Why Mobile Signal Is Weak Inside Buildings and How to Boost It

Nowadays, a mobile phone or cellular phone is the perfect way to stay connected with your loved ones with a sense of security. It has become a necessity for everyone anywhere in the world compared to several years ago. With its modern and high-tech features, you cannot only make or receive calls but also store data, take pictures and videos, etc.

In many buildings such as hospitals, where emergencies often occur, a bad cell phone signal may lead to problems. In many cases, wireless mobile signal boosters may be the best option.

Reasons for Bad Cell Signals Inside Buildings

1. Proximity to One or More Towers

Cell phone signals are transmitted from towers and travel to your phone through the air. Major cities have mobile phone towers anywhere, so people living in the city have more access to better signals. While service providers encounter some problems at times, the major reason for a weak or dead signal in the rural areas is the lack of towers.

2. Thick Construction Materials

Building materials used in buildings are most likely the cause of “dead zones” in the cities. Concrete, steel, and even insulated glass can prevent signals from penetrating a building. Also, other obstructions, including trees, mountains, or other structures, can impair signal strength.

If your building is not close to a tower, mobile signals could be poor. Unfortunately, old buildings have thick walls that often cause signal problems. Whereas many new buildings are thickly insulated, so drafts and cell phone signals can penetrate. In the United States, a building code called the International Fire Code (IFC), Section 10, says there should be approved radio coverage for emergency responders inside buildings. 

Boosting Your Mobile Signals Inside the Building

After finding out where and what the problem is, the next thing to do is boost the signal. You may try the following tips:

DIY Signal Boosters

For large buildings, you may need sophisticated solutions from professionals, like Diversified Electronics solutions. If it’s a small office, these simple do-it-yourself guide may help: 

  • Consider resetting your cell phone to force reconnection.
  • Go outside and check if the signal improves. If nothing changes, there may be some problems with your service provider.
  • Inspect your phone’s performance and ensure that it’s performing at its best. Make sure that you have the most recent software updates.
  • Consider removing or replacing your phone’s case because it can sometimes block your phone’s antenna.
  • If you can, try WiFi calling.
  • Switch to 3G network. If you’re using 4g LTE, it may be congested, causing your data speed to weaken.
  • Try switching carriers if your signal improves. Just ensure that the cause is your service provider because a new one isn’t going to solve your problems.

Invest in Mobile Signal Boosters

Mobile boosters are devices that boost wireless signals to amplify cellular coverage in areas with weak signals, such as tunnels, inside buildings, subways, and rural areas. They must be properly installed to avoid interference to a range of calls, especially emergency and 911 calls. 

Nowadays, most offices use cellphones and other internet applications and software, such as skype, slack, etc., for business transactions. But when their indoor cellular coverage is dead, it can significantly impact their business. Mobile signal boosters can help:

  • Minimize dropped calls
  • Increase data speeds
  • Improve quality