How to Compare Cell Phone Service Areas
Depending on the carrier involved, coverage areas can be wildly different in terms of available signal strength and location-specific features, such as high data speeds and improved voice quality. It is vital to make an informed decision before purchase by comparing service areas and arming yourself with knowledge of cancellation policies if coverage does not pan out as promised. These steps will help you to research your potential signal strength before it is a problem down the road.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Use the Internet to view coverage maps. By visiting the websites of available cellular-service providers, you will be able to research coverage availability at whatever address you input. Whether your goal is to check potential signal strength at home or at a planned vacation spot, these maps will tell you what to expect. If one provider does not have coverage, check the others. For a list of carriers, perform an Internet search for "Cell Phone Providers."
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Call service providers directly. If you are having difficulties online or simply want the personal assurance of someone over the phone, call the service providers to inquire what coverage is like in the locations needed. Be sure to ask what signal strength to expect outside as well as indoors, as certain construction factors may limit your signal. You should also ask about cancellation policies, should coverage not be available as promised.
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Visit retail locations in person. This will allow you to speak to someone face to face and gain assurance that coverage is or is not available in the areas you are looking into. This method involves a lot more time, energy and expense, but the personal interaction involved may provide you with the confidence you need to make a decision to purchase services from a carrier.
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Tips & Warnings
If the address you've input does not return a result, try another address nearby. Often, new sub-divisions or commercial locations have not yet been loaded into coverage maps, while nearby gas stations or post offices are included. Cell-phone towers have a range of seven to 10 miles as a rule, with coverage being the strongest at the focal point and weakening as it radiates outward.
Sometimes service levels in an area are not as strong as they appear on coverage maps. Potential reasons for this may be damaged equipment or the presence of new radio towers or power lines, both of which can interfere with your signal and may not yet have been reported to your service provider. You may need to call your provider to report this in order to gain the coverage promised to you.
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- Photo Credit world map image by Attila Toro from Fotolia.com
