Let’s admit it. While mobile phones have changed the way we do things now, they may have other influences in our daily lives that we are not aware of. Twenty years ago, it was not easy to deal with your customers while picking up some essential items at the grocery store. Or you couldn’t even connect to your colleagues from the office for an important matter while caring for your sick child or parents. In other words, mobile phones gave a new meaning to the term “multitasking.”
But problems occur when we experience weak signals, slow data speeds, or dropped calls. Thankfully, boosting coverage for mobile phones is now possible. However, not all cell signal boosters are created equal. So, consider these factors when buying to avoid wasting your hard-earned money:
1. Determine the Signal Strength Outdoors First
You have to know how strong the outside signal is at home or in your office. Keep in mind that the signal may become weaker when you’re inside a building due to the construction materials used. Fortunately for new buildings, signals can easily penetrate thick building walls due to the requirements of IFC 510. Meaning, all building owners and contractors should install in-building radio coverage for emergency responders.
Go outside and see if the signal improves. If you have a stronger signal, you know where the issue is coming from. Possible reasons for weak signals outdoors could be the proximity of towers, other obstructions like trees, mountains, weather, other buildings, and your carrier.
2. Where Will You Install the Signal Booster?
Find out if your entire office or home has a weak signal problem in general. See if only a particular area in your building needs a cellular amplifier since signal boosters are designed for all kinds of space. For example, if your space (basement, single office, apartment, home-based office) is about 150 square feet to 1,500 square feet, 4G is perfect.
See here for more info about indoor cellular coverage solutions.
3. 5G Compatibility
When you’re looking to boost mobile signal in a large commercial space, amplifying 4G LTE is most likely the top choice. But why not enhance your indoor cellular coverage through a solution that works with 5G as well? For a modern business to thrive, you need to think of the future, not just meet today’s demands.
With a 5G signal booster, you will end signal issues caused by trees, buildings, or other obstructions. It works by boosting the outdoor signal into your building to have faster data speeds, better voice quality, and reliable signals.
4. Highest Gain in Decibels
Look at your dual-sim smartphones. DO you notice that one might have three bars while the other has one bar even with the same signal strength? Avoid using this as a basis when choosing a mobile signal booster. Instead, go with decibels (dB) Gain.
The higher the positive number Gain booster, the stronger the signal. So, +70dB is better than +60dB because it adds more Gain to signal strength. Be aware, though, because a negative number such as -80dBm is higher than -90dBm (Decibel Milliwatts) since the first one is closer to zero.
5. Compliant with FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) changed its guidelines and policies regarding the manufacturing and use of mobile phone signal amplifiers. Make sure that you choose a mobile booster that is certified, permitted, and compliant with all the regulations and guidelines by the FCC. You may visit the FCC website for updates on new compliances before you make your purchase.
Remember
Whether you need connectivity for your business or home, you want a stable connection and no dropped calls. If you believe you still need help after reading the guide above, consider working with professional installers to help you find practical solutions, such as Diversified Electronics mobile coverage. They are your go-to people since they have vast experience, understand cell towers, and know the tools.