to improve mobile coverage.
Vodafone and Optus both approve Cel-Fi Go G32 and G41 smart repeaters. The G32 model can handle two bands at once and gives up to 100 dB gain. These repeaters work well in vehicles and buildings.
Universal Signal Boosters
Multi-band boosters that operate on 850/900/1800/2100 MHz frequencies are a great way to get better coverage. They boost all signal types for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone at the same time. These universal boosters can handle 25-30 users at once, which makes them perfect for large homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
You’ll need three main components to install these boosters: an external antenna that catches signals, an amplifier that boosts them, and an internal antenna that spreads improved coverage throughout your building.
Legal Considerations and ACMA Compliance
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) requires written permission from a mobile carrier before you can use a mobile signal booster. This “third-party authorisation” lets you operate under the carrier’s radiocommunications licence.
Using unauthorised boosters leads to harsh penalties. You could face up to two years in jail or fines of AUD 630,700 per offence. Selling a mobile booster to someone without a licence can result in fines up to AUD 210,230.
Troubleshooting Signal Booster Issues
Oscillation (feedback) happens when boosted signals create a feedback loop between internal and external antennas. Red indicator lights on your booster usually mean oscillation is occurring. You can fix this by putting more space between antennas or using metal radiant material as a shield. The best results come from keeping at least 20 feet (6 metres) between antennas.
Strong signals from nearby towers can overload your system. You’ll see orange indicator lights when this happens. The fix is simple – just turn your outdoor antenna away from the cell tower bit by bit until you see a green light.
Spotty coverage in certain areas might mean loose or damaged cable connections. Bad quality or damaged cables can hurt signal transmission and require immediate replacement. Building materials like concrete and metal-oxide coated energy-efficient windows can block signals. You might need extra internal antennas in these trouble spots.
Maintenance Requirements
Here’s a simple routine to keep your system running smoothly:
- Clean your external antenna every three months to clear dirt and debris that block signals
- Look for wear and tear on cables and connections regularly
- Test signal strength with your mobile devices to catch problems early
- Install booster firmware updates to improve how well it works
Complex installations, especially in commercial buildings, might need professional maintenance. You should check external antennas after bad weather to make sure they’re still secure and pointed the right way.
Future-Proofing Your Installation for 5G
5G networks are growing all over Australia. Make sure any new signal booster you buy works with both 4G and 5G frequencies so you won’t need to replace it too soon.
Mid-band 5G (1 GHz to 6 GHz) gives you the most economical mix of coverage and capacity for indoor setups. Modern boosters like the Cel-Fi GO G41 are ready for 5G, and firmware updates will tap into the full potential of 5G NR capabilities.
5G technology will grow step by step over the next ten years. If your current setup isn’t 5G compatible, you should plan upgrades as coverage becomes more common throughout Australia.
Conclusion
Mobile signal boosters are a great way to get better mobile coverage in buildings with poor reception. The benefits outweigh the costs for homes and businesses, though you need thorough planning to pick and set up the right system.
Your specific requirements will help you choose between a passive DAS, active DAS, or carrier-approved solution like Cel-Fi that works best for your building. Note that carrier authorisation is crucial because unauthorised boosters can lead to heavy penalties.
The system’s success relies on correct installation and regular upkeep. You need to be proactive about technological changes. As 5G networks expand throughout Australia, a future-ready system will give you effective coverage for years.
Poor mobile coverage affects your team’s productivity through dropped calls and slow data speeds. Time spent on research, planning, and professional installation of your signal booster system will result in reliable mobile coverage throughout your building.
FAQs
Q1. How do signal boosters work to improve mobile coverage in buildings?
Signal boosters capture weak outdoor signals, amplify them, and broadcast stronger signals indoors. They consist of an external antenna, an amplifier, and an internal antenna, working together to enhance call quality and data speeds throughout the building.
Q2. Are signal boosters legal to use in Australia?
Yes, signal boosters are legal in Australia, but you must have written permission from a mobile carrier to operate one. Unauthorised use can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Q3. What types of signal boosters are available for large buildings?
There are several types of signal boosters suitable for large buildings, including universal boosters (supporting multiple carriers), carrier-specific boosters, passive DAS systems for smaller buildings, and active DAS systems for larger commercial properties.
Q4. How do I choose the right signal booster for my building?
Selecting the right signal booster depends on your building size, budget, and specific coverage requirements. Consider factors such as the building’s square footage, the number of users, and whether you need support for multiple carriers. A professional site survey can help determine the best solution.
Q5. Can signal boosters work with 5G networks?
Yes, many modern signal boosters are designed to be 5G-ready. When purchasing a new booster, verify that it supports both 4G and 5G frequencies to ensure compatibility with future network upgrades. Some boosters may require firmware updates to unlock full 5G capabilities.
