Avoiding Mobile Phone Coverage Problems

For most of us living in the UK, mobile phone coverage is not a daily problem. Particularly in built-up areas it is not uncommon to enjoy coverage from all the major mobile phone networks. On the other hand, for people who live in rural areas, coverage can be a decisive factor in choosing a mobile phone provider. It can be more difficult to find up to the minute information regarding network coverage than it is to find information about the latest tariffs offered by a provider, although a thorough search of any provider's website will reveal a coverage map. To make the search easier, there are several websites with links to coverage maps for each of the major UK network providers. It is important to note that not all coverage checkers work in the same way. Some operators will show the results for indoor and outdoor coverage whilst others will only display information about the outdoor coverage available. There is also no guarantee that information provided by a coverage map will be perfectly accurate; it is useful to ask friends who live in your area whether they experience problems with their mobile phones. If you are certain that your network covers your area but you are experiencing problems using your mobile phone at home, there are a few things you can do to maximise the chances of receiving a signal. Vodafone offers a device that boosts mobile coverage via your broadband connection, called a "femtocell". A similar product called a "signal boost" is available on Orange handsets, and many other providers allow you to transmit data across a home network provided the handset is Wi-Fi enabled - although this feature is not always available so you should check with your provider. There are significant risks associated with signing up to a mobile phone network without first making absolutely certain that there is coverage in your area. Many mobile phone contracts are 24 months long, and it is possible to waste a great deal of money by failing to check coverage before you sign a contract. Although using a coverage checking tool can be helpful, you should double check your findings by ordering a pay as you go SIM card for your intended network before signing a contract. This way you can test the SIM card in an existing handset to ensure there is good reception in your workplace and at home.