Dropped calls and phone problems caused by poor signal can be frustrating. Whether you're in the city or in the countryside, your mobile signal is affected by buildings, the landscape around you, and even your phone itself. It's worth knowing how to deal with these "obstacles." Here's our guide to boosting your mobile network signal.
How to Boost GSM Signal – 5 Ways
Sometimes, moving from a weak to a much better GSM connection only requires simple solutions. We never beat around the bush and always say it straight: signal quality varies with every operator, and anyone who promises service everywhere is just trying to rip you off. Although we use the transmitters of three major networks, situations where the signal is weak can still happen. That's why we'll discuss the 5 best ways to increase your mobile network signal strength for free. We hope one of them will be right for you. 💪
1. Check Where Your Operator's Nearest Cell Tower Is Located
Mobile phone coverage varies depending on your location. Check if the base station responsible for coverage in your area is too far from where you are. The shorter the distance, the better the signal. 📶
There are several websites that can help you detect the nearest point and determine the distance to it. One of them is BTSearch.
You can also use apps like OpenSignal for iPhone and Android. In OpenSignal, you can also check GSM connection quality with a classic speed test, or see the placement of WiFi hotspots in your area, highlighting free ones. If your operator isn't available in your area to a satisfactory extent, welcome aboard Mobile Vikings. 😉
See also: How to improve WiFi coverage
2. Remove Objects That Interfere with Mobile Reception
If you want your phone to consistently receive signals from the cell tower, you should try to reduce the number of objects (or get rid of them) separating you.
Why is this so important? If signals from your operator's tower have to pass through many obstacles, such as walls, windows, or a cat, they can be significantly weakened or annoy your pet. 🐈
How to minimize the effect of objects that interfere with GSM signal?
- Open a window
Since mobile radio waves can have trouble penetrating walls, standing by an open window at home or elsewhere can help get a strong enough signal to make an uninterrupted connection. From our experience, we know that the north wind chases not only foaming waves but also the waves responsible for your network connection. 🌊
- Hold your mobile phone higher
Mobile phone coverage generally improves with altitude. If you are at the foot of a hill or in a valley, coverage should improve as you climb. If you are indoors, try going to a higher floor of a staircase. Also, stick to the side of the house that is closest to the phone mast.
- Go outside
Making calls from deep inside buildings, basements, and underground garages is very difficult, as mobile signals are blocked by building materials like concrete and steel, as well as the earth. So, if you don't have reception, go outside. This is one of the simplest methods.
- Avoid electronic devices
Electronic devices such as laptops, iPads, and microwave ovens can interfere with your mobile phone signal, so avoid them if you're having trouble establishing a connection.
There are other interferences that you can't do anything about, such as weather. As it worsens, it can cause an immediate drop in signal strength. In such cases, you can only wait a moment. In case of powerful storms, even we can't do anything. ☁️
3. Avoid Critically Low Mobile Phone Battery Levels
When your phone tries to connect to the nearest cell tower, it draws power from the battery. If it's running low, the device has a significant problem locating the signal (and it might be worth considering a device with a really good battery). Phones are programmed to consume less power when the battery is low, which results in poor mobile phone signal reception. Therefore, for a good signal, you need as many energy bars as possible.
4. Hold Your Phone Correctly
It might sound strange, but the way you hold your phone can interfere with the mobile signal. ✋
Avoid covering the phone's antenna while talking to ensure the signal isn't blocked by you. Another way is to use a speakerphone when making calls.
5. Use WiFi Signal
If you're at home and have a connection to a WiFi router, you can use the WiFi calling service available at Mobile Vikings. Thanks to it, you can make phone calls even without mobile network coverage — using a WiFi signal.
You just need to check if your smartphone supports this feature.
LTE Signal Booster – Is It Legal?
GSM 3G, and LTE signal boosters work similarly to WiFi repeaters. They capture the signal from the tower and process it into a strengthened form. You'll find many offers online advertising them as a remedy for coverage problems. However, a signal booster at your location can cause signal weakening in your area. This is precisely why self-boosting the signal carries a financial penalty of up to PLN 1000 and even up to 2 years of imprisonment. According to Polish law, only the mobile network operator is authorized to install LTE signal boosters. Talk to them to see if they can solve the problem of poor coverage in your area.
See also: How to check LTE signal?
