How to Check Mobile Signal Strength in Your Area
Having a strong and reliable mobile signal is essential for seamless communication and internet connectivity. Before choosing a mobile network or addressing signal issues, it is important to assess the signal strength in your area. This comprehensive guide will provide you with various methods and tools to check mobile signal strength in your specific location, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding your network provider and potential signal improvement solutions.
Network Coverage Maps
Most mobile network carriers provide online coverage maps that display the estimated signal strength and coverage in different areas. These maps are typically available on the carriers’ websites and allow you to check the signal strength for specific locations. Simply enter your address or location details to view the coverage information provided by the carrier. Keep in mind that coverage maps offer estimates and may not always reflect the actual signal strength experienced on the ground.
Mobile Apps
Several mobile apps are available that can help you check and measure mobile signal strength in your area. These apps use your smartphone’s built-in signal measurement capabilities and provide real-time data on signal strength, network type (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G), and signal quality. Some popular signal measurement apps include OpenSignal, Network Cell Info Lite, and RootMetrics. Install one of these apps on your smartphone, allow the necessary permissions, and perform signal measurements at different locations within your area to get an accurate assessment of the signal strength.
Signal Strength Indicators
Your mobile device itself provides a basic signal strength indicator, usually represented by bars or dots. These indicators give a general idea of the signal strength in your current location. More bars or dots indicate a stronger signal, while fewer bars or dots suggest a weaker signal. Walk around your house or area and observe any variations in the signal strength displayed on your device. Note areas with consistently weak or strong signals to identify signal improvement requirements.
Signal Survey
To get a more detailed understanding of the signal strength within your house or property, you can conduct a signal survey. This involves using a mobile signal strength app or device to measure the signal at various points inside and outside your property. Walk around each room, including basement or attic areas, and note the signal strength readings. Pay attention to areas with particularly weak or strong signals. By conducting a thorough signal survey, you can identify the areas where signal boosters or alternative solutions may be necessary.
Consultation with Neighbors
Talking to your neighbors who use different mobile networks can provide valuable insights into the signal strength in your area. Discuss their experiences with signal strength, call quality, and internet connectivity. By gathering information from multiple sources, you can gain a broader perspective on the overall mobile signal conditions in your vicinity.
Field Tests
For a more hands-on approach, you can perform field tests using specialized signal testing equipment. These devices, such as spectrum analyzers or signal meters, offer precise measurements of signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, and other relevant parameters. Field tests are more advanced and require technical expertise, making them suitable for professional use or in-depth analysis of signal issues.
Field Test Mode is a hidden feature available on many mobile devices that provides detailed information about signal strength and network performance. It allows users to access precise measurements of signal strength, signal quality, and other network parameters in real time. While the process to access Field Test Mode may vary slightly depending on the device and operating system, the following general steps can help you access it:
- Open the Phone or Dialer app on your mobile device.
- Enter a specific code or combination of numbers and symbols. Common codes include 3001#12345# for iOS devices or ##4636## for Android devices.
- Press the Call or Dial button.
- This action will launch the Field Test Mode interface, which replaces your regular signal bars with a numeric value in decibels (dBm) or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
What Can You Measure and Analyze?
Once in Field Test Mode, you can access various screens and menus that provide detailed information about your mobile signal. These may include:
- Signal Strength: The Field Test Mode displays the actual signal strength measurement in dBm, where higher values indicate stronger signals.
- Serving Cell Information: This screen provides details about the current cell tower you are connected to, such as its ID, signal quality, and other network parameters.
- Neighbour Cell Information: This section shows information about nearby cell towers and their signal strengths. It helps you identify potential stronger signal sources.
- Band Information: This screen displays the specific frequency band you are connected to, which can be useful for troubleshooting or optimizing your signal reception.
Field Test Mode allows you to gather accurate information about your mobile signal, helping you make informed decisions on signal optimization. However, it’s essential to note that modifying any settings within Field Test Mode without proper knowledge can have unintended consequences. It is recommended to use Field Test Mode for information-gathering purposes and consult with a professional or your network provider for any signal-related issues or improvements.
Network Provider Websites
In addition to coverage maps, visiting the websites of different network providers can provide additional information on network coverage and signal strength. Look for sections dedicated to coverage or network information, where they may provide more detailed insights into signal quality, network upgrades, and future expansion plans. Whether you are using Spark, Vodafone, 2Degrees, or Skinny, you can check the website of your network provider.
Physical Factors Affecting Signal Strength
It’s essential to consider physical factors that can impact mobile signal strength. Structures like buildings, hills, trees, or even weather conditions such as heavy rain or storms can obstruct or weaken signals. When conducting signal checks, take note of any physical barriers or environmental conditions that may affect signal reception in your area.
Repeat Signal Checks
Mobile signal strength can vary throughout the day due to network congestion, weather conditions, or other factors. To obtain a more accurate representation of signal strength, repeat signal checks at different times of the day, including peak usage hours and off-peak times. This will help you understand if signal issues are consistent or intermittent.
External Antennas and Signal Boosters
If you consistently experience weak signal strength in your area, you may consider external antennas or mobile signal boosters. These devices can help capture and amplify weak signals, improving signal reception within your property. It is important to research and consult with professionals to determine the most suitable antenna or booster for your specific needs.
Network Provider Customer Support
If you have concerns about signal strength in your area, contacting the customer support of network providers can be beneficial. They can provide insights into network upgrades, maintenance activities, or any ongoing issues affecting signal strength. Customer support can also offer guidance on potential solutions or alternative options available to enhance signal quality.
Buying & Using a Mobile Signal Booster
Buying and using a mobile signal booster will certainly help you solve your mobile signal reception issues. Check our website and buy one today that fits your needs. If you have any questions regarding any of our products please contact us.
Shipping & Returns
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all our products if you are not happy with their performance. Also, we provide free and fast shipping on all our products across New Zealand.
Safety & Legality
Our mobile signal boosters are CE and RoHS certified and also they conform with the local telecom regulatory authority’s guidelines. Hence, our mobile signal boosters are completely safe and legal to use in New Zealand. You can use them for both personal and commercial purposes.
Conclusion
Checking mobile signal strength in your area is a crucial step in selecting the right network provider and addressing signal issues. By utilizing network coverage maps, mobile apps, signal strength indicators, signal surveys, consultations with neighbors, and even field tests, you can check mobile signal strength in your area and gain valuable insights into the signal conditions in your specific location. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions about your mobile network provider, signal improvement solutions, and ultimately enjoy a strong and reliable mobile signal experience.
