Has it ever happened to you that you are talking on the phone and suddenly the call is cut off? Or that you try to send a text message and it doesn't reach its destination? These are some of the problems with mobile coverage that can affect us in this era of cell phones. Why do these failures occur and how to fix them?
On certain occasions it is normal for you to have problems with mobile coverage, such as when you go on a trip. However, if the deficiency in the network persists, it is important that you take some measures to correct this situation. In this article we explain what are the most common causes of these inconveniences and what solutions you can apply to improve the quality of your mobile connection.
Problems with mobile coverage: possible causes
Losing your mobile signal just when you need to make a call or connect to the internet can be truly frustrating. Of course, it is normal for you to lose coverage if you go on a trip or find yourself in an isolated place. But if the problem persists no matter where you are, it may be necessary to adopt some Measures to increase mobile coverage on your devices.
Mobile coverage is nothing more than the ability of a cellular network to provide service to the devices that connect to it. Sometimes, deficiencies in coverage may be due to failures of the issuing company. Other times, it is the mobile device that is having trouble connecting to the network. In either case, you will have trouble making calls, sending text messages, or connecting to the internet. Problems with mobile coverage can be due to the following causes:
- The distance between the device and the nearest antenna. The greater the distance, the lower the signal strength and the greater the probability of interference and loss.
- network saturation. When there are many users connected at the same time in the same area, the network can collapse and not be able to handle all the requests.
- weather conditions. Wind, rain, snow, hail or electrical storms can affect the transmission of the electromagnetic waves that carry the signal.
- The relief of the terrain. Mountains, valleys, tunnels, or buildings can block or divert the signal, creating no or poor coverage areas.
- physical obstacles. Walls, windows, trees, or metal can absorb or reflect the signal, reducing its quality or intensity.
- The incompatibility of the equipment. If your device is not adapted to the technology or frequency that the network uses, it may have difficulty connecting or staying connected.
Tricks to improve your mobile coverage
Here's a look at some Useful tips that can help you improve mobile coverage on your devices. They are simple but effective tricks to increase the quality or intensity of the connection, both to make calls and to connect to the Internet. Let's see.
Go to an area with better mobile coverage
The first thing you can do is get closer to an area with better coverage. How to know which areas have better signal? One way is consult the coverage map from your operator to find out where there are more antennas or a stronger signal strength. These maps show an approximation of the signal strength in certain areas of the region or country where you live. Consulting these coverage maps is especially useful when you are deciding which mobile phone company to use.
So you can know the quality of mobile coverage offered by that company in the place where you live, work or study. Wireless signal strength between -76 and -60 dBm (decibel-milliwatt) is generally excellent; if the value is around -120 dBm, the signal is very poor.
Change location within the same place
Sometimes just moving a few feet or changing rooms can improve signal reception. Avoid being near metal or electronic objects that may interfere with the signal.
Use applications to measure your mobile coverage
On the other hand also You can use applications that tell you the level of coverage you have at all times. These apps show the number value of the signal strength in dBm, as well as other information about the mobile network, such as the type of technology (2G, 3G, 4G or 5G), the operator and the location. Some of the applications available for Android and iOS are the following:
Network Signal Information
Network Signal Info is a free app available for android that analyzes the wireless signals of your device, both the mobile network and the WiFi network. With it you will be able to see a very visual and understandable summary of the intensity, quality, type and speed of connection, as well as other useful data. It even shows you a map with the location of the antenna to which you are connected and a summary of the status of your mobile.
signal strength
Another application that you can use to measure the level of mobile coverage is Signal Strength, available for Android. This app it is very easy to use and has an intuitive interface that shows you the data in real time and in the form of graphs. You will have access to information such as the strength of the signal, the type of connection, the speed of downloading and uploading data, and the battery consumption generated by your connection.
OpenSignal
OpenSignal is available for iOS and Android devices, and it works very well to measure the quality of the mobile signal and the speed of the internet in your area. The app allows you to do speed tests and compare the results with other users. It also offers tips to improve your connection and helps you find the best areas to call or navigate.
change the network mode
If your device has the option to choose between different network types (such as 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G), you can try changing the mode to see if coverage improves. For example, if you are in an area with poor 4G coverage, you can try using 3G or 2G, which tend to have a longer range.
Use Wi-Fi when possible
If you have access to a Wi-Fi network, you can take advantage of it to make calls, send messages or browse the Internet without depending on mobile coverage. In fact, Some operators offer Wi-Fi calling or Wi-Fi messaging services that allow you to use your phone number over Wi-Fi..
Use a signal booster or repeater
Have you thought about using an amplifier or signal repeater? These are devices that connect to a signal source (such as an external antenna or a router) and amplify or repeat it in a certain area. They can be useful to improve coverage in closed places or with many obstacles.
Change operator or plan
If none of the above tips work for you and you're still having problems with mobile coverage, it might be time to change carriers or plans. You can compare the offers and coverage of the different operators and choose the one that best suits your needs and expectations.