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Mobile networks have become a necessity for most people in the modern era. They enable people to stay connected with their friends, family, and colleagues, regardless of their location. Also, good internet make online education much easier than before. However, in rural areas, mobile network coverage can be a challenge due to factors such as distance, terrain, and lack of infrastructure. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks for improving mobile network coverage in rural areas.
Identify the areas with weak signal
The first step to improving mobile network coverage in rural areas is to identify the areas with weak signals. This can be done by checking your device’s signal strength indicator, which is usually displayed in the top corner of the screen. In addition, you can also check online maps that show the coverage of different mobile network providers in your area. Once you have identified the areas with weak signal, you can proceed to take the necessary steps to improve the signal strength.
Apart from this, if you are a Straight Talk user and have a 5G handset then you can also configure the Straight Talk 5G APN settings to make your internet fast even in the rural areas.
Use a signal booster
A signal booster is a device that amplifies the mobile network signal and retransmits it to your device. Signal boosters come in different forms, such as home signal boosters, vehicle signal boosters, and portable signal boosters. Home signal boosters are ideal for improving mobile network coverage in rural areas, as they can cover a larger area than portable signal boosters. They work by capturing the weak mobile network signal from outside and amplifying it to provide better coverage inside your home.
Switch to a different carrier
Different mobile network providers have different coverage areas. Therefore, if your current provider has weak signal coverage in your area, you can consider switching to a different provider that has better coverage. You can use online coverage maps to check the coverage of different providers in your area and choose the one that provides the best coverage.
While switching the carrier, there are chances that your SIM card can get locked. To unlock the SIM, you can use PUK code to unblock SIM card.
Use Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of using the mobile network. This feature is particularly useful in areas with weak mobile network coverage, as it enables you to make and receive calls without relying on the mobile network. Most modern smartphones support Wi-Fi calling, and you can activate this feature in your device’s settings.
Upgrade your device
Newer smartphones are designed to provide better mobile network coverage than older models. Therefore, if you are using an older device that has weak signal coverage, you can consider upgrading to a newer model that has better coverage. Newer smartphones have more advanced antenna technology that can capture weak signals and provide better coverage.
Install a femtocell
A femtocell is a small cellular base station that is designed for use in homes or small businesses. It works by connecting to your home broadband network and retransmitting the mobile network signal to your device. Femtocells are particularly useful in areas with weak mobile network coverage, as they can provide a strong signal inside your home. However, femtocells are relatively expensive and require a stable broadband connection.
Use an external antenna
Another way to improve mobile network coverage in rural areas is by using an external antenna. An external antenna is a device that captures the mobile network signal and retransmits it to your device. External antennas come in different forms, such as magnetic mount antennas, glass mount antennas, and roof mount antennas. Magnetic mount antennas are easy to install and can be attached to the roof of your car or the outside of your home. Glass mount antennas are designed to be attached to the inside of your car window and can provide better coverage while on the go. Roof mount antennas are ideal for improving coverage in rural homes and businesses.
Avoid obstacles
Obstacles such as hills, trees, and buildings can block the mobile network signal and reduce coverage in rural areas. To improve mobile network coverage, it is important to avoid obstacles by positioning yourself in an open area with a clear line of sight to the nearest cell tower. In addition, you should avoid using your device in areas with thick walls or underground parking lots, as they can interfere with the mobile network signal.
Use a mobile network extender
A mobile network extender is a device that connects to your home broadband network and retransmits the mobile network signal to your device. It is similar to a femtocell, but it provides better coverage over a larger area. Mobile network extenders are particularly useful in rural areas where the mobile network signal is weak, as they can provide a strong signal inside your home or business.
Check for network maintenance
Mobile network providers carry out regular maintenance on their networks, which can sometimes lead to a reduction in coverage in certain areas. To improve mobile network coverage, it is important to check for scheduled maintenance in your area and plan your mobile network usage accordingly. You can check for network maintenance schedules on your provider’s website or by calling their customer support.
Conclusion
Improving mobile network coverage in rural areas can be a challenge, but with the right tools and strategies, it is possible to achieve better coverage. By identifying the areas with weak signal, using a signal booster, switching to a different carrier, using Wi-Fi calling, upgrading your device, and installing a femtocell, you can significantly improve mobile network coverage in your area. By following these tips, you can stay connected with your loved ones and colleagues, even in the most remote parts of the country.