Research shows that most Americans have cell phones, and nearly four out of ten people use their cell phones to access the Internet. However, cell phone coverage might be inconsistent depending on where you reside and where you use your device inside your house, as indicated by dropped calls and sluggish data speeds. This can be important in the world of fast paced transactions with services like MoonPay, Zelle and more!
Certain people do not have a strong cell signal at home. In rural places, weak mobile signal quality is more prevalent, although it’s not exclusive. Those who live in metropolitan areas are more likely to be affected by physical obstructions that prevent cell signals from reaching their phones.
A weak cell phone signal, dropped calls, or slow data connections can greatly influence one’s day-to-day life, especially now that people rely so much on their phones. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to increase your mobile signal so that you can make clear conversations and download data quickly.
So, what’s the deal with my poor cell signal?
Three factors are most likely to contribute to poor cell phone reception.
- Location of the nearest cell tower
- Signal-blocking obstacles (such as trees, buildings, or slopes)
- Materials utilized in the construction of the building or vehicle where you are located
Given all these, here are some tips on how you can boost your cell phone signal.
1. Try the Outdoors
Ideally, your phone will receive a crystal-clear signal from a close-by cell tower. However, the truth is that the man-made structures that surround us often act as roadblocks to progress. Included in this are materials like:
- Drywall
- Concrete
- Insulation
- Masonry
- Coated glass
- Electrical wiring
A weak signal indoors despite a strong signal outside means that the building’s materials may be obstructing your coverage. There should not be too many obstructions between your phone and the cell tower. If you need to make an essential call, speak from the second or third floor, or try the outdoors. The rationale for this is that the higher you travel, the fewer obstacles you’ll encounter (other houses, buildings, etc.).
2. Take Advantage of the Wi-Fi Network
Through WiFi calling, you can make calls and send text messages using a wireless internet connection instead of your cellular carrier’s network. It is possible to enable WiFi calling in your phone’s settings if your device supports this capability.
This feature is available from most carriers in the United States and Canada. To make phone conversations and surf the web simultaneously, you can use your broadband internet connection. These services are available solely to iPhone, LG, and Samsung Galaxy customers on AT&T and Verizon networks. With most models, you can use WiFi Calling if you’re a subscriber to T-Mobile or Sprint. If you can’t find “WiFi calling” in your phone’s “settings,” contact the manufacturer to learn how to turn it on.
3. Femtocells or Microcell
For those unfamiliar with the term, a femtocell refers to a low-power base station that works well with your high-speed internet connection. Mobile voice calls and data are transmitted to the femtocell over the Internet, which creates a local cell for your use. So instead of receiving cellular signals, your phone communicates with the femtocell.
Basically, it is similar to WiFi calling because by using a broadband internet connection, Femtocells work by transforming internet impulses into mobile phone signals. You may be familiar with Verizon Network Extender, AT&T Microcell, Sprint Airave, and T-mobile Personal CellSpot, major carriers who each have their own Femtocells.
However, these gadgets may be pricey, as they can cost more than $300, and they can only be used with a single cellular operator. Additionally, you’ll have to pay a monthly broadband internet payment if you don’t already have one because it requires the Internet to work.
4. Time to Make the Switch
Another carrier may offer greater coverage in some cases, but you should proceed with caution when switching providers only for better cellular reception. Your weak cell signal may be due to one or more of the reasons listed above, and switching carriers won’t necessarily fix the issue.
The coverage in certain distant regions may be patchy, regardless of the carrier you use. But as an alternative, switching carriers may be an option for those encountering connectivity issues at home when a family member or roommate utilizes a different service provider and has a better connection altogether. However, it is necessary to research the costs and examine the pros and cons of each alternative before making the switch.
5. Invest in a Cell Signal Booster
If your cell phone says “no signal” and it’s because your house/building materials are blocking the signals, a cell phone signal booster is your best bet. An indoor cell phone booster is a gadget that amplifies an outdoor cell signal, even if it’s weak, in order to increase your home’s connection.
This can also happen when driving through an area where the signal is blocked off owing to obstacles like hills, valleys, or buildings blocking the signal. Car and home signal boosters have an exterior antenna that picks up available mobile signals from the outdoors.
So, an amplifier put in the house, building, or vehicle amplifies the signal and sends it out to the outside world. After receiving the signal, it is amplified by up to 32 times before being broadcasted inside. This ensures that your cell phone receives the strongest signal available.
The full five bars on your phone are possible if there’s a signal outdoors where the external antenna is located, which there usually is. A poor signal outside is boosted into the limited coverage space inside. You can carry your smartphone throughout the house without having to worry about dead zones after purchasing a cell phone signal booster that is suitable for you. So you can say no more to dropped calls or sluggish internet speeds.
Having a poor cell phone reception really sucks, so it’s essential to have it fixed immediately. Not to worry, though; today’s latest technologies might just have the perfect solution to your problems. Find out which of the tips mentioned above best addresses your needs and enjoy a faster and more stable signal at the palm of your hands.