How to improve cell reception in 5 easy steps

Poor cell signal

Poor cell phone reception? 2 people in 3 have experienced poor call quality and dropped calls. But there are inexpensive ways to improve your cell phone signal...

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cell Phone

1. Charge cell phone

   Battery. Your cell phone uses a lot more power when connecting a call than when it is on standby. Often, your battery can be strong enough to attempt a call, but not strong enough to find a signal. If you find you are having signal problems, try to keep your battery charged to 2 bars or higher.

2. Avoid large structures

   Landscape. Buildings and other large structures are very unfriendly to cell phone signal. Rather than making calls from deep inside buildings try moving outside or to a window to place your call. If you are having reception problems on the street try walking to the nearest intersection as they typically have better coverage.

3. Cell phone antenna

   Upgrade your antenna. Most cell phone manufacturers make a "Hi-gain" antenna for their handsets, which may be easily changed in-store or by the user at home. Although these won't improve signal as much as a repeater these antennas are relatively inexpensive and you are not confined to one location. They can easily be installed at home, or at your local cell phone store.

4. zBoost cellular repeater

   Install a cellular repeater. If you are having cell problems in one location, such as your home or office, then try installing a cellular repeater. Cell phone repeaters pick up low cell signal with an antenna, boost the signal and broadcast it over the coverage area. They typically need at least 2 bars of signal where the antenna is placed (usually outside or on the roof) but can substantially improve cell reception, as well as battery life and data download speeds. Check out product reviews on Froogle or www.repeaterstore.com

5. Change networks. Most networks operate independently of one another, using their own frequencies and constructing their own cell phone towers. Chances are if the signal is bad with one network you can improve by switching. Most cellular networks these days allow you to transfer your phone number when you change provider.

Resources

• More extensive tips for improving cell reception
• Cell phone repeater site
• DeadCellZones.com - Wireless coverage complaint database