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Mobile internet usage is growing exponentially. Operators are constantly developing their infrastructure to meet the growing demand for data transmission. As we gradually enter the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), we need a constant and stable Internet connection. In addition, making voice calls, receiving and sending SMS all require the phone to be connected to a mobile base station. If the transmitter is not working or is far away from you, you may have big problems. Most of us experience bad mobile connections from time to time. The hotel mobile booster and other methods described in this article can solve this inconvenience. So, how do you improve your mobile phone coverage?
Signal issue
New ways of communicating use better transmitters, but it’s hard to make sure the signal is always perfect everywhere. The basic idea of how transmitters work is that when more devices are connected to them, their range decreases. This is called cellular breathing.
This is mostly true for 3G networks (WCDMA and UMTS), so it may seem like changing to a 2G or 4G/LTE network is enough. Sadly, this choice has some restrictions. Using 2G only allows you to make calls, but it doesn’t provide fast internet browsing. Right now, only a few phone models use 4G/LTE for making voice calls. Normally, they are done on 2G or 3G networks.
Several other things can also make the signal strength go down. These are, for example, the shape of the terrain, obstacles in the way of wave propagation, or even thick building walls, especially those made of reinforced concrete. Weather also plays its role – radio waves do not like rain, storms, and snowfall. Also, interference from power grids or some industrial installations can weaken the mobile network signal.
What impacts the GSM/LTE signal?
The unit of measurement for power range strength is the dBm (decibel relative to milliwatt). Typical signal strength in mobile networks ranges from -60 to -110 dBm. At the same time, -60 is a very good quality of communication. How do I check the signal strength in dBm? The easiest way is to use hotel mobile boosters.
To improve the quality of your home GSM/LTE connection, you need to understand what is causing this signal loss. Check where the nearest GSM tower of your operator is located; we’ve already written about coverage maps of individual providers. You can also contact the Uctel team for this purpose. Such services as hotel mobile boosters maintain a database of mobile telephony base stations based on information from the Electronic Communications Authority and user reports. Operators also provide coverage maps on their websites. The signal may also be weaker or completely disappear as a result of failures and planned shutdowns of communication masts for maintenance.
Microwaves propagate along direct lines from the GSM transmitter. We can only count on reflections in large cities.
- A 2G signal in the 900 MHz band will easily reach us from a distance of 10 kilometers.
- In 3G technology, at the same frequency, this can be a problem, and in the case of the LTE signal (1800 MHz), additional antennas will be needed.
Big mountains and skyscrapers won’t help either. There’s nothing you can do about it except switch to another carrier (if they have better coverage) or put pressure on the current one to improve the signal in your neighborhood.
You can change some aspects of your home layout or setup to improve your connection quality. Thick cement walls are known as signal blockers, and different types of insulation, metal elements, glass, water tanks, or even thick foliage can also cause range issues. Don’t forget that other electronic devices can also interfere with reception. It may be a good idea to place all of your electronic gadgets in one room so that cellular waves can easily pass through the rest of the room.
How can I improve cell phone coverage?
Overcoming some of the obstacles mentioned above is easier than you think. You don’t have to tear down walls right away to improve your signal. Experiment and buy hotel mobile booster from Uctel to check the signal strength and distance to the base station. The same app can show you which operator offers the best coverage for your area and keep statistics.
Use an external antenna
Alternatively, special antennas are available to improve connectivity. MIMO technology is used as a standard. These are usually two antennas with 90-degree rotated polarization, one working in a vertical position and the other in a horizontal position. There are two wires coming out of such an antenna, which we connect to our LTE modem or router. Pay attention to the length of the antenna cable. The rule is simple – the shorter the cable, the less signal loss.
Install a signal booster
The most common way to eliminate a weak signal is to install a signal booster. It works like a WiFi repeater. Most of these devices work by using an antenna (typically directional) mounted on the roof to receive a call from a base station and then connect to a device that amplifies that signal. You can have these repeaters, but you don’t have to use them.
According to the law, only telecommunications companies with nationwide frequency reservations can use GSM/LTE signal boosters.
The reports state that an illegal amplifier disrupts the operator’s network within a radius of 1 to 2.5 kilometers, depending on the device installed. The operation of repeaters depends not only on their technical parameters. but also on the place of installation, type of antenna, and configuration with BTS stations. If you want to use this technology, you should contact your service provider to install an amplifier.
Enable Wi-Fi calling
- With easy and ubiquitous Wi-Fi access and software, you can make voice calls and receive and send text messages over the Internet. This feature is called “Wi-Fi calling.” All you need is a stable Internet connection to enjoy this benefit.
- To enable Wi-Fi calling, you require a suitable phone that initially supports this solution. If you don’t have one, you must use the appropriate app created by your carrier. Please contact them for more information. Unfortunately, very few devices from our operators allow this. Especially if we are using an unbranded smartphone.
