Verizon Wireless now offers Verizon (
News -
Alert) Wireless Network Extender to its customers to provide enhanced wireless coverage inside homes where location, geography or structural conditions interfere with reception, the company said in a Monday announcement.
Network Extender, according to Verizon Wireless, is a "mini-cell site" that allows customers to enhance the signal inside their homes using any Verizon Wireless phone. The device routes Verizon Wireless calls through the customer's home broadband Internet connection. According to the company, the device can provide improved network access for customers living on the geographical fringes of the Verizon Wireless network.
It also provides the best service to customers who want to enhance the wireless signal when making voice calls, sending text/picture/video messages, accessing Mobile Web or accessing smartphone/BlackBerry (
News -
Alert) data in situations that could include houses with structural barriers; basement rooms; or some remote, mountainous or hilly areas, the company said.
Network Extender does not support Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) speeds and services that require it.
A Samsung (
News -
Alert) product, Network Extender is about the size of a wireless router box or small attaché case. It is easy to set up and ready to use right out of the box and can provide coverage in an area of up to 5,000 square feet. Priced at $249.99 plus local taxes, the service is offered with no monthly fees.
“Our new Network Extender device will bring the full benefit of the Verizon Wireless voice network to the small but important segment of customers who may experience a weaker signal in their homes because of geographic or structural conditions,” said Jack Plating, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless, in a statement.
“Current and prospective customers have told us they want this, and we are responding to that demand,” Plating added. “For those who have wanted to sign up for Verizon Wireless service but hesitated because of reception problems unique to their home location, this is the answer.”
Verizon Wireless also offers the service to existing customers, their Family SharePlan members and other Verizon Wireless customers. The service does not require any change in the existing plans or additional monthly charges. Customers also can manage access to their Network Extender through the account management feature on their My Verizon online account.
The Network Extender device can be purchased online, by phone or at select Verizon Wireless Communications Stores.
Rajani Baburajan is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Rajani's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Michelle Robart