These days, we all depend on our phones. They’ve become integral components of our lives. We use them for a long list of essentials that extend far beyond simply making and receiving calls.
They’re our lifelines to the world. For businesses, they’re particularly important.
They keep companies connected with their customers, suppliers, co-workers, branch offices, and other crucial contacts.
Of course, just how reliable they are depends on whether they receive an adequate signal to work properly.
Weak Signals and Unreliable Phone Service
Recent reports show that up to 75 percent of people battle weak cell signals, dropped calls, and painfully slow data speeds.
Those problems are simply accepted in some areas where cell towers are few and far between. They’re especially common inside certain buildings, which is why they plague so many businesses.
If your company is experiencing poor cell signal and all the issues that come along with it, certain measures can improve the situation.
Use Cell Phone Signal Boosters
One of the most effective ways to combat poor cell signals is to use signal boosters. These devices Boost cell phone signal in building so the signals coming in reach farther.
Also known as signal repeaters or amplifiers, they bolster weak signals to eliminate dead zones. They consist of a few components that work together to improve cell signal strength.
For one, they have an external antenna that reaches out and captures nearby signals. From there, their amplifier augments the signals.
Then, their internal antenna sends the strengthened signals throughout the building. That results in more effective cell signals and fewer dead spots.
In some cases, depending on the size of the building in question and the materials it’s made of, a distributed antenna system may be necessary.
Instead of using a single antenna, these systems use a series of them to draw in and enhance cell signals.
These are often best for larger buildings. Whether you’re using a single-antenna signal booster or a DAS, the positioning of the external antennas is crucial for maximum effectiveness. Finding the perfect spots for those antennas may require a bit of trial and error.
Femtocells, Picocells, and Microcells
For cell phone signal boosters to work, they need to have an available signal to capture and amplify. In some areas, there just aren’t any nearby signals to grab onto.
Cell phone towers are simply too far away to supply those areas with service, or they don’t reach far enough across those areas to support them. If that’s the case, you may need an extra hub.
That’s where femtocells, picocells, and microcells come into play.
Those signal generators work much like cell phone towers but on a much smaller scale. Each one has its uses. Femtocells are installed inside buildings for added signal coverage.
They generally only provide a range of about 100 feet and coverage for less than 30 users, so they’re best for smaller spaces and companies with few employees.
Also installed indoors, picocells generate up to 1,000 feet of coverage and can support as many as 100 users. They’re usually recommended for larger buildings and businesses.
Microcells are the most powerful of these systems. Instead of being the property of the user, they’re owned by wireless carriers.
They’re usually installed in cities to bolster cell signals, but if you’re well outside the city limits and struggling with poor signal, this may be the option you need. Keep in mind, though, that these systems are more expensive than the other options.
They also require zoning and permits for installation.
Switch Cell Phone Carriers
Another solution for eliminating poor signal is to switch cell phone carriers.
Some wireless providers have better coverage than others. If your current provider has sparse coverage in your area, switching to a different one may be all you need to remedy the situation.
Research which local providers have the best coverage and service. Don’t rely on their word alone, though, because all of them claim to be the best.
Delve into customer reviews or even speak to other local businesses to find out which carriers might best meet your needs.
Upgrade Your Phones
When dealing with poor signals, some people find that the problem isn’t with their wireless provider or the coverage in their area.
They’re simply using low-quality or outdated phones. Solving that problem is as easy as upgrading your company’s mobile phones.
Some are equipped with better internal antennas than their less-advanced counterparts. Keep those phones’ firmware up to date as well. That, alone, may improve their performance.
Wi-Fi Calling
If your company’s cell service is lacking but its internet seems to hold steady, you could enable Wi-Fi calling. Most modern phones have this option built into them.
It’ll allow you to use the internet for making calls instead of relying solely on cell signals.
That being said, having everyone in your company switch to Wi-Fi calling could cause problems of its own.
It tends to be far less reliable when numerous people are using the same network at the same time.
Solving Your Weak Cell Signal Woes
Several options are available for improving weak cell signals. Before choosing one of them, try to determine why you’re experiencing problems.
How far your business is from cell towers, the size of the building, and the materials it’s made of could all be the issue. Interference from other buildings and internal obstructions could also be causing problems.
Figuring out the cause will help you find the right solution. It’s always best to consult with professionals on the matter.
They can help you pinpoint the issue as well as the best solution.
Keeping Your Company Connected
Weak cell signals are a common problem. Sometimes, they’re minor frustrations. For businesses, though, they can be major problems.
They can lead to dropped customer calls, ineffective communication among employees, and an array of other issues. Productivity and customer satisfaction are bound to suffer as a result.
Thankfully, there are ways to combat poor cell signals. From simply upgrading your company’s phones to installing signal boosters, you can overcome this hurdle.