How to Boost Mobile Signal in Rural Areas?

Even with the promise of the Shared Rural Network, 33% of rural buildings are still tackling inadequate indoor mobile coverage. So, it’s clear that many of you working and living in rural areas need an alternative answer now.

Back in October 2019, the government announced that a deal was struck with the four biggest UK mobile networks to invest up to £1bn into tackling mobile ‘not spots’. Or, in other words, rural areas with no signal at all. Great news, we cheered. But while this Shared Rural Network has proposed to get 4G coverage to 95% of the UK by 2025, the shocking truth is that currently:

• More than half of rural premises cannot access 4G
• Business satisfaction with connectivity is lowest in rural or remote areas
• Only 66% of the country has coverage from four operators, and
• 8% have zero coverage

Not exactly ideal, is it? And with four years to wait till the big roll out, a solution is needed now, especially for those of you making up the 3,517,000 employed in rural England. Whether you’re a hard-working farmer, a business owner running a company from converted offices, or an operations manager in a remote warehouse (and everything in-between), weak reception can negatively impact productivity and opportunities while creating untold frustrations. So, let’s explore how to increase a mobile signal in rural areas and enjoy the countryside without dreading making important calls. 

10 Ways to Increase Mobile Signal Strength in Rural Areas

Poor mobile signal can become a significant issue for people who reside in remote and rural areas. The mobile towers are far, which worsens the quality of the signals and consequently the quality of calls and messages. Read on for ideas of how to boost a mobile signal in rural areas and enjoy a stable connection even from a remote location in the UK.

Stand still during the call 

Many people tend to move around when talking on the phone, but it can actually negatively affect the quality of your call. Each time you change your location, the network needs to readjust, which puts a burden on the reception. Acquiring and keeping strong mobile signals gets more difficult when you move from place to place, so try to remain in one position for the duration of the call.

Change the way you are holding your phone

New modern phones come up with an internal antenna which makes the design more appealing but hinders people from seeing the location of the antenna. Without knowing the exact position of the antenna, you might unintentionally block with your hand when talking on the phone. Experiment with different grips and try to hold your phone with just two fingers to minimise the risk of blocking the antenna and boost mobile reception in rural areas. 

Remove the phone case

Similar to your hand grip, a phone case might also be in the way of a stable phone signal. Remove your case to compare the reception and possibly see an improvement. Alternatively, consider getting a less thick phone case that will not cause poor mobile phone signal as much. 

Step outside 

Almost every building material used in construction damages the signal quality. Wood, metal, concrete, Low-E glass, fibreglass are all notorious for causing interferences in a mobile phone signal. Stepping outside might boost a mobile signal in rural areas and improve the quality of your calls, especially in an open area with no obstructions. Beware that forests can also cause interruptions in signal quality and stability, so if you live next to a forest, try to get away from it to take an important call. 

Charge your battery

Every time your phone attempts to connect to a mobile tower, it uses its battery. When your phone battery runs low, the quality will go down. Make sure you keep your phone at least 25% charged and have your charger on you. Ensuring that your device has a full battery will give you higher chances of boosting a mobile phone signal in rural areas. 

Go higher

The higher you go, the fewer obstructions you will face when trying to make a call. Whether in a building or outside, try to find a higher position, such as another floor or a hill. Finding a higher position will improve the mobile network signal in rural areas and make your calls more enjoyable.  

Switch to WiFi

Go to your phone settings to see whether it offers WiFi calling. The vast majority of mobile providers in the UK support WiFi calling and messaging. Additionally, check out messaging apps that provide audio and video calling options. Certainly, this option only works when you have access to a strong and consistent WiFi connection, but it will boost a mobile signal in the UK rural areas. 

Find the closest mobile tower

Mobile towers are quite tall and visible from areas with little to no obstructions. Go outside and try to locate the nearest tower where you will have the best signal. As your phone tries to locate the closest mobile tower when you make a call, if you stand near it, you will dramatically increase mobile phone reception in rural areas. 

Toggle between 3G, 4G, and 5G

The last way to boost mobile coverage in rural areas is to switch between different networks. You might be much further away from a 5G tower rather than 4G, but your phone chooses the former by default. As a result, it is trying to connect to the 5G and the reception is very poor due to the distance. Toggle between different networks to see if one will function better than another. 

Consider acquiring a signal booster 

The best way to boost a mobile signal in rural areas is to install a booster. Signal boosters consist of three parts: an outside and inside antenna as well as a signal amplifier. Boosters do not create a signal; they only amplify the one you have. The antenna outside receives a signal from the nearest mobile tower and amplifies it so you can have a better, smoother, and stabler connection. 

We have the Simple Solution for Improving Indoor Mobile Signal Strength

At UCtel, we understand that rural communities need improved digital connectivity, essential for future economic prosperity, farming, construction and transport industries. Plus, with more UK holiday bookings on the increase, the tourism industry needs to ensure it’s offering better indoor mobile connectivity to guests and staff.

So, leave the past behind with Cel-Fi – a cost-effective, Ofcom-compliant mobile signal booster that’ll take your rural business from the analogue age to the new, innovative digital age. Simple to install and easy to maintain, Cel-Fi is designed to eliminate indoor dropped calls and missing signals, while improving indoor mobile data – and you just need a single bar of coverage. The antenna or unit is then installed where the mobile coverage is at its best. And all you need to do is call us at 0333 344 4417or email sales@uctel.co.uk to get started.

Final Thoughts

Rural mobile coverage might be quite poor in the UK. Whether you spend a few days at your summer house or live in the countryside, you need a consistent phone signal. Living off-grid is fun for some time, but you will need to keep in touch with friends, family, maybe even coworkers and clients. The UCtel signal booster is an ideal solution to low mobile signal problems. Contact our experts at UCtel to learn more about how to increase mobile signal strength in rural areas and get your solution.