How Poor Cellular Connectivity Costs Businesses Deals

In today’s mobile-first world, a dropped call or dead zone doesn’t just frustrate—it costs money. A growing number of businesses report that poor cellular coverage directly impacts their ability to close deals, provide timely customer service, and maintain operational efficiency.

📉 What Percent of Businesses Lose Deals Due to Bad Cell Reception?

According to industry surveys, up to 80% of businesses report experiencing cellular connectivity issues that impact operations. Specifically, a 2023 study by Zinwave found that 74% of businesses said they had lost at least one deal due to poor mobile connectivity in the past year.

In a separate survey by Verizon Business, nearly two-thirds (64%) of business owners and decision-makers said poor reception negatively affected their client communications and responsiveness.

🎥 How to Improve Your Signal: Video Guide

Watch this quick video that shows how to manually switch carriers on your phone when you're stuck in a dead zone:

📶 How to Manually Choose a Carrier

Disabling automatic network selection can help you switch to a stronger signal in weak zones, especially when roaming or near coverage boundaries.

📱 For iPhone (iOS):

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection
2. Toggle Automaticoff
3. Wait for the phone to scan available networks
4. Select the carrier with the strongest signal

📱 For Android:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks
2. Tap Network Operators
3. Disable Select automatically
4. Choose a different network manually

This technique is especially useful in fringe coverage areas where your default carrier is weak but another network may have a stronger signal.

⚖️ Automatic vs. Manual Network Selection – Which Is Best for Businesses?

Automatic network selection is convenient and preferred for most users because your phone will always connect to the default carrier. However, this isn't always ideal for businesses that operate near state lines, remote zones, or inside steel/concrete buildings where one provider underperforms.

Manual network selection gives you the power to choose the strongest available carrier at any given time. This method is especially helpful for:

• Sales reps driving through rural or cross-border areas
• Teams in disaster zones with downed towers
• Indoor offices with poor primary carrier performance

Recommendation: Businesses with mobile operations should educate staff on how to manually select networks when signal loss affects operations. This flexibility can mean the difference between a closed deal and a missed opportunity.

🔍 Where the Problem Happens Most

• Office buildings with energy-efficient materials that block signals
• Rural areas lacking cell towers or coverage by major carriers
• Hospitals, stadiums, and hotels with poor indoor reception
• Parking structures and known dead zones

📲 Why It Matters

Businesses rely on mobile connectivity for:

• Sales calls and real-time communication
• CRM apps and cloud-based workflows
• Customer support and video conferencing
• On-the-go operations and logistics

When calls drop or mobile apps fail due to a bad signal, sales cycles break down, meetings are missed, and leads go cold. This can be especially damaging for small and mid-sized businesses that don’t have redundant systems.

📍 Mapping the Problem

To help identify where cellular issues are most common, DeadCellZones.com has compiled a crowdsourced map of weak cell coverage. Business owners and employees can report trouble spots or check coverage issues before moving offices or deploying teams.

✅ Solutions to Consider

• Installing a cell signal booster or DAS system
• Switching to a carrier with better local coverage
• Using Wi-Fi calling features for indoor communication
• Mapping and avoiding dead zones on key routes

🚀 Final Thoughts

As remote work and mobile communication continue to dominate business operations, companies cannot afford to ignore poor cellular coverage. If your team or sales reps are dropping calls, it may be more than a technical hiccup—it could be lost revenue.

Track and fix your business’s weak signal areas using the tools at DeadCellZones.com.

Best Cell Phone Reception Boosters

Few things are more frustrating than dropped calls, weak signals, or slow data speeds, especially when you rely on your phone for work, travel, and emergencies. Cell phone reception issues are common in rural areas, large buildings, and places with heavy network congestion. Fortunately, cell phone reception boosters—also known as signal boosters—offer an effective solution. These devices amplify weak cellular signals, improving call quality, data speeds, and overall connectivity. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which booster is best for you? This article explains how reception boosters work, reviews the top models, and highlights the features you should look for before making a purchase.

How Cell Phone Boosters Work

How to Extend iPhone Battery Life & Signal

Your iPhone is one of the most important tools you use every day, but nothing is more frustrating than running out of battery or losing signal when you need it most. While Apple continuously improves hardware and software, users can still face challenges with battery drain and weak reception. The good news is that there are many practical strategies to extend your iPhone’s battery life and improve its signal strength. This article covers the best methods, from built-in settings to lifestyle changes and accessories, so you can get the most out of your device.

Why Battery Life and Signal Go Hand-in-Hand

Most people don’t realize that poor reception can directly impact battery life. When your iPhone struggles to maintain a cellular signal, it uses more power to stay connected to the network. Similarly, background processes, app refreshes, and constant notifications can drain the battery unnecessarily. Understanding this relationship helps explain why optimizing both battery life and signal strength leads to better performance overall.

1. Adjust Screen Brightness and Display Settings

The iPhone’s display is one of the biggest battery consumers. Lowering brightness or enabling auto-brightness can save significant energy. You can also enable Dark Mode, which reduces power consumption on OLED screens by using darker pixels. Reducing the auto-lock time ensures your screen doesn’t stay on longer than necessary. Small tweaks to display settings can extend daily usage without affecting your experience.

2. Manage Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update content even when you’re not using them, but it consumes both data and power. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off completely or restrict it to Wi-Fi only. Limiting this feature prevents unnecessary updates, preserves battery life, and reduces background signal usage.

3. Use Low Power Mode

Apple’s built-in Low Power Mode is designed to extend battery life when your charge drops below 20%, but you can activate it anytime for better efficiency. This feature reduces background activity, mail fetch, automatic downloads, and some visual effects. For people on the go, keeping Low Power Mode on during travel days or long commutes can make a noticeable difference in how long the phone lasts.

4. Update iOS Regularly

Each iOS update often includes performance and efficiency improvements. Outdated software may drain battery faster or handle signals less efficiently. Always keep your iPhone updated to the latest version of iOS. You can enable automatic updates under Settings > General > Software Update. Staying current ensures you benefit from Apple’s battery optimizations and bug fixes.

5. Turn Off Location Services When Not Needed

Location tracking is another heavy drain on your iPhone. Many apps request location access even when it’s unnecessary. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and review which apps have access. Set most apps to “While Using” instead of “Always” to prevent constant GPS usage. This adjustment saves power while maintaining functionality for apps that truly need location data.

6. Limit Push Notifications

Push notifications keep you connected, but they also force your iPhone to wake up frequently, draining battery and requiring network access. Disable unnecessary notifications in Settings > Notifications. Grouping notifications and limiting them to essentials like messaging and calendar alerts can reduce interruptions, save power, and improve signal efficiency.

7. Switch Between Wi-Fi and Cellular Strategically

Your iPhone often uses more power when searching for cellular signals in weak coverage areas. If Wi-Fi is available, connect to it, as it consumes less battery. Conversely, if the Wi-Fi connection is poor, turning it off prevents your phone from constantly switching between Wi-Fi and cellular. Being mindful of when to use each connection helps extend both battery life and signal stability.

8. Optimize Signal Strength

Signal strength plays a major role in both connectivity and battery performance. If you’re in an area with weak reception, your iPhone works harder to stay connected. To improve signal:

• Move closer to a window or higher floor in a building.

• Avoid thick walls, elevators, or basements that block signals.

• Use Wi-Fi calling when cellular strength is low.

• Consider a signal booster if you live in an area with consistently poor reception.
  By improving reception, you reduce the workload on your iPhone and conserve battery power.

9. Disable Unnecessary Wireless Features

Features like Bluetooth, AirDrop, and Hotspot are convenient but consume energy even when not in use. Turn them off from Control Center when you don’t need them. Similarly, AirPlay scanning and background Wi-Fi activity can drain battery if left running. Minimizing unused wireless functions helps your iPhone run more efficiently.

10. Manage App Usage and Close High-Drain Apps

Some apps are notorious for consuming battery, especially social media and streaming platforms. You can check battery usage in Settings > Battery to identify which apps are using the most power. Closing high-drain apps or limiting their screen time helps conserve energy. For navigation apps that require constant GPS, consider downloading offline maps to reduce both data and battery drain.

11. Enable Airplane Mode in Dead Zones

When you’re in an area with no service, your iPhone continuously searches for a signal, which quickly drains the battery. Turning on Airplane Mode prevents this constant searching. You can still enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth manually if needed. This tip is particularly useful during flights, rural travel, or underground commutes where signal is unreliable.

12. Use Optimized Battery Charging

Apple’s Optimized Battery Charging feature extends battery health over the long term. Found in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, this feature learns your charging routine and reduces wear by limiting charge beyond 80% until you need it. Maintaining long-term battery health ensures your iPhone continues to hold a strong charge for years.

13. Invest in Accessories for Better Performance

Sometimes hardware solutions are the best answer. A portable power bank can keep your iPhone charged during long days without outlets. External signal boosters or case-integrated antennas can help in low-coverage areas. Quality charging cables and adapters ensure efficient charging, which reduces battery stress over time. While accessories cost extra, they provide reliable solutions for extending both battery and signal.

14. Restart Regularly and Reset Settings if Needed

Restarting your iPhone once a week clears memory, closes lingering processes, and refreshes connections. If you experience persistent signal or battery issues, resetting network settings can help. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to clear outdated connections. This often improves both connectivity and efficiency without erasing personal data.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users unintentionally reduce battery life and signal quality. Avoid overcharging your iPhone overnight, as constant high-voltage charging generates heat. Don’t use cheap charging accessories, which can damage the battery. Similarly, avoid placing your phone in tight pockets or bags with metal objects, as this can weaken signal reception. By steering clear of these mistakes, you prolong both performance and device health.

Conclusion

Extending your iPhone’s battery life and improving signal strength is possible with a mix of smart settings adjustments, mindful usage, and occasional hardware support. From managing background activity and optimizing display brightness to improving signal with boosters or Wi-Fi calling, small changes add up to big improvements. By following these strategies, you can enjoy a longer-lasting iPhone that keeps you connected when it matters most. A well-optimized device not only saves time and frustration but also extends the overall lifespan of your phone, ensuring it remains a dependable companion in your daily life.

AT&T Home Cell Tower or MicroCell

For many households, staying connected through reliable cellular service is essential, but cell reception can sometimes be spotty at home, especially in remote or densely populated urban areas. AT&T’s solution for boosting weak signals in your home is the AT&T MicroCell, sometimes called a home cell tower. By creating a stronger, more stable signal, this device helps you avoid dropped calls and slow data speeds. Here’s what you need to know about AT&T’s home cell tower options, how they work, and if they’re the right choice for your needs.

What Is the AT&T Home Cell Tower (MicroCell)?

Do Boosters Work for WiFi? Debunking Common Myths and Unveiling the Truth

In our hyper-connected world, a stable and fast WiFi connection is essential for seamless communication, work, and entertainment. However, many of us have experienced frustrating dead zones and weak signals within our homes or offices. To tackle this issue, WiFi boosters have become popular solutions to extend and amplify the reach of our wireless networks. But do these boosters truly work? In this article, we will explore the efficacy of WiFi boosters, debunk common myths, and shed light on the truth behind their functionality.

Why Cell Phone Coverage in National Parks Can Be Bad & How to Improve Reception Problems

There are several reasons why cell phone coverage in national parks can be bad:

Cell Coverage in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California, is known for its stunning natural beauty and attracts a large number of visitors each year. However, due to the park's remote and rugged terrain, cellular coverage can be limited or unavailable in certain areas. Here's some information regarding cell coverage in Yosemite National Park:

Cell Coverage in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming but extending into Montana and Idaho, is a vast and geographically diverse wilderness area known for its natural wonders, geysers, and wildlife. However, due to its remote location and rugged terrain, cellular coverage in Yellowstone National Park can be limited or unreliable. Here's some information regarding cell coverage in Yellowstone National Park:

Why Does My iPhone 4S Battery Drain Fast?

Why Does My iPhone 4S Battery Drain Fast? Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

The iPhone 4S may be an older model, but it remains popular with users who enjoy its simple design and reliable functionality. However, many iPhone 4S users experience fast battery drain, which can be frustrating. In this article, we’ll look at the most common reasons why the iPhone 4S battery may be draining quickly and offer tips and solutions to help extend battery life.

Common Reasons for iPhone 4S Battery Drain

How to Fix your Cell Phone Coverage

If you're experiencing poor cell phone coverage, there are several steps you can take to try and improve the situation. Here are some potential solutions:

Top Tips to Improve Your Phone's Signal Strength

A lot of our daily routine depends on cell phones. Things such as dropped phone calls, weak signal strength, and slow data can have a massive impact on our everyday life. However, the good thing is that you can now better your cell signal for clear cells and fast data speed. Here, we will enlist some of the best ways to improve your phone's cell signal strength. Let us get started and address them one by one.  

Get a Verizon network extender.

 

People who have Verizon wireless will love this solution to boost their cell phone signal. It is because, at present, Verizon is the only network that still offers a network extender. Also known as a microcell or femtocell, a network extender is a device that Verizon sells to create a better signal strength at your home. It will route all the cellular calls and the data over the broadband internet. Please bear in mind; there are a few downsides to using network extenders, such as the call handoff problems, but if you do not have an existing cell signal outside, this can be quite a suitable option. 

 

'I have been a Verizon wireless user for long, and the extender has wholly resolved my call drop issues, shares Dave, a TrueBlueFishermen associate. 

 

Take your phone higher.

 

The reception of cell phones better when you travel higher. It is because if there are buildings around, they can block your signal. So, if you are in a valley or at the foot of the hill, start climbing. If you are indoors, you can travel upstairs and travel to the side that receives the best reception. 

 

 Check your phone for any possible damage.

 

At times, when you drop your phone, despite your phone being in a case, it can lead to damage to the internal antenna. This will have a severe impact on the cell signal quality. So, it won't hurt to remove the phone's case and inspect it for damage. Carefully examine both the corners and the back. Alternatively, you can even schedule a free appointment with your carrier, and they can perform a diagnostic on your phone. It will help them confirm whether the hardware is properly functioning or not. Justin, an employee with MyPlumberschoice, shares that 'In my Apple, there was a hardware issue, which was hampering my cell reception. Since my phone was under warranty, they replaced my phone for free, and now the problem is solved.' 

 

Do not let your phone battery reach to critically low.

 

At times, when the phone attempts to connect to the nearest cell phone tower, it tends to suck up all the battery from your phone. When the battery is already low, it gets hard for the phone to look for a signal. Why? By default, our phones are programmed to consume minimum battery when searching for a network, especially when the battery is already low. Hence, it is unable to perform the task adequately, and this results in poor reception. Thus, it would help if you did everything you possibly can to conserve your phone's battery power. For this, you can turn off the NFC and Bluetooth. Also, use these features only when required. Also, keep the screen brightness to a minimum, ensure that no software or applications are running in the background that consumes your phone battery. Also, while you are traveling, it is inevitable for the battery to go low. So, in this case, carry a portable charger along.  

 

Remove your phone's case.

If there is a case covering on your phone, only removing it might better your phone's signal strength. At times, a case may block the cell phone signal and curtail it from reaching the internal antenna. So, try removing the case to see any improvement in reception. 

 

Get a new SIM or clean your existing one.

 

If you have used your carrier for a long time, your SIM card may not have adequate data to connect to the latest network systems. At times, its contact may be wearing down or dirty. This may result in intermittent failures. So, pop your SIM card out, and clean the metal surface using a cotton swab rubbed in alcohol or a disinfectant wipe. 

 

'Since my cell signal used to be continually weak, I requested my carrier's support representatives to give me the latest SIM, which helped better my signal strength,' shares Alexa, an associate with RazorHood. 

 

Yes, we agree with Alexa on this. At times, changing to a newer SIM can also improve your signal strength. Usually, your network providers will grant you a new SIM for free. 

 

Shop for a cell phone signal booster

 

This is the only certified solution, which is majorly recommended by all the key carriers and the FCC. A cell phone signal booster will catch all the existing signals outside your phone, amplify its strength, and then transmit this stronger signal into your home, vehicle, or business. The good thing is they work with all networks. So, there is no need to shop for different cell phone signal boosters. More so, it is a one-time investment, and there is no recurring fee.  

 

Keep your phone's software updated.

 

At times, the phone may be experiencing signal issues because you are running your phone on old software. Consequently, the phone may not perform at an optimal level. It may not have the newest optimizations for calls, bug fixes, data, or even routine operations. So, before trying every other method here, this should be the first thing that you do. 

 

Disable LTE if a single bar shows

 

The bars you see on your phone are determined by things, such as – load and quality on the nearby tower and the signal strength. If you see a single LTE bar, it means that the tower from where you are getting your signal is over-congested. Consequently, it affects the signal quality, resulting in it being significantly low. In this case, you can consider switching off LTE and using 3G for a bit. Since most people will be using LTE, 3G will be less congested, thereby giving you better signal strength. 

 

Get yourself a new phone.

 

When you have an old phone, particularly one that supports just 3G and not LTE, you should consider shopping for the latest phone. If you cannot afford the latest phone, even a version or two older models that support LTE will suffice. This, in itself, can better your data speeds and voice calls. 

 

Make the most of the Wi-Fi Network.

 

'I have always had cell signal issues, but this Wi-Fi calling has completely metamorphosed the things for me,' shares Robin, who did a CDR review online.

 

Well, yes, this is one of the most excellent solutions that are hugely prevalent today. Almost every carrier in the USA and Canada, and even the other parts of the world, offer this new and updated feature of Wi-Fi calling. As part of this feature, you can now use your internet connection to surf the internet and simultaneously make phone calls through your phone network. Please know that Verizon and AT&T offer this feature currently for Samsung Galaxy, LG, and iPhone users only. However, if you have subscribed to Sprint and T-Mobile, Wi-Fi calling is available on almost every model. You can find this option in the settings menu of your phone. 

 

Toggle the Airplane Mode

 

Lastly, if you are not receiving a signal on your phone, you can toggle the Airplane mode once, wait for about five to ten seconds, and turn it off again. This can help you better your reception. 

 

So, these are some of the most effective ways to better weak cell reception. 

Which Cell Signal Booster is Best for Verizon

zBoost YX-510 Cell Phone Signal Booster Dual-Band Unit for Home or Office

How is Verizon's New 5G Home Gateway Any Better Than Fast Wifi?

Is it true that in many cases it is faster and cheaper than the internet or “WiFi” from your cable or telco company?  

Verizon 5G may be getting a lot bigger. Today Verizon exclusively revealed to PCMag that it's launching the first 5G home router powered by Qualcomm's long-awaited QTM527 antenna, which has the potential to greatly expand the range of the carrier's fast, but short-distance millimeter-wave 5G.

The new router, made by Wistron for Verizon, can be placed inside by a window, so there's no external install needed. A smartphone app guides you on where to put the unit. The device has Wi-Fi 6 and one Ethernet port. The Ethernet port is important because Verizon's millimeter-wave system is sometimes faster than the maximum speed of Wi-Fi routers; in tests in my neighborhood, I've gotten up to 1.7Gbps. Boulben said home users will get between 300Mbps and a gigabit.

For a while now, Verizon executives have been talking about this: the latest customer premises equipment (CPE) that is going to make its 5G Home fixed wireless access (FWA) offering so much more convincing. Well, it's finally coming to eight cities, including two new cities beginning on October 1 in Verizon's 5G Home Internet coverage area: Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The 5G Home Internet equipment, including a single-device 5G internet receiver and Wi-Fi router, was designed for the user to easily set up in their home. It comes in a single package and consumers can find the perfect location for mounting on a wall or window using a mobile app; the 5G gateway can confirm that a 5G signal is usable.

Wistron NeWeb Corporation (WNC), an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) based in Taiwan, is the maker of the CPE hardware. Verizon announced that the home router is operated by the long-awaited QTM527 antenna from Qualcomm, which PC Mag first mentioned.

Verizon notes that including step-by-step instructions, all the user requires to install the unit is in the box. The operator didn't say how long it would take to set it up; during an earnings call in July, CEO Hans Vestberg suggested that he expected the self-installation to be less than an hour. It beats the old paradigm of waiting weeks for an installer to come into the home to set it up, although that didn't happen. Verizon is promising to do it for them for those who don't want to set it up themselves.

The company says that clients can expect average speeds of about 300 Mbps and maximum speeds of up to 1 Gbps, depending on the venue.

For Verizon subscribers, the cost of the service is $50 per month and $70 per month for non-Verizon subscribers. Verizon is tossing in YouTube TV for one month and Disney+ for one year for potential 5 G Home Internet users to entice customers. It also throws in a free Amazon Smart Home Package for smart home fans, which includes an Echo Display 5, Ring Stick Up Cam, Echo Dot, and Amazon Smart Plug. 

In areas of Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, Verizon provides its 5 G Home Internet service, in addition to Minneapolis and St. Paul. The new equipment is available in all those cities except Sacramento, where the 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) variant will be converted by customers in 2021.

Through this service, Verizon has said it plans to be in parts of 10 cities by the end of 2020. According to a spokesman, the 5G Home Internet product is designed to use millimeter wave (mmWave) signals at 28 GHz and 39 GHz.

"The new 5G Internet Gateway from Verizon is a game-changer for our customers," said Frank Boulben, Verizon's SVP of Consumer Marketing and Products, in a statement. "The extension of 5G Home Internet to new markets with new and enhanced hardware would provide consumers with the convenience and efficiency to enjoy more digital interactions and increased productivity from the comfort of their home, with people spending more time at home during these tough times."

Verizon suggested earlier this year that it would not wait for its 5G Home service to be completely baked, introducing an FWA service using its 4G LTE network. The LTE service helps the company to grow and develop beyond its Fios and 5G Home footprints into more rural areas.

How To Get Cell Phone Service In A Dead Zone

It is hard to imagine that there are areas without cell phone reception in the US (insert sarcasm).  

A dead zone is usually a place where no mobile phone is available because the signal from the mobile phone or the antenna on the mobile side is usually blocked or greatly reduced. We commonly refer to areas where phones cannot be transmitted as the "dead zones."           

To avoid such antenna problems, you should increase your mobile phone reception by holding your phone in an upright position with an antenna or find an area outdoors with a weak signal and walk towards it. Cell boosters can help if used in areas where building materials are too close to a cell tower or building or building materials block the signal.     

Your carrier may also not have enough mobile towers near you. It is even worse if you live in a residential complex with a large number of mobile phone towers right next door. 

For many people living in areas blocked by strong cell signals, the situation in a dead zone could become a security risk. Dead zones are frustrating and can be scary, especially if you can't use your phone in an emergency due to a lack of cell signal.     

Finding the cause of a dead zone can help mobile phone companies improve the reception and coverage of mobile phones for their customers.  Deadcellzones.com is a crowdsourced database of areas where cell phone signals do not work.      

The installation of a DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) can help solve many problems in the dead zone of offices, and neighborhoods, but can also cause serious problems for mobile phone users.     

If switching network service providers is not an option or you cannot find a mobile operator that will provide good service in your new home, technical solutions are available to help you deal with poor reception. If you have conflicting signals or no signal at all, a microcell is better, but you need good reception somewhere close to it for this option to work. To have a stable signal in an accessible place, signal amplifiers for mobile phones are a better option. They are independent of the carriers and work with any mobile phone, and they work in almost any place where a strong signal is needed. 

If you are in an area with mobile phone reception, you may not be able to dial 911 in an emergency. So if you don't have access to a landline or Internet, or landline or Internet, and you're in a dead zone, a cell phone signal amplifier is a great device because it then sends the new signal to your home, office, or vehicle. Mobile phone boosters can also help improve the cell's signals so that users can receive a strong signal where it would not otherwise be available. 

Does Your School Have Cell Phone Service Problems?

Do Schools Block Cell Phone Signals? 

We were interviewed today by CBS TV in Fort Lauderdale, Florida which is doing a news story on cell phone coverage in schools.  They were asking questions about whether schools block cell phone signals in schools or whether cell coverage is just a factor of the cell phone tower being located too far from the school.  

The cell phone coverage in each school depends on a lot of factors.  

1)  Does the school block signals using a cell phone signal jammer?

2)  How far is the school from the nearest cell phone tower? 

3)  What material is the building made out of concrete, steel, or wood?

4)  Are hills or trees blocking cell phone signals?

5)  Does the school allow students to make phone calls and send text messages over WiFi when a cellular signal is not present?

6)  Has the school installed cell phone DAS antennas/repeaters?  

7)  Does the school have adequate WiFi coverage in every classroom and location throughout the school campus?  

Here is another community in California concerned about cell phone towers causing cancer on school campuses.  Sprint actually removed a cell phone tower on campus because it was thought it could have caused 4 cases of cancer. 

Please add your comments to this story below about cell phone coverage and policies in your school.  What are your thoughts about having cell phone coverage in the school?  

Improving Cell Signal for United States Cellular Networks

Staying connected to family, friends and, as much as we hate to admit it, work, while you’re using your cell phone at home, office or vacation home is now totally dependent on having a usable cell signal.

This post explains why your mobile signal strength is weak and identifies which solution will be your best means of getting stronger cell reception in your home, vacation home or small office.

Why do some buildings have weak cell signal

The cause for weak signals inside of a building can stem from a few different sources. As a general rule, anything between your cell phone and the cell tower will weaken the radio frequency (RF) signals that give your phone the ability to call, text and stream data.

Here is a list of things that block mobile signals:

·        Non-Conductive Construction Materials have a moderate impact on your mobile connectivity. This includes materials that cannot conduct electricity: drywall, plastic matter, wood, glass and others will modestly impact your mobile connectivity but, in most cases, will not completely block a strong signal.

·        Conductive Construction Materials have a significant impact on your mobile signal and these materials, like tin, copper, silver, aluminum, and others, have the ability to render a strong mobile signal completely useless.

·        Organic Materials can have a wide-ranging effect on your signal. Depending on the size of the impediment and its material makeup, these can either modestly dull or completely block a strong signal. For example, mountains, hills, large snow-mounds, dense tree or plant matter, bodies of saltwater (conductive material), and more can completely block a strong signal. On the other hand, sparse tree or plant matter, small bodies of salt or freshwater, small or loose-packed snow piles and others may only moderately reduce the signal strength.

·        Weather like fog, snow, rain, sleet, hail, dust, and more, can have a weakening impact on your signal. Depending on the density of the weather system and the distance the signal needs to travel, these can either dull or completely block a strong cellular signal.

·        Mobile Tower Direction & Locations send a limited strength signal in a general direction. If your mobile device is further than the power of the mobile tower can reach or does not fall within the tower’s window of reception, you could receive a reduced signal or none at all.

·        User Capacity is not infinite on mobile towers. As more simultaneous users send and receive signals from a nearby mobile tower, the less power the tower has to offer each user.

·        RF Interference can be caused by being surrounded by other devices that emit an RF frequency that disrupts the signal you are using to make calls, send or receive texts, or stream data using a mobile signal. Naturally, this has a dulling impact on the strength of a usable signal.

Solution 1: Signal Booster

Signal boosters are a very common choice for most buildings. The defining requirement for a signal booster is that the building has a usable signal existing just outside or nearby to the building. Signal boosters capture that outside signal, amplify the signal’s strength and retransmit that signal within the structure. These are wideband solutions, which means they support all US, Canada and Mexico mobile network providers simultaneously. This includes Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Bell, Telus, Rogers Wireless, Sasktel, Bell MTS, Telcel, and all others. Signal boosters support all voice, text, and data signals for 2G, 3G and 4G LTE and support buildings as small as 5 square feet and up to just under 500,000-square-feet. Prices range from a few hundred dollars for a small or medium-size space to over one thousand for larger spaces.

Solution 2: Femtocells

Femtocells are often the go-to solution for customers who only need coverage for a few users in a small space and who all use the same mobile network provider. These are carrier-specific solutions, so if you buy a Verizon femtocell anybody with another carrier will be unable to get cellular service. These are great for buildings that have no signal outside or nearby to the building but have a strong internet connection. These work by creating a mobile hotspot in your home that pulls from your internet connection. These cost between $100 and $400 and require a monthly fee on your internet bill, which varies from provider to provider. These are limited to four simultaneous users and the maximum coverage area on these is usually one or two small rooms.

Solution 3: Active DAS

Active distributed antenna systems (DAS) are most often used in very large buildings above 500,000-square-feet. These solutions require approval by any carrier that the system supports because Active DAS uses base stations and remote nodes that are connected directly to the carrier’s network. This being the case, these solutions are more expensive, require a substantial amount of time before installing, and, in turn, are typically the option of choice for very large buildings and businesses – think sports stadiums, very large hotels, casinos, and more.

Each of these presents a great solution for a specific application. Let’s wrap it up with a simple summary of which mobile solution will be best for your building.

Choose Active DAS for very large buildings that have time, money and a high user count. Femtocells are best for small spaces with strong internet, no outside signal and very few users who are all on the same mobile network. Signal boosters for small, medium and larger spaces up to 500,000-square-feet that have a decent outside signal and need coverage for all carriers throughout the building.

Solutions for Weak Cell Phone Signals at Home

The relationships, work, and information that fuels our lives is made possible by our cellular-powered devices. Remaining connected at home is no longer a matter of want; it has become a need.

This post is for those of you who have already tried the free tricks to improve cell signal and are now looking for paid solutions that can provide reliable cellular coverage within the walls of your home.

To improve cell signal for your home, you’ll want to start by answering the following questions to better assess your needs.

1.   What’s the strongest signal immediately outside of your home?

This is likely the clearest identifier for which solution will best suit your needs. To get started, learn how you can take a signal reading here. Use the results from your signal reading to determine which cellular solution will work best for you.

·     If the strongest single point of cellular signal outside of your home is less than -105 dBm your needs will likely be best met by a femtocell, which can provide reliable coverage for one or two small rooms in your home.
·     If your reading is -94 to -104 dBm you are in a gray zone; you may be able to use a signal booster but may also require a femtocell.

·     If your reading is better than -93 dBm you will be well suited for a cell phone signal booster and, depending on the signal booster kit you select and the size of your home, you can expect to receive usable cellular signals in spaces spanning from just a few rooms to an entire more.

2.  How big is your home?

The solution to boost the cellular signal for a two-bedroom apartment will likely be different from the solution for a five-bedroom home or 12,000-square-foot mansion. Signal boosters tend to provide a usable signal to larger coverage areas whereas femtocells are generally used in small spaces the size of one to two rooms.

3.   In how much of your home do you need to use mobile devices?

Think about how much area within your home will need to have reliable cellular signals. Depending on the solution you select and the signal outside of your building, you may only see an improvement in a small area. If a small area of coverage is sufficient, a femtocell may be a suitable solution. On the other hand, if you have a moderate outside signal, a signal booster may be able to repeat that signal throughout your home.

4.   What is your budget for a cell phone booster?
Your pricing options range from a few hundred dollars for a femtocell or signal booster that can support small spaces to $1000 for very large homes. For signal boosters that can cover very large homes, the cost can exceed $1000 and may require a cellular system design service, which SureCall provides free for buildings above 10,000 square feet. Your cellular provider may offer you a free (or discounted) femtocell solution to enhance your signal within a small area of your home. To pursue that option you’ll need to contact your provider.

5.  Are there other carriers who provide better service for your area?

If you have poor reception with your cellular provider but have friends or family who have better reception with a different cellular carrier, you may want to consider transferring carriers. There can be early contract termination fees if you are not at the end of a contract term. Check with your cellular provider for their contract termination fee or to see when your existing contract expires.

Based on your responses to the questions above you will be best served by one of two viable cellular solutions: femtocell or signal booster. Dive into the details of each cellular signal solution below.

Femtocell

Also known as microcells, femtocells produce a cellular signal by using your internet connection. Femtocells can be purchased through your cellular carrier and will be carrier specific. So, if you have a cellular plan with Verizon you will want to purchase your femtocell through Verizon.

Femtocells are the ideal solution for homes with no cellular reception, which we consider readings lower than -100 dBm. In most instances, femtocells will enhance cellular signal for a small space, but typically not much more than one to two small rooms.

Femtocells cost between $100 and $400 and require a monthly subscription that will be added to your internet bill. Your cellular carrier may provide this for free, but this is very situational and something you shouldn’t depend on.

Signal Booster

Also known as bi-directional amplifiers (BDA) or repeaters, cell phone signal boosters come in kits that include an outdoor antenna, indoor antenna, signal booster, and cabling to connect and power the system. Some kits may combine the indoor or outdoor antenna and booster for a minimalist appearance in your home.

Signal boosters are carrier agnostic, meaning most signal boosters will improve your signal no matter which North American device or provider you use. These are the best solution for homes with weak cellular reception (readings stronger than -93 dBm) outside of the building.

Cell phone signal boosters work by capturing the signal that exists outside of your home with an outdoor antenna before feeding it to the signal booster. The signal booster then amplifies the signal strength and sends it to the indoor antenna to transmit the signal inside of your home.

Some signal boosters are more powerful than others, and the coverage area will primarily depend on the signal that exists outside of your home and density of internal walls and building structure.

Generally, with a clear line of sight, signal booster kits with a Yagi outdoor antenna can reach towers up to 40 miles away, whereas Omni-directional outdoor antenna kits reach towers up to 20 miles away. This range is dependent on the strength of the signal leaving the tower and the number of obstacles between you and that tower.

Signal boosters cost around $300 for small homes and apartments, around $400 to $600 for large homes, and around $1000 for very large homes. These kits can be customized with different indoor antennas to adapt to the layout of your home and outdoor antennas to adapt to the distance between you and the nearest cell phone tower.

Both femtocells and cell phone signal boosters present strong solutions that, given your cellular circumstance, can take you from weak or unusable cellular signals to strong signals. If you have any questions, we suggest doing your research on SureCall, a top signal booster manufacturer. Check out all of SureCall’s cell phone signal boosters for home.

New Antenna: A Solution For Short Battery Life & Poor Signal

A new piece of research could offer welcome news for smartphone users struggling with poor signals, slow downloads, and short battery life.

Researchers at the Radio Science and Engineering Department at Finland's Aalto University have developed a digital antenna design that is expected to improve reception, data-transfer speed, and power consumption.
Currently, smartphones have multiple antennas that each work with one or several frequencies dedicated to specific smartphone applications, such as cellular reception, GPS, and Bluetooth.

The new method is set to change this approach by combining several small antenna elements together as a single aerial, which can be controlled digitally to operate at any frequency.

Viikari compares this approach to a guitar where a single open string could digitally be made to produce a different note. When one compact antenna can be used for multiple frequencies, it frees up space for the likes of larger touchscreens, thanks to smaller bezels, without sacrificing the phone's performance.

But the new digital method promises to give the antenna greater bandwidth, which results in better radiation efficiency and the 100 to 1,000 times faster data transfer speeds set as an objective for the next-generation of 5G smartphones.  Read more.