cell external antenna for Sprint digital

I have a Samsung A660 phone. Since it's a prepaid service, StiMobile, it will only connect via digital. I live in a rural area. Phone works okay when I'm in town.

I'm going to buy a commercial dual band antenna but I don't know which. I see there's a 3 watt power booster. It will amplify a signal in the 800 Mhz band but will only pass through signals in the 1900 Mhz band.

I was sure that Sprint uses the 1900 Mhz band for its digital but then saw a post claiming Sprint doesn't use the 1900 Mhz band in Atlanta (the closest major city).

I've tried a homebrew coffee can antenna but completely without success.

Any suggestions as to what would be the best way to go would be great. My regular phone is Vonage and the cable goes out not infrequently here so a functional cell connection is necessary.

Thanks.

Soyrunner

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Originally Posted by Soyrunner

I was sure that Sprint uses the 1900 Mhz band for its digital but then saw a post claiming Sprint doesn't use the 1900 Mhz band in Atlanta (the closest major city).

"PCS" is by definition the 1900mhz band, while the term "cellular" generally refers to the 800/850mhz band. According to Sprint PCS (and their shareholders, if you google the quoted term), they built their "all-digital, all PCS network" from the ground up and they have used that argument many times to claim data-transfer superiority over other 3G networks. I take that to mean they are ALL-1900mhz nationwide, or else one of their competitors would have filed suit against them long ago for making such an audacious statement.

I'm not sure if this suggestion will work for you or not... but I have a signal booster in my house. We used to drop a lot of calls or callers would be sent to voicemail due to our poor indoor signal. We do get 2-3 bars outside in the yard away from all the huge oak trees... so we got this thing from www.cellboosterstore.com and mounted it centrally in the house, with the outdoor antenna pointing toward the nearest Sprint tower... now we get 4-6 bars inside except for in the back corner of the master bedroom. Make sure you check their return policy before you order one, they won't refund you if your outdoor reception is inadequate to amplify an indoor signal!