Is your cell phone signal getting worse? Many things can cause this, like buildings blocking the signal or being far from cell towers. A PEW survey found that 72% of American cell phone users face dropped calls. Also, 77% suffer from slow downloads, showing that many people have signal problems.
Since early 2021, more people are having trouble with their cell service. Issues like too many people using the network, the landscape, and old phones matter. Bad weather, like rain or snow, can make it even worse. Let’s dig into why this happens and how you can improve your signal.
Common Causes of Poor Cell Phone Service
Poor cell phone service can leave you feeling stuck. You might wonder why your calls often drop or your internet is slow. Knowing the causes can help you fix the issue. Let’s look at what impacts your cell signal.
Building Materials
One big issue is the materials used in buildings. Some materials block cell signals. For example, metal can weaken signals a lot, causing a drop in signal strength. Tinted or Low-E glass also blocks a lot of signal. This is especially a problem for 5G networks. They struggle more with these materials. So, many people have bad service inside buildings.
Distance from Cell Towers
Being far from cell towers also affects your service. Towers can send signals up to 45 miles. But natural barriers and buildings can shorten this distance. Signals get weaker the farther away you are. And if you’re far, the tower might not prioritize your device. This can make your service worse. Areas with few towers can also have bad service.
Cellular networks use different frequency bands. 4G networks reach farther because they use lower frequencies. But 5G networks, even though they’re fast, struggle with materials and distance. Their higher frequencies don’t travel as well.
The demand for mobile services has grown, especially since early 2021. More devices are using the networks. This makes the problems worse. So, it’s important to know about these issues when figuring out why your cell service is poor.
Understanding Cellular Network Congestion
Cellular network congestion often leads to poor cell phone service, especially during busy times. This happens when too many devices try to use the same cell tower at once. It’s like rush hour traffic; the more cars, the slower the movement.
Users of T-Mobile’s Magenta Max (Veteran) Family Plan have noticed a drop in service. For instance, download and upload speeds have significantly decreased. Despite help from customer support, the problem remains, suggesting a local network issue.
To handle network congestion, carriers like T-Mobile prioritize certain plans. In busy times, some plans may see reduced speeds after using a certain amount of data. This is to keep important services running smoothly, even if it slows others down.
Carriers are always trying to make their networks better. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are upgrading their networks and expanding coverage. For example, Verizon boosted service in most metro areas, including Philadelphia. AT&T spent billions to improve its network in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Knowing about network congestion helps deal with service problems. Understanding when networks are busy, the policies carriers use, and how they’re improving can enhance your mobile experience.
Why Is My Cell Phone Service Getting Worse?
Have you noticed your cell phone service isn’t as good as before? You’re not the only one feeling this way. More Americans are dealing with dropped calls and slower data. Let’s look into how our location and the weather affect our cell signals.
Geographic Factors
Mountains, valleys, and thick plants can block cell signals. This makes your phone service worse. In Beacon, New York, people worry about new cell towers. They’re concerned about animals and how much their homes are worth.
There are over 300 million cell phones in the U.S. But there aren’t enough cell towers for everyone. This is a big problem in the countryside. Trees and hills make it hard to get a good signal. This leads to areas where your phone doesn’t work well.
Weather Conditions
The weather also affects your phone service. Rain, humidity, and storms can make your signal weaker. When the weather is bad, your calls might drop, and the internet can be slow. 72% of people in the U.S. have had calls drop. And 77% have had issues with slow internet.
Knowing about these problems with location and weather helps us understand why phone service can get worse. To fix this, phone companies are spending a lot of money. They’re building more towers and getting access to more airwaves.
Device-Related Issues
Device issues can really affect your cell phone’s service. Many factors might cause your phone to perform poorly. This is especially true for older phones.
Aging Phones
The age of your phone can impact your signal. As new technologies appear, older phones may not work well with current cell frequencies. Older iPhone users moving to newer versions like the iPhone 15 Pro Max have faced weak signal issues. These issues include dropped calls and SOS alerts.
Problems with the phone’s internal antenna can also reduce signal strength. Signal drops if the antenna is covered by your hand or if the phone is in a bag. A dying battery affects signal too. Charging your device and keeping the antenna clear helps.
Here are some fixes for these problems:
- Resetting your iPhone’s settings might boost signal strength. Many users confirm this worked for them.
- Updating APN settings through your carrier can fix connection issues. Outdated settings might cause slower connections.
- Re-provisioning your eSIM, as some Verizon customers found, improves call quality.
- Keeping your phone’s software updated is key. Updates can solve bugs and improve network frequency support.
Dealing with device issues can really improve your phone’s performance. If connectivity problems persist, upgrading to a newer phone might be the best solution. New models offer better compatibility and stronger signals.
Solutions to Improve Your Cell Phone Signal
Your cell phone signal strength matters a lot for good connectivity. Wondering how to fix weak signals? Here are some easy tips:
Using Signal Boosters
Signal boosters are great for boosting your cell signal. They come with both outdoor and indoor antennas, an amplifier, and cables. Wilson sells signal boosters. They range from $349 to $999, covering different areas. They also offer a 30-day refund and a two-year warranty.
These boosters can make signals 32 times stronger. This improves call quality and internet speed. For example, the Bolton Victory Yagi/Panel covers up to 4,000 sq ft and offers up to +72 dB gain. It’s perfect for smaller homes.
About 90% of signal problems are due to obstructions. Boosters help by sending out stronger signals. This means you get fewer dropped calls and quicker internet.
Carrier-Specific Solutions
Carrier-specific solutions are another way to boost your signal. Wi-Fi calling lets you call over Wi-Fi, avoiding bad cellular signals. Also, consider femtocells like Verizon Network Extender or AT&T Microcell. They turn your internet into cell signals, making your connection stronger.
Sometimes, changing carriers helps if they offer better coverage where you live. Opting for higher-tier data plans with big carriers also helps. This is because they handle traffic better. And in crowded places, this means a better signal.
Keeping your phone charged helps signal reception. Update your carrier settings to get the latest features for a better signal. iPhone users can check for updates in Settings > General > About. Android users should look in the Settings app under “carrier settings”.
By using network enhancement technologies and carrier coverage solutions, your cell signal can get much better. This ensures smooth connectivity and a great mobile experience.
Conclusion
Bad cell phone service is a big problem, but you can make it better. Understand why it happens and use good strategies to improve it. Things like building materials and where you are can change your signal. But, you can fix these issues.
Different phones work differently in low signal areas. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy phones work well because they have good antennas. But if your phone or its software is old, it might not work well. Keeping your phone updated is key.
There are tools to help fight bad service. Signal boosters can help a lot inside buildings. Also, looking for solutions from your phone carrier is smart. Knowing how cell towers work and what affects your signal helps. This knowledge leads to a better and more reliable phone service.
