Bad reception can be extremely frusterating.
Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
Everyone has experienced a loss of reception on a cell phone or wireless modem at one time or another. These interruptions often occur at inopportune moments, resulting in lost calls or preventing calls from going out. Usually the problem is sporadic and mildly annoying, but in some instances it is a major issue. There are several steps you can take to improve the reception on your cell phone or wireless Internet connection.
Homemade Antenna
There are a variety of homemade antennas you can make from common, everyday materials, including paperclips and cans. Videos and instructions on how to construct these antennas are also available online. Some of these options may work in a pinch or in an emergency situation, but a homemade antenna is not a permanent solution.
Signal Booster
If the reception problem occurs in your home, consider investing in a signal booster. These devices can be expensive, depending on the square footage you want to boost. Your cell phone service provider may offer boosters. If not, you can purchase them through a variety of sites on the Internet. Some boosters only work on certain network frequencies, so be sure you purchase the right booster. Boosters are also available for vehicles.
Cordless/Cell Phone Hybrid
While this solution will not help with wireless Internet, it could be the perfect solution if you get a good signal somewhere in your house but lose reception in other areas. These cordless phones connect with your cell phone via Bluetooth and allow you to talk on the cordless handset rather than through your cell phone. Place your cell phone in the area of your house where it receives good reception then use the cordless phone.
Change Phone/Provider
If none of the above solutions fixes the problem or the poor reception is not limited to your house, consider switching to a different cell phone or even a different service provider. Using a different cell phone model from the same provider may solve the problem. Talk to friends and neighbors to find out what cell phone models they have and what providers they use. If they're on the same network as you, ask if you can test drive their phone in your home. As a last resort, switch to a cell phone provider with better coverage in your area. This may mean breaking a contract or buying a new phone, but this may be only way to get the cell phone reception you need.
References
Photo Credits
- Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
