[Antennas] Cell Phone

[Merv Stump]

Has anyone attempted to extend the range of a cell phone by building a gain
antenna?

I have an older analog only phone which I think operates in the 800 MHz
range.  The antenna is about 3 and 1/2 inches -  (1/4 wave on 800 MHz?????).
I also have a newer phone which operates in either the 800 or 1900 MHz and
the antenna is approximately 4 and 1/2 inches (3/4 wavelength at 1900????
and close to 1/4 at 800????)

I like to use the phone from home and sometimes the "cell" is marginal.  Any
ideas?

Merv