mobile phone signal
Changing mobile phone service providers is quicker and easier than ever before – but you need to make sure you will get a good mobile phone signal from the new provider at home, work, college, wherever you use your phone regularly.
The strength of the mobile phone signal can vary depending on location and orientation – how near the provider’s aerial mast is, and what is between you and it – trees, buildings, metal structures etc., the weather and what technology the provider has in that area 2G, 2.5G, 3G etc.
You may have a good signal from your current network but you can’t assume the same for all networks.
Mobile phone signal problems
Ofcom has published a guide on what to consider when choosing a new mobile phone network and how to assess signal strength.
It tells you what to do before you buy a new phone, and reccomends online mobile phone signal strength checkers.
Every mobile network has a signal checker on their website which gives an indication of 2G (voice and text) and 3G (mobile broadband) coverage by postcode location.
There is also information on boosting the mobile signal strength in a building, and possible solutions to signal strength issues when travelling.
For more detail click here for the Ofcom mobile phone signal guide[pdf].