Advice for improving mobile network coverage

Poor reception with mobile phone or poor mobile broadband performance - What can I do?

About mobile network coverage
- Additional antenna improves mobile network coverage
  
  If you are having problems with the quality of the connection, something as simple as an affordable desk antenna may be the solution. In case this does not help, you may consider buying an outdoor antenna.
  
  You can multiply the transmission speed of a poorly functioning broadband connection with a desk antenna. An outdoor antenna will be even more effective. These solutions may enable the use of a broadband connection even in indoor facilities where there is no GSM or 3G coverage available.
  
  An additional antenna may often help in areas where the operator does not guarantee coverage without an additional antenna. In areas like this, there is necessarily no 3G connection for mobile phones indoors and the reception outdoors may be poor as well, one bar at the most. According to user experiences, for example outdoor antennas have helped to achieve both good reception indoors and a transmission speed of several megabytes per second.
  
  Remember to ask your operator about the mobile coverage in your address first. Even with an effective directional antenna, the possibilities to increase the network coverage are limited. In case the area with better reception is situated several kilometres from the site where you want to use the connection, check with your operator whether an additional antenna will improve the reception sufficiently.
  
  Coverage maps for mobile networks typically describe how the service functions outdoors. House structures, such as walls and energy efficient windows, decrease reception indoors. It should also be noted that coverage maps are based on calculations. This is why the effects of all natural obstacles, such as large rocks between the base station and a house, cannot be taken into account.
  
  Coverage maps of mobile operators

What to do if the reception is poor

When using a mobile phone
- Poor mobile connection
  
  You cannot connect an additional antenna directly to all mobile phones and USB modems. However, the use of an additional antenna will be possible if you buy an inductive coupler (for about 20 euros) and attach the coupler to your mobile phone with a velcro strap.
  
  In addition, you will need a desk antenna which will be attached to the coupler. The coupler will always weaken the signal which is why it can be mainly used with antennas which are more effective and have a higher amplification.
  
  For long-term use, you may consider buying a desk GSM phone and a desk or outdoor antenna. These solutions may guarantee a better functionality for your mobile phone than an inductive coupler.
  
  A desk GSM phone will typically cost slightly more than 100 euros. Some phones support fast 3G data connections as well. Remember to check beforehand that it is possible to attach a desk or outdoor antenna to the desk GSM phone you intend to buy. Note that a desk GSM needs electricity to function.
- There is no reception (no signal)
  
  If there is no reception, you may still be able to use a desk GSM phone and a desk or outdoor antenna.
  
  A desk GSM phone will typically cost slightly more than 100 euros. Some phones support fast 3G data connections as well. Remember to check beforehand that it is possible to attach a desk or outdoor antenna to the desk GSM phone you intend to buy. Note that a desk GSM phone needs electricity to function.
  
  A repeater that is used to strengthen the signal is an active part of the operator network, and must not be installed without permission. More information on the licence applications for repeaters in the mobile network (in Finnish).
When using a USB modem
- Poor mobile connection
  
  Laptop antenna
  
  You can improve the quality of the connection with affordable desk antenna solutions.
  
  A laptop antenna attachable to the antenna connection of a USB modem and your laptop screen may be sufficient to improve the reception. Some USB modems are sold with a laptop antenna. Laptop antennas cost about 30 euros when bought separately.
  
  You cannot connect an additional antenna directly to all USB modems. However, the use of an additional antenna will be possible if you buy an inductive coupler (for about 20 euros) and attach the coupler to your USB modem with a velcro strap. In addition, you will need a desk antenna which will be attached to the coupler. The coupler will always weaken the signal which is why it can be mainly used with antennas which are more effective and have a higher amplification.
  
  You may also buy a new USB modem. Alternatively, you can buy a 3G router to which a desk or outdoor antenna can be attached.
  
  Desk antenna
  
  Additional antenna with an inductive coupler
- There is no reception (no signal)
  
  If your mobile broadband connection does not function without a desk antenna or functions poorly even with one, you may consider buying an outdoor antenna. If you are having difficulties in making mobile calls without interruption, an outdoor antenna may help here has well.
When using a 3G-router
- Poor or slow mobile or broadband connection
  
  A 3G router is a WLAN base station which enables the use of mobile connections in the whole coverage area of the WLAN. You can use the 3G router to improve the mobile network coverage by placing the router at a site where the reception is strongest.
  
  If this does not enhance the reception and the quality of the internet connection, you may buy affordable desk antennas to improve the functionality of the network.
  
  The most inexpensive 3G routers require a separate USB modem whereas a SIM card is sufficient for the more expensive devices. Remember to check the compatibility of your USB modem and the 3G router before you buy the router.
  
  The prices of the least expensive models start from 40 euros. Models functioning without a separate USB modem cost about 150-300 euros. 3G routers are sold by operators and stores specialised in information technology.
- There is no reception (no signal)
  
  If your mobile broadband connection does not function without a desk antenna or functions poorly even with one, you may consider buying an outdoor antenna. If you are having difficulties in making mobile calls without interruption, an outdoor antenna may help here as well.
  
  A 3G router is a WLAN base station which enables the use of mobile connections in the whole coverage area of the WLAN.

Tips for buying a desk antenna
- Tips for buying a desk antenna
  
  Desk antennas are sold by operators and stores specialised in mobile phone gear and antennas. Desk antennas cost about 20-40 euros. Salespersons will help you to choose the right kind of antenna.
  
  Remember to check the frequency ranges before you buy the antenna. You can get the information from your operator's customer service or the coverage map on the operator's web site. The antenna may only function in a certain frequency range which can be for example 900 MHz, 1800/1900 MHz or 2100 MHz. Note that your terminal device has to support the frequency range and network technology in question.
  
  The amplification is another significant feature of an antenna. The figure tells how much the antenna amplifies the mobile network signal. The level of amplification may vary between frequency ranges. The amplification of a desk antenna is typically 2–5 decibels (dB or dBi). The ground rule is that 6 decibels correspond to a distance twice as long, which means that the distance between you and the base station would be cut in half.
  
  Remember to check that you can attach the antenna to your device. If the connector of your device does not fit the antenna, there are different kinds of adaptors available. The adaptor will always weaken the signal, so it is advisable to buy a compatible antenna.
  
  An antenna cable will also weaken the signal so it is advisable to use a cable as short as possible. The ground rule is that even a 10-metre low loss cable will overrule the benefits of a desk antenna.
  
  If the mobile and broadband reception is still poor despite the desk antenna, you may consider buying an outdoor antenna. If you are having problems with your mobile broadband connection, you may consider buying an outdoor antenna straight away, especially if there is barely any mobile phone reception indoors.
  
  In case your USB modem does not have an antenna connection, use an inductive coupler to connect the antenna.
Tips for buying and installing an outdoor antenna
- Tips for buying and installing an outdoor antenna
  
  Buying an outdoor antenna
  
  Outdoor antennas are sold by operators and stores specialised in mobile phone gear and antennas. The prices of outdoor antennas range from 40 euros to more than 100 euros. Salespersons will help you to choose the right kind of antenna.
  
  Remember to check the frequency ranges before you buy the antenna. You can find the information from your operator's customer service or the coverage map on the operator's web site. Currently, most outdoor antennas function in many different frequency ranges. However, some antennas function only in a certain frequency range. Note that your terminal device has to support the frequency range and network technology in question.
  
  The amplification is another significant feature of an antenna. The figure tells how much the antenna amplifies the mobile network signal. The level of amplification may vary between frequency ranges. The amplification of directional antennas for outdoor use is typically 7–15 dB. The higher the figure, the better.
  
  Remember to check that you can attach the antenna to your device. If the connector of your device does not fit the antenna, there are different kinds of adaptors available. The adaptor will always weaken the signal, so it is advisable to buy a compatible antenna.
  
  An antenna cable will also weaken the signal so it is advisable to use a low loss cable as short as possible. The ground rule is that the total length of the cables must not exceed 15-20 metres.
  
  If you plan to use your mobile phone or broadband in winter time, it is advisable to buy an enclosed directional antenna. Enclosed antennas function better in winter because snow and ice will not stick to them as much as to rake antennas.
  
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  Installing an outdoor antenna
  
  There are antenna installation services available. The service should include the orientation and installation of the antenna. In addition, the service provider should ensure the functionality of the outdoor antenna by measurements. Antenna installation services are provided by some operators and specialised antenna installation companies.
  
  You can install an antenna yourself as the installation does not require any special skills or tools. In case you plan to install the antenna on the roof, be sure to follow detailed installation instructions.
  
  It is always recommendable to install the antenna outdoors because house structures, such as walls and windows, will weaken the signal. You can install an outdoor antenna on the wall or use the same antenna tube as you use for the tv antenna. The signal strength may vary between different installation sites, which is why you may achieve a better data transmission speed by installing the antenna on the roof instead of the wall, Note that a rake antenna should be installed by placing the antenna fingers pointing upwards, unlike when installing a tv antenna.
  
  When you install the antenna, it is important to orient it towards the base station with the precision of a couple of degrees. This is why you should find out where the nearest base station is located. Your operator can help you with this, or you can use the antenna to find out the location yourself.
  
  To find out the location of the nearest base station and to orient the antenna correctly, you will need a USB modem and a laptop. Connect the USB modem to your laptop and open the management software which reveals the signal strength. Connect the antenna to the USB modem.
  
  To orient the antenna correctly and to find out the location of the base station, turn the antenna little by little and look at the bars indicating the signal strength on the laptop screen. Remember to take your time as the software will show the quality of the signal with a few seconds' delay.
  
  You should also note that the nearest base station is not always the best one in case there are natural obstacles, such as large rocks, situated between the base station and the site of use.
  
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