The drop in signal quality is an annoying occurrence that results in poor quality calls, as well as messages, and none feel this more than those living in rural areas. It is for this reason that said individuals or groups and companies need to know how to boost mobile signal in rural areas to curb this issue. Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve this, ranging from the basic to the more complex according to UCtel.
Harrow, though mostly suburban, offers serene green spaces and parks where residents can unwind from city life – and it’s crucial for your mobile phone signal to stay strong in these areas! Harrow Weald Common, in the northeastern part of the borough, is a vast expanse of lush greenery and woodlands. Bentley Priory Nature Reserve, nestled within the historic grounds of Bentley Priory, provides peaceful walking trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
Stanmore Common, found to the northwest, acts as a local nature reserve, boasting various habitats including woodlands and grasslands. Additionally, Headstone Manor Recreation Ground provides a delightful escape with its spacious fields, recreational amenities, and the charming moat surrounding Headstone Manor. These green havens enhance Harrow’s allure, offering residents the chance to relax and revel in nature’s beauty amidst the suburban surroundings.
Below is a look at several of these boosting methods and how effective they are at solving the overall issue. Without further ado, let’s begin learning about them!
How Rural Areas Compound Existing Issues
Poor signal can be caused by a great many things on all levels of intensity. Before understanding how to improve mobile signals in rural areas, we have to understand these causes. Poor network can be caused by several things including the following:
- Unfavorable weather conditions like heavy rains, snow and cloud cover
- The materials used to construct buildings such as glass, concrete and insulation, or underground locations
- Having too much distance between you and the closest base station
- An area’s topography includes tall, signal-blocking features around, such as mountains, foliage and tall buildings
- Network congestion, which is when the amount of traffic exceeds the network’s capacity
- A device not being compatible with the network technology being put out in the area
Lots of people live in the cities. Actually, the fact that most of the world lives in urban areas means that most cell towers are centered there, and is the main reason why those in rural settings experience poor signal the most. This is only made worse when this existing issue is compounded by all the others listed above, showing that rural areas always have the short end of the stick.
How to Better the Situation
Knowing what causes the problem in question is important. With that settled, we can delve into how to boost mobile signal strength in rural areas, of which there are a myriad of solutions ranging from simpler fixes to the intervention of booster units. Below is a look at these fixes in great detail:
The Simple Fixes
These fixes are more related to the faulty nature of one’s device, as well as their location. These solutions are relatively easy to execute and should be tried out before drastic measures can be taken. The following are some of these solutions:
Being still while on calls
Moving around while talking on the phone is natural, but some don’t know that the network readjusts as you do this, adversely impacting the call’s quality. Once you find the spot where the network is at its best, stay still to avoid losing it.
Charge the battery
Connecting to cell towers drains batteries and when they’re running low, the quality of service is affected in the same way. This is why batteries, irrespective of area, have to be as close to fully charged at all times.
Adjusting how you hold your phone
Cell phones possess internal antennas that make them look streamlined, but because they’re hidden, many disregard them and haphazardly hold their phones. As such, they inadvertently block the network with their hands. A simple adjustment to the fashion in which you hold your phone can certainly change things.
Separating the device from its case
Similarly to hands, thick cases can block signals. As such removing them, or simply finding thinner ones can help things.
Going outdoors
As stated above, the materials used to build homes and all sorts of buildings can hinder signals. Because of this, try to go outside, preferably in an open space without any tall trees or structures nearby, as they too, can be obstructions.
Getting to higher places
In case the aforementioned tall obstructions are difficult to escape, seek out a high point from which to use the network. The higher one goes, the fewer obstructions encountered.
Seeing if WiFi capabilities are possible
Based on the device, WiFi calls and messages are Possible. This, however, also depends on how strong the WiFi is.
Seeking out the cell sites in the closest proximity
Towers, which are the place where reception is at its strongest, tend to be far away from those living in rural areas. That said, while they can be remote, towers are present and it’s all about finding the closest ones, which is fairly easy because they are quite tall.
In the same vein, network types are similarly affected, as a 5G phone may be closer to a 4g tower than the one it’s compatible with and as such network problems ensue. In such a case, try toggling between networks to see which one works.
The Permanent Fix
Boosters are versatile units that capture whatever signal is around, amplifying it, and subsequently distributing the amplified signal across the designated area. They consist of a few pieces, which include:
- The exterior antenna, which captures the signal and is fitted onto an optimal point outside
- The amplifier, which strengthens and cleans signals
- The interior antenna, which broadcasts the cleaned-up signal throughout the designated space
Boosters themselves can be faulty and require certain things to be addressed if that’s the case. Some of these things include the following:
- Choosing quality boosters from reputable and capable providers
- Placing both antennas in the best position, with the external one being fixed at the location’s highest point, and the internal one being placed where the signal is news most
- Regularly maintaining the unit, by cleaning often and tightening all connections, while also being aware of the current tech advancements
Final Thoughts
With rural areas being as affected by poor mobile service as they are, those living there will need the above knowledge to be in a better position. Once they know how to boost mobile signal in rural areas, life will be a lot easier on that front, although this comes with some caveats, both directed at those who want booster units. The first is that they aren’t signal creators. So, if there isn’t any signal at all, the problem is for the network providers to fix. Secondly, is the finding of quality dealers of these units, for without their help, there is no chance of better signals.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
