For more than five years, the Cel-Fi Go was the undisputed champion of signal boosting in Australia. It was a game-changer for caravanners, farmers, and remote workers, providing a reliable bridge between a weak outdoor signal and a usable indoor connection.
But the landscape of Australian telecommunications has shifted. With the shutdown of 3G networks, the hardware we rely on must evolve. As South Australia’s premier destination for RF solutions, RFShop is a proud Australian reseller of Nextivity products. We do not just supply the hardware; we provide the superior technical knowledge and clear guidance required to make complex systems simple.
As we move fully into the 4G and 5G era, it is time to look at the next generation of repeaters: the Cel-Fi G51, G41, and ROAM R41.
Understanding the Lineup: Which Series is for You?
The new series moves beyond the “one size fits all” approach of the past. Choosing the right unit depends entirely on your environment and your mobility. Our team of engineers and technicians is ready to offer tailored technical advice to ensure you select the perfect components for your unique needs.
1. The Cel-Fi ROAM R41: Connectivity on the Move
If you are a mobile user, whether you are tackling the Oodnadatta Track in a 4×4, cruising in a caravan, or operating a marine vessel, the ROAM R41 is your essential companion.
How it works: It uses the same proven principle of an external donor antenna on your bullbar or roof and an internal broadcast antenna in the cabin.
Key Advantage: Unlike stationary units, the ROAM is designed to provide seamless connectivity while you are moving from point A to point B.
2. The Cel-Fi G41: The Nomadic Stationary Solution
The G41 is the successor to the fixed Cel-Fi Go. It is designed for homes or small offices where the outdoor signal is weak.
Flexibility: While it is a stationary unit, it offers more flexibility than previous generations. It can be used in a caravan, provided it is set up while you are parked.
Performance: It handles two channels simultaneously, offering higher capacity for multiple users.
Note on 5G: While 5G capable, the G41 currently supports specific bands. We recommend relying on its superior 4G performance while the new 5G bands continue to roll out in the Australian landscape.
3. The Cel-Fi G51: The High-End 5G Powerhouse
The G51 is the heavy hitter of the family. Housed in a robust, cast aluminium chassis, this unit is built for professional users or large residential applications.
True 5G: This unit supports the 5G bands currently utilised in Australia.
Application: It is strictly non-mobile. It belongs in a high-density office or a large home where maximum coverage and 5G speeds are the priority.
Repeater vs. Booster: A Technical Distinction
In the industry, the word boost is often used loosely, but at RFShop, we prefer the term Repeater.
An amplifier inherently adds a small amount of noise to a signal: this is simply a reality of electronic engineering. When you use a repeater, it takes the signal from one antenna and amplifies it. This is excellent for ensuring you have enough bars on your phone to make a call, send an email, or stream video in a fringe area.
However, there is a trade-off for high-speed data users.
The Data Dilemma: Why Your Speed Test Might Differ
If your primary goal is the absolute fastest data speed possible, you might notice that a repeater feels slower than a direct connection to a high-end modem like the Teltonika RUTX50 or the new RUTC50.
Here is why:
MIMO Capability: Modern 5G modems use 4×4 MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), utilising four separate antennas to talk to the tower simultaneously.
The Bottleneck: A repeater typically has one input and one output. When you run a 4×4 MIMO modem through a single-channel repeater, you lose that spatial diversity. You are essentially forcing four lanes of traffic into one.
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): Because repeaters add a touch of noise, the SNR can drop slightly: the modem perceives this as a lower-quality signal, which can potentially reduce top-end speed.
The RFShop Verdict:
If you want a stronger signal for your mobile phone and good enough internet for everyday tasks, a Cel-Fi Repeater is a perfect, reliable choice.
If you are a data-hungry professional focused on maximum throughput, we recommend a dedicated 5G modem, like the Teltonika series, connected directly to high-quality external antennas.
RFShop is dedicated to empowering our customers with the knowledge they need to make confident, informed decisions. We are not just a reseller: we provide comprehensive technical support for all Nextivity and Cel-Fi products we carry. Our experts are always ready to engage.
Are you unsure which Cel-Fi unit or Teltonika modem fits your specific RF environment? Let us help.
📞 +61 (08) 8342 7444
📧 enquiries@rfshop.com.au
🌐 https://rfshop.com.au/