In today’s world, having a reliable phone signal is essential for staying connected. However, there are still many areas, both rural and urban, where the coverage of mobile networks can be spotty or even non-existent. If you find yourself struggling to make calls from certain areas of your home or yard, there are several strategies you can try to improve your signal.
Hold your phone in different positions
Before investing in signal boosters, it’s important to ensure that your phone’s case or your grip isn’t affecting the signal. Some phone cases, especially those made of metal, can block the internal antennas of modern phones. Try removing your case and using speakerphone mode to avoid direct contact with the phone. If this doesn’t improve the signal, try making calls from the highest point in your home. Additionally, knowing the location of the nearest mobile tower can help improve your signal strength. Websites like cellmapper.net can help you find the closest tower and position yourself in its direction for better signal reception.
Change to another mobile network
If your current provider offers poor coverage, switching to another network might be a solution. Switching networks has become easier than ever, and you can even keep your existing number when switching. To determine which network has the best coverage in your area, you can use coverage checkers provided by different network providers. Requesting a free pay-as-you-go SIM card from different networks can also help you test their coverage before committing to a new network.
Use Wi-Fi calling
If you have a strong Wi-Fi connection at home, Wi-Fi calling can be a great alternative to making calls over a weak mobile signal. Most major UK networks offer Wi-Fi calling as a service, allowing you to make calls over your broadband connection. If your provider or phone doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling, apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple FaceTime can be used as alternatives for making calls over Wi-Fi.
Use a mobile phone signal booster
For those who prefer not to switch networks or rely on Wi-Fi calling, a signal booster can be a solution to amplify weak signals. It’s important to note that only Ofcom-licensed signal boosters are legal to use in the UK. Signal boosters can be a bit expensive, but they can significantly improve your signal strength. Some networks have discontinued their signal booster services, so it’s essential to check if your network provider still offers signal boosters.
Make your own mobile network
For a more unconventional approach, devices like goTenna Mesh can allow you to create a mini mesh network for encrypted messaging in areas with no signal. These portable devices work within a range of up to four miles in open terrain, making them ideal for communication in remote areas. Satellite communicators like Garmin inReach can also be used to connect to satellites for messaging and SOS alerts in areas with no cellular signal.
In conclusion, improving your phone signal can be achieved through various methods, ranging from simple adjustments like holding your phone differently to more advanced solutions like using signal boosters or creating your own network. By exploring these options, you can ensure that you stay connected even in areas with weak signal coverage.
