FAQ

A smart signal repeater captures weak mobile signal from outside your building or vehicle, amplifies it, and rebroadcasts it inside — giving your phones, tablets, and connected devices a stronger, more reliable connection. Unlike conventional boosters, Nextivity CEL-FI uses an intelligent software-defined radio that is carrier-approved, self-configuring, and automatically adjusts gain so it cannot interfere with the mobile network.

Standard carrier-approved devices like the CEL-FI GO and ROAM range do not require a licence for residential or general commercial use. They are ACMA-approved under the Australian Radiocommunications Act and operate legally on Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone networks. Unlicensed generic boosters sold by some overseas retailers are illegal in Australia and can attract ACMA enforcement action.

Choose the CEL-FI GO range (G41, G32) if you need improved signal inside a fixed building — home, office, warehouse, or vessel. Choose the CEL-FI ROAM range (R41) if you need improved signal while travelling in a vehicle, caravan, or boat. If you need both, contact us — some customers run one of each.

Select the carrier your SIM belongs to — Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone-TPG. CEL-FI devices are single-carrier at a time and must be matched to the SIM in use. Switching is done in seconds via the free Nextivity WAVE App. The device boosts all devices on that carrier simultaneously regardless of how many SIMs are in the building or vehicle.

A repeater needs at least a faint outside signal to amplify — it cannot create signal from nothing. As a guide, if your phone shows at least 1 bar outside the building (or away from the vehicle), a CEL-FI will likely provide usable inside coverage. If there is genuinely zero signal outdoors, a satellite solution such as Starlink is the right path instead.

The G41 is the higher-power flagship: it delivers +20 dBm output power and covers up to 3,000 m², supports up to 8 service antennas, and includes an RJ45 Ethernet port for WAVE Portal remote management. The G32 covers up to 1,000 m² and suits smaller homes and single-floor offices. If you are covering a large building or need multi-antenna coverage, choose the G41.

The G41 supports up to 8 service (indoor) antennas via an RF power divider. This allows coverage across multiple rooms, floors, or zones from a single repeater unit. Powertec 2-way and 4-way RF power dividers are available in our accessories range.

No internet connection is required for the repeater to function — it boosts mobile signal independently. The optional RJ45 Ethernet port on the G41 (and G32 via a WAVE Adapter) enables connection to the WAVE Portal for remote monitoring and management by approved installers. Basic use requires only power.

Yes. The G41 is ACMA-approved for both residential and commercial deployment. Large commercial and industrial sites typically connect it to the WAVE Portal for remote monitoring, alerting, and fleet management — features designed for approved commercial installers.

Yes — the CEL-FI GO range is commonly deployed on commercial and recreational vessels to improve below-deck mobile coverage. The unit operates on 240V AC and should be mounted in a dry, ventilated location. A waterproof outdoor donor antenna is recommended for the mast or flybridge position.

The R41 suits cars, utes, 4WDs, vans, trucks, buses, motorhomes, caravans, and boats. Its compact, low-profile form factor fits under a seat or in a storage compartment, and its rugged housing tolerates the vibration and temperature extremes of off-road and outback travel.

Yes — the R41 is designed for use in moving vehicles. It continuously re-acquires signal as the carrier network changes and automatically adjusts gain in real time. The donor (external) antenna captures the best available outside signal as you travel.

The R41 runs on 12V DC only via the included CLA (cigarette lighter adapter). For 24V heavy vehicles — trucks, buses, mining equipment — you will need a 24V-to-12V DC–DC converter. We stock the Victron Orion-TR 24/12-5 (60W) for exactly this purpose. Call us on 0409 169 461 to confirm compatibility before ordering.

All packs use the same R41 repeater unit. The difference is the included donor (outside) antenna:

R41-YB (standalone) — repeater + server antenna only, no donor antenna included.
Trucker Mini Pack — includes the Blackhawk 40cm low-profile roof/cabin antenna. Best for trucks and vehicles where a compact roof mount is preferred.
Skywave Pack — includes the Skywave bullbar-mount antenna. Best for 4WDs and utes with a bullbar.
Magnetic Pulse Pack — includes a magnetic-base antenna. Best for hire vehicles or where a permanent mount is not possible.
Inside Outside Pack — includes both an external donor and internal service antenna optimised for a larger cabin or dual-occupancy arrangement.

Yes — the R41 is the direct successor to the G31 Mobile. It adds 5G DSS support, Band 20 and Band 26 coverage, and the 4th generation IntelliBoost chipset for improved performance across all supported bands.

The R41 Caravan Wideband LPDA Pack is the most popular choice. It includes the R41 repeater and a Wideband LPDA donor antenna, which provides excellent gain across 700–2700 MHz — ideal for remote sites where you are parked stationary and can point the antenna toward the nearest tower. A 12V power source (cigarette lighter, Anderson plug, or hardwired) is all you need.

Yes — the R41 draws approximately 10W at full output. Any 12V battery or solar setup with a regulated 12V outlet (cigarette lighter socket or Anderson plug via a suitable cable) will power it. It is suitable for lithium and AGM battery systems alike.

The R41 Marine Pack is purpose-built for marine use, pairing the R41 with a marine-rated donor antenna. For larger vessels requiring coverage throughout the boat, the CEL-FI GO G41 (running on 240V AC shore power or an inverter) can run multiple internal service antennas, providing whole-vessel coverage. Call us to discuss your vessel size and layout.

An LPDA or Yagi is a directional antenna — it must be aimed at the nearest cell tower but provides significantly higher gain (stronger signal capture). It is the right choice when signal is weak and the tower direction is known. An Omni antenna radiates and receives in all directions simultaneously, making it easier to install without aiming but with lower gain. Omnis suit situations where towers are in multiple directions or the install location cannot accommodate aiming.

Exatek stocks the full Powertec and Blackhawk range of Cel-Fi-compatible donor antennas. The most common choices are:

Blackhawk LPDA Yagi — high-gain directional, best for weak signal sites.
Powertec Outdoor Wall/Pole Omni — suits installations where tower direction varies or is unknown.
Powertec Wideband Grid — extreme-gain directional for very remote, low-signal environments.

Call us on 0409 169 461 and we will recommend the best option for your site.

Exatek stocks PTL-240 low-loss coaxial cable in 6m, 10m, and 20m lengths with N Male to SMA Male connectors — the standard combination for Cel-Fi installations. As a rule, keep cable runs as short as practical to minimise signal loss. For runs over 15m, call us to discuss cable options and whether a higher-gain antenna is needed to compensate.

SMA (SubMiniature version A) is a small threaded connector used on the repeater unit and short patch cables. N-type is a larger weatherproof connector used on outdoor antennas and longer cable runs. Most Cel-Fi installations use a combination of both — PTL-240 cable terminates in N Male at the antenna end and SMA Male at the repeater end.

Yes, provided the antenna covers the correct frequency range (700–2700 MHz for full band support) and uses compatible connectors. Nextivity recommends using approved Powertec and Blackhawk antennas for optimal performance and compliance. Using non-compliant antennas may affect the ACMA approval status of the installation.

A wireless bridge connects two locations that cannot be easily cabled — for example, a house and a shed 200m away, or a main building and a remote outbuilding. The Ruijie Reyee EST series bridges create a high-speed wireless link between the two points, then you connect standard Wi-Fi or wired devices at each end. They are ideal for rural properties, farms, and commercial sites.

The Exatek Starlink expansion packs (available for 10, 30, and 50+ acres) use Ruijie Reyee Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers and access points to distribute your Starlink internet signal across large properties. Each pack is sized for a specific coverage area and includes the routers, access points, and mounting hardware needed — you supply the Starlink dish. See our Starlink Expansion range for full kit details.

Both are enterprise-grade brands. Ruijie Reyee is suited to larger deployments — farms, businesses, and commercial sites — with a full ecosystem of mesh routers, wireless bridges, and access points. Cudy offers high-performance access points and routers for smaller business, office, and advanced home setups. Call us if you are unsure which is right for your site.

Yes — they serve different purposes and work alongside each other. CEL-FI boosts the mobile cellular (4G/5G) signal used by phones and mobile devices. Starlink or NBN provides fixed broadband internet. Running both gives you mobile connectivity on the move and broadband at your property — many rural customers do exactly this.

The expansion packs are designed around the Starlink Standard and Starlink Mini dishes (Gen 3). If you have an older rectangular dish, contact us to confirm compatibility. The packs use the Starlink router's Ethernet bypass output to feed the Ruijie mesh network.

The expansion packs are designed for self-installation with step-by-step documentation. Most customers set them up without professional help. If your property is particularly large or complex, Exatek can assist remotely — call us on 0409 169 461.

We stock STARBEAM protective accessories for Starlink Mini including hard travel cases, silicone protective covers, and Gen 3 router and power supply wall mount kits. These protect your Starlink hardware during transport and tidy up permanent installations.

Yes — Exatek ships to all Australian states and territories including remote and regional addresses. Shipping rates and estimated delivery times are calculated at checkout. For urgent orders, contact us directly on 0409 169 461.

Most metropolitan orders arrive within 2–5 business days. Regional and remote addresses may take 5–10 business days depending on carrier service availability. Tracking details are provided once your order ships.

We accept returns within 30 days of purchase for products in original, unused condition with original packaging. Faulty items are covered under the manufacturer warranty — see below. To initiate a return, contact us on 0409 169 461 or via the Contact page before sending any item back.

CEL-FI products purchased through Exatek carry a 3-year warranty — the standard 2-year Nextivity warranty plus 1 additional year provided exclusively through Powertec-authorised resellers, at no extra cost. Warranty claims are handled by Exatek — contact us first rather than contacting Nextivity directly.

ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) is the government body that regulates radio communications in Australia. An ACMA-approved device has been tested and certified to operate within legal limits on Australian carrier networks. Using a non-approved booster is a criminal offence under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and can disrupt the mobile network for other users in your area.

Yes — every CEL-FI device sold by Exatek is ACMA-approved and carrier-approved for use in Australia. We only stock products that are compliant with Australian regulations. If you are ever unsure about a product's compliance status, ask us before purchasing.

Generic broadband amplifiers sold on overseas marketplaces lack intelligent gain control and ACMA certification. They can amplify their own output noise back into the carrier network, degrading service for all users in the area. Carriers actively scan for illegal boosters and notify ACMA. Fines under the Radiocommunications Act can exceed $100,000 for interference-causing devices. CEL-FI's software-defined smart technology specifically exists to prevent network interference — it is the only technology that meets ACMA's carrier-grade requirements.