A reliable mobile network is essential for digital experiences. This is a must-have that can provide local signal amplification. However, even with the latest equipment, the latest update, and EE signal booster (EE is the UK’s largest and fastest mobile network, covering 99% of the population and 90% of the land), one may still encounter unsatisfactory signal quality. The reason for this may turn out to be trivial, but no less problematic — the distance to the mobile tower.
The uSwitch survey confirms that distance matters. They found that 27% of respondents had to move to another room to get decent phone reception, and 14% had to go outside their homes. Imagine that, during the winter holidays, you find yourself in a remote cottage. However, such locations can have a drawback: your EE signal may be elusive, requiring you to investigate the complexities and discover resolutions. Read on to find out why your mobile reception isn’t working or if there’s a way to fix it.
Table: Signal Attenuation
Imagine your signal as a musical note played by a distant tower. The farther you are, the more likely the notes will distort, turning music into cacophony. In rural expanses, where towers are sparse, the challenge intensifies. Equally, within urban jungles or behind concrete walls, cellular reception distortion takes centre stage.
| Distance from Tower: | Signal Strength |
| Proximity | High (0.25 miles (0.4 km) to 1 mile (1.61 km)) |
| Intermediate-Range | Moderate (1 to 3 miles (ca. 5 km)) |
| Farther Away | Low (25 miles (ca. 40 km)) |
How to Discover Your Proximity to EE Towers?
Determining the distance from your location to the nearest EE signal tower may seem complicated, don’t worry, here are a few tools and tricks to help you answer the question:
- Firstly, mobile apps like “Network Cell Info Lite” or “OpenSignal” utilise your device’s GPS and reception data to pinpoint nearby towers, providing an estimated distance.
- Another nifty hack involves dialling a specific code — *3001#12345#* — on your iPhone or using *#0011# on Android devices to access the service mode, revealing valuable information about the quality of the wireless connection, including the tower’s direction and rough distance. For the service mode code for EE connection, wikiHow explains how to use the code to access the hidden menu on your phone and view the signal information, such as the cell ID, the reception strength, and the direction of the tower.
For the tech-savvy explorers, investing in cellular reception strength metres or antennas with signal locators can provide precise distance measurements to EE towers, allowing you to strategically position yourself for optimal connection reception.
What Problems Poor Cellular Reception Quality Can Cause
Before you brush off signal hiccups as mere inconveniences, consider their domino effect. Dropped calls during crucial conversations, sluggish data speeds making you miss deadlines, or crackling voices turning meetings into a garbled mess — these are the by-products of a weakened cellular reception. Stats aren’t forgiving either; dissatisfied customers due to signal issues are as prevalent as rainy days in London.
A report by OpenSignal, a mobile analytics company, ranked the UK 36th out of 87 countries in terms of 4G availability in 2019, with an average score of 84.7%. The report shows the UK’s average 4G download speed was 22.37 Mbps, which was below the global average of 26.12 Mbps.
What Solutions You Can Try to Boost Your Signal Strength
With all the complexity of modern technologies, the solution to the problem of poor mobile signal is simple, but effective — these are EE signal amplifiers. For a more personalised answer, consider an arsenal of advanced solutions such as signal boosters or external antennas. The first one acts as an amplifier, boosting your existing wireless connection, while the second one transmits the signal to your device via cable.
Signal Booster vs. External Antenna
Let’s differentiate between these technological alternatives. A signal booster for EE devices, with which UCtel has proven itself well, amplifies the existing wireless connection and provides a more potent rendition in a specific area. On the other hand, an external antenna plays the role of a vigilant sentry, capturing the signal directly from the tower and linking it to your device through a cable. Each has its merits and demerits, and the choice boils down to your unique needs. While you’re thinking, here are some recommendations:
- Move closer to a window. Simple yet effective.
- Adjust network settings. Explore different frequencies.
- Update software — it ensures your device operates optimally.
- Invest in a signal booster — to amplify your wireless reception reach.
- Install an external antenna — to direct connection to the tower.
Lifewire provides 10 more tips for how to improve EE cell signal reception and strength on your iPhone or Android smartphone.
Comparison Table: Signal Booster vs. External Antenna
| Solution: | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Signal Booster | Magnifies your signal, casting a wider net of connectivity. | Amplifies existing signals, effective for larger areas. | Costlier, may require installation. |
| External Antenna | Fetches wireless connection directly, offering a more targeted boost. | Precise phone reception capture, useful in specific locations. | Needs setup, less effective in heavily congested areas. |
Conclusion
In summary, your EE signal’s Achilles’ heel, distance from the tower, is a disadvantage, but they can compensate for it by using an EE signal amplifier or powerful antenna. The choice, depending on your specific circumstances of its application, is yours. It is important that the result will be unchanged: faster data streams, voices clear as crystal, and a phone battery that outlasts your busiest days. You deserve that, and it’s within reach. Take action, whether it’s tweaking settings or exploring these advanced solutions. Don’t let a wavering signal clip ruin your day; open EE’s full potential.
Take a step beyond frustration; try the suggested solutions or reach out to EE’s dedicated customer service, for example, to a specialist from UCtel. Your connectivity conundrum might just find its resolution.