Boosting Cell Phone Signal

Boosting Cell Phone Signal

We've all grown very accustomed to having our cell phones with us at all times and it can be absolutely unnerving when you glance down at your handset only to see that it's displaying zero bars! Thankfully, there are a variety of cell phone signal boosters on the market that can help you rectify this situation.

Some are very small and connect directly to your phone. In this way, this method of boosting cell phone signal is convenient and can work with you when you are walking through the mall, at work, or at one of the odd "dead spots" you may find around town. It is not uncommon to find these cell phone accessories in the same stores where you can buy Bluetooth headsets, phone cases, and other goodies.

Other solutions are not as portable and they are designed for use in more stable locations. Say, for example, that your office is located in a concrete jungle and you have a hard time getting reception there. By boosting cell phone signal throughout the building, your company can help keep everyone connected and productive.

Homemade Boosters

Why invest a sizable amount of money on an after-market solution when you can build a homemade cell phone signal booster? You might even learn a few things along the way.

The construction of such a device is surprisingly straightforward, but you will need to have a rudimentary understanding of the tools and mechanisms involved. Be sure to check out our article on homemade boosters for more information.

External Antennas and Other Upgrades

The most common way for boosting cell phone signal is to purchase those little stickers that attach to the back of your handset. Unfortunately, the real world reports on these stickers is less than impressive. Alternatively, the larger external cell phone signal boosters seem to do much better job, but they can be quite cumbersome to set up. They're even more awkward if you want any sort of portability whatsoever.

Depending on the model of cell phone, there may be alternative solutions. For example, a product was recently created for the Apple iPhone that combines a protective case with a cell phone signal booster. Early reports are mixed, but the price for the device isn't much more than just a case, so it's worth checking out. It's called the Griffin ClearBoost and it retails for about $30.

Surprisingly, there also appear to be some ways for boosting cell phone signal by altering the software. This strategy, obviously, is reserved for the most technical and advanced users. Searching through the net, you may find some tutorials on how to install more powerful antennas or install signal-amplifying software. Just be aware that these modifications may void your warranty.

Carrier and Handset Issues

Ultimately, you may find that the best way to improve cell phone reception is to simply change your phone. Different carriers have different levels of coverage. Some will offer better reception in rural areas, whereas others have the best reception in the heart of the city. Generally, CDMA-based carriers have wider-reaching coverage areas, but this isn't always the case.

There are also significant differences between individual handsets. Nokia cell phones are known for having good reception, but that doesn't mean that other phones can't have good reception too. Just be sure to shop around and read the reviews.