Frequently Asked Questions

An ICASA- and NRCS-approved device that amplifies existing 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE signals for all cellular devices on major South African networks (MTN, Telkom, Vodacom, Cell C). Ideal for locations with strong outdoor signals but poor indoor coverage.

Signal degradation can be caused by:

• Distance from network towers
• Environmental interference (e.g., terrain, foliage, structures)
• Building materials (e.g., concrete, steel, low-emissivity glass)
• Internal building layout and obstructions
• Adverse weather conditions

Signal strength can be measured directly on your smartphone. For a detailed, step-by-step guide, please refer to the instructional article on our blog.

The system comprises three integrated components:

1. External Antenna: Captures the available outdoor signal.
2. Amplifier: Boosts the signal significantly (up to 32x).
3. Internal Antenna: Rebroadcasts the enhanced signal within the designated area.

We provide scalable solutions for a range of environments:

• Residential and Small Office units
• Commercial solutions for large buildings and offices
• Mobile boosters for vehicles

No. Boosters amplify existing cellular signals and operate independently of an internet connection.

No. Our solutions involve a single upfront purchase with no recurring monthly charges.

No. These devices are designed specifically for cellular network frequencies (2G, 3G, 4G/LTE) and do not impact Wi-Fi signals.

Registration is typically not required for residential or vehicle boosters. For large-scale commercial installations, some network providers may request notification. We recommend consulting with your account manager for specific carrier policies.

No. Fixed and mobile boosters are engineered for specific use cases. Using an in-building unit in a vehicle (or vice versa) is not recommended due to critical differences in power, signal management, and safety standards.

• 3G Boosters: Primarily support voice, text, and basic data services.
• 4G LTE Boosters: Support voice, text, and high-speed data, enabling advanced applications like video conferencing, streaming, and large file transfers.

• 75 Ohm Systems (using RG-6 cable and F-connectors): Optimal for smaller installations like homes and small offices with shorter cable runs.
• 50 Ohm Systems (using Bolton400 cable and N-connectors): Engineered for larger commercial buildings, offering superior performance and minimal signal loss over longer distances.

Yes. All our boosters are fully ICASA-approved and compliant with South African regulations. Bolton Technical is the authorised distributor for the African region.

Yes. Signal boosters can significantly improve the performance of 4G/LTE routers and hotspots, provided the external antenna is correctly positioned to capture a stable signal.

Yes. By providing a strong, stable signal, devices expend less power searching for and maintaining a network connection, thereby reducing battery consumption.

For consumer products: yes, without a doubt. Consumer cell phone signal boosters do not require professional installation. They're easy to set up. Although it's perfectly fine to hire a local handyman, installer, or any profession that deals with running cable.

For commercial products: it's highly recommended to consult with a professional installer with an understanding of running cable, signal loss, and floor plan analysis.

For typical home booster, it takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your level of handiness and also cleanliness.

For typical car boosters, no more than 5 to 15 minutes depending on the unit.

Commercial boosters require professional installation and can take 1-2 days up to a few weeks depending on the size and scope of the project.

In general, installing a cell phone signal booster is a 3 step process.

• The Outside Antenna is installed high on the roof of the home, building, or car.
• The Amplifier is installed at an easy-access location. For homes, in the closet, behind the shelf, etc. For cars, underneath the seat.
• The Inside Antenna is installed in an area in need.

Bolton Technical provides nationwide installation service for enterprise and industrial solutions.

Finding the best place to install your outside antenna is simple process.

• First find dB readings on your phone
• Walk around the outside perimeter of your home or building (roof if possible)
• It takes dB values to refresh so pause and hold every 30 seconds for each spot to get accurate readings.
• The number closest to the number 0 is the best spot to install the antenna.

We offer a 2-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. The warranty is void if the product is tampered with, physically damaged, installed incorrectly, or exposed to water or lightning without proper surge protection.

A lightning surge protector is a recommended accessory for any home and building cell phone signal booster.

Placed between the outside antenna and amplifier, should lightning strike your outside antenna, the lightning surge protector will discharge any power surge, saving you hundreds if not thousands of dollars of equipment.

Both yagi and omni are outside antennas that pull in your existing 3G & 4G signals before sending it off to the amplifier to be boosted.

In general, omni antennas are all-around performers used in corporate offices, because they pull signal from a 360-degree field.

Directional (yagi) antennas are specialized performers that pull in signal from a 45-90 degree directional field. The ability to focus on a narrower field allows it to reach farther than the omni and pull in more signal.

Both panel and dome are inside antennas that provide boosted signal inside the building.

A panel antenna is wall-mounted with a directional broadcasting angle of 45-70 degrees. This means farther reach and also preference for those closest to the antenna. Great for hallways and priority areas.

A dome antenna is ceiling-mounted with a 360 degree broadcasting pattern. This is for general use and a horizontal equal-signal broadcast in all directions.

Beyond LED indicators, the best way to test performance is by checking your phone's signal strength in Field Test Mode (dBm readings) before and after installation. Apps like "Network Cell Info Lite" can also help track real-time signal improvements.

Under best case scenarios, a signal booster is able to provide advertise coverage. However, for the majority of people, most are not under best conditions.

Several factors such as outside signal strength, building material, internal interference, and even weather can affect the boosted signal coverage.

SOLID COLORS:

Green: Everything is working fine.

Orange: Too much signal is coming in from the outside.

Red: The outside antenna is pulling signal from the inside antenna causing oscillation.

An orange light indicates too much signal is coming in from the outside. Solution: Point or move outside antenna away from the source.