Testing cell signal strength

[LHB_Texas]

Trying to figure out if there is a 'relatively' simple way to determine which cell service has the best signal in my area. I've been using Straight Talk (CDMA) running on Verizon network for several years. I have property in Milam Co. Texas. Signal has always been weak but passable. I installed a booster in my metal building, and that seemed to help quite a bit. Actually had a stronger signal inside than out. In the past couple of months, the signal (both inside and out) has degraded substantially. Where I was getting 3-4 bars inside, I'm now lucky to get 2. Outside, it's worse. Seem to still be able to text, but phone calls keep dropping. It would be great if I could have devices that used all 3 of the majors (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) so I could check which worked best, but not feasible to do that. Coverage maps all show coverage in my area, but I think those are just too unreliable. Don't account for terrain, etc. I don't suppose there's a device that can detect signal from each carrier to figure out which is the strongest. At this point it's almost like I'd have to buy a pre-paid plan from each provider for test purposes, and then dump all but the best. Of course then there's a problem with needing to have a compatible phone, plus the cost involved. I think that Straight Talk and any of these other providers that use the major networks get reduced strength relative to plans provided directly by that carrier. Wondering if I got a true Verizon plan if it would be better. Is there anything out there that provides a more precise indication of signal in a specific location rather than just generalized for a larger area. Lots of text to get to the point... What process has anybody used to figure out which service provided best signal for their specific location? Hit or miss? Just keep switching service 'till you find the best? That could get expensive, plus all the number porting. Looking for ideas. Thanks.

 

[Roadworthy]

The number of bars observed is a relative indication of signal strength and varies by phone manufacturer. If you go into your phone's settings your can get the actual signal strength in dB. That will vary by phone, carrier, and location. If you're using a CDMA phone I'm sure you're aware that's going away in favor of GSM. 5G is mostly hype for remote locations - 4G was never really fully implemented. I went with BOOM due to the lower rates on Verizon coverage as Verizon seems to be the only GSM carrier I can use in this area. BOOM also has plans for people wanting to use AT&T or T Mobile. They have SIM cards for all three carriers and may be willing to let you experiment. It could be worth a try. boom! MOBILE Better Cellular, Transparent Prices, No Contracts

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

You could ask neighbors in your area what service they use and also before committing to a service they should be able to tell you how much signal you'll get.

 

[arto98607]

This may not help you much, but I will post my experience regarding weak signal anyway:

We live in a small valley, surrounded by hills on three sides and cell tower signals are blocked to almost nothing - luckily we have had a Comcast underground cable (for internet only) over 15 years now and finally year ago we switched to their mobile phone service.

It is using our WiFi connection for mobile phone around the house & yard and it works well.

It switches to regular cellular service as soon as we leave the valley.

I am not promoter of Comcast at all, but where we have lived for the past 30 years, it's been the best option so far for our internet connection and mobile phone. We do not have other wired internet providers, only a satellite option.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I also live in a rural area. Several of the cellular carriers around here have a "try before you buy" policy where they let you try a phone to see if it works where you use it most. You might ask your local carriers about this.

 

[mrmikey]

I changed carriers for the same reason. I went from Virgin (Bell) to Koodo (Telus) and get the exact same worthless coverage. I have to use Wifi in the house but outside I'm lucky if I get one bar. I tried using the phone with no wifi and there's only one spot I get reception and even there I have to lean over my kitchen sink and not move. Dropped calls, missed texts, no picture downloads etc.
Come to find out after installing a cell strength program that also highlights the towers used, they both have the same tower.

 

[lman]

You could check this site out.

Cellular Tower and Signal Map

CellMapper is a crowd-sourced cellular tower and coverage mapping service.

www.cellmapper.net

 

[arto98607]

I changed carriers for the same reason. I went from Virgin (Bell) to Koodo (Telus) and get the exact same worthless coverage. I have to use Wifi in the house but outside I'm lucky if I get one bar. I tried using the phone with no wifi and there's only one spot I get reception and even there I have to lean over my kitchen sink and not move. Dropped calls, missed texts, no picture downloads etc.
Come to find out after installing a cell strength program that also highlights the towers used, they both have the same tower.

There are WiFi extenders that can make a big improvement both inside and outside the house.

I use Netgear Orbi RBK 13 router/WiFi with three "satellites" and it's pretty good low cost setup.
One of the satellites is in my shop.

There are better units for sure for those willing to pay more.

 

[old and tired]

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verizon just sucks now, it used to have good service but now, I can not work at our remote location. We signed up to try T-mobile; test drive. We'll see over Labor Day if it works.

 

[oosik]

AT&T is my cell phone provider. I've tried Verizon and T-Mobile. They are all about the same. I have a hunch that all three come off the same tower in our little town.

I very rural. On a good day 2 and a half bars. Otherwise - less and even zero.

 

[denchen]

I understand that leaves on trees will cut down signal strength. Perhaps a look to see where the transmitter is, then check if any trees are in the way might be the easy way to go.

 

[oosik]

If I have a really important call to make. Bite the bullet - drive into town where I will get four bars.

And "they" say technology is improving our life - HA!!!! Technology can be a REAL PITA.

 

[SouthernSky]

I understand that leaves on trees will cut down signal strength. Perhaps a look to see where the transmitter is, then check if any trees are in the way might be the easy way to go.

I have a 300’ tower less than 1/2 mile from me. It is nothing but woods between me and the tower. I’m positive I’m on that tower, but I only get 1-2 bars at best. So I don’t know if my issue is woods or if I’m just too close to the tower and the cell signal is broadcast out above me.

I miss the 3 watt bag phone. These new phones are .6 watt

 

[denchen]

I have a 300’ tower less than 1/2 mile from me. It is nothing but woods between me and the tower. I’m positive I’m on that tower, but I only get 1-2 bars at best. So I don’t know if my issue is woods or if I’m just too close to the tower and the cell signal is broadcast out above me.

I miss the 3 watt bag phone. These new phones are .6 watt

It might be an idea to stand in a fixed spot and check the signal strength. Then later when the leaves fall, go to the same spot and check again, and perhaps after a good rain [wet leaves]. If the signal is affected by the trees, I would guess all networks would suffer the same. 1/2 mile, you should have a good signal, I would have thought.

 

[Torvy]

We have had Verizon for years. Before that, we briefly had AT&T. Part of our decision on what property to buy was that we could get a good signal. We are 7 miles from the nearest town and about 15 from a big highway.

You should not need to switch phones for a new carrier, but ymmv.

I'd prefer to have a different carrier, but we haven't had problems with Verizon.

 

[SouthernSky]

It might be an idea to stand in a fixed spot and check the signal strength. Then later when the leaves fall, go to the same spot and check again, and perhaps after a good rain [wet leaves]. If the signal is affected by the trees, I would guess all networks would suffer the same. 1/2 mile, you should have a good signal, I would have thought.

I tried that last winter but it was before they upgraded the antennas on the tower. The 4GLTE antennas don’t actually have 360 degree coverage, more like 320, and I’m in the open spot between radiuses.

 

[ponytug]

I have a 300’ tower less than 1/2 mile from me. It is nothing but woods between me and the tower. I’m positive I’m on that tower, but I only get 1-2 bars at best. So I don’t know if my issue is woods or if I’m just too close to the tower and the cell signal is broadcast out above me.

I miss the 3 watt bag phone. These new phones are .6 watt

I have put cell phone amplifiers in my cars a couple of times. That bumps you up to 5W for some units. That really makes a difference.

All the best,

Peter

 

[techman]

try the phone app Network Cell Info Lite. It will tell you the signal strength of the connected cell.

paul

 

[SouthernSky]

My average is between -101 and -115db. I test all the time, the lower number during the winter months when the oaks have shed their leaves.

 

[TheMan419]

I changed carriers for the same reason. I went from Virgin (Bell) to Koodo (Telus) and get the exact same worthless coverage. I have to use Wifi in the house but outside I'm lucky if I get one bar. I tried using the phone with no wifi and there's only one spot I get reception and even there I have to lean over my kitchen sink and not move. Dropped calls, missed texts, no picture downloads etc.
Come to find out after installing a cell strength program that also highlights the towers used, they both have the same tower.

We put up a point to point system to get internet out to our barn. The receiving end is actually an outdoor wifi extender like this https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wire...8228&sprefix=out+door+wifi,aps,90&sr=8-3&th=1

It would need to be hardwired into your router but would give good coverage for several hundred feet around its location. Ours is about 300 feet from the house and it gives good signal back at the house. So we have a nice Wifi island around the barn. It also has an ethernet port on it so we drop the signal into the metal building and use it in there for security cameras.

Once I get around to setting up the outside cameras on the house they will all "see" that device and use it to connect to my network.