Why Signal Strength Drops Inside Buildings and How to Fix It

In today’s world, having a reliable mobile signal is very essential. We use our mobile phones for calls, texting, accessing social media, and, most significantly, accessing the internet. However, many people in the Netherlands experience weak mobile signals inside buildings, which is very frustrating. Mobile signal strength drops, call disruptions, and slow internet are common problems in many buildings across Netherlands. But why does signal strength drops inside buildings, and what can be done to fix it?

Understanding Mobile Signal Strength

Mobile phones connect to cell towers to provide services like voice calls, texting, and internet. The closer you are to the tower, the stronger the signal your phone receives. However, several factors can weaken this connection inside the buildings. The good news is that these issues can be fixed with the right solutions.

Why Signal Strength Drops Inside Buildings

Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand exactly why mobile signals tend to weaken when you’re inside a building. Mobile signals are affected by various factors that range from structural issues to environmental influences.

Impact of Building Materials

Modern buildings are made from materials that can block or absorb mobile signals. Walls, floors, and windows made from concrete, steel, and glass can cause significant interference. These materials prevent signals from traveling freely from the outside to your phone inside the building.

Types of materials that block signals include:

• Concrete and Cement: These materials are particularly strong barriers to signal transmission.
• Steel and Aluminum: These metals reflect and absorb signals.
• Windows with Low-E Glass: These windows have coatings that reflect heat, and they can also reflect mobile signals.
• Brick and Stone: These are common in older buildings and can severely weaken signals.

If your building is constructed with a combination of these materials, your phone might struggle to find a reliable signal.

The Effect of Distance from Cell Towers

The further you are from a mobile tower, the weaker the signal will be. In urban areas, towers are often closer, so the signal strength is usually better. However, in rural or suburban areas in the Netherlands, mobile towers might be located farther away, meaning the signal strength when it reaches your building is weaker.

Buildings situated in valleys, behind mountains, or other geographic barriers also face weaker reception. In these cases, the signal can be significantly degraded before it reaches you.

Obstructions Inside the Building

The layout of the building and the number of obstructions inside it can further reduce the quality of your mobile signal. Large buildings with many walls, floors, and internal structures can create a maze for the signal to travel through. Signals are naturally weaker when they need to pass through multiple obstructions.

Electronic Interference

Electronic devices can emit electromagnetic waves that interfere with your phone’s ability to receive a mobile signal. Microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, and other appliances often cause interference. They create additional electromagnetic noise that affects mobile reception.

Network Congestion

Network congestion happens when too many people use the same cell tower, especially in busy areas. If you’re in a crowded area like a shopping mall or during peak times in the city, the network can become overwhelmed. This results in slower internet speeds, call drops, and poor signal strength.

Weather Conditions

Weather can also impact your mobile signal and cause signal strength drops inside the buildings. Rain, snow, and fog can absorb or scatter signals, especially at higher frequencies used by 4G and 5G networks. While this is a temporary issue, it can still cause problems for your connection.

Solutions to Solve Mobile Signal Strength Drops Inside Buildings Issue

Mobile Signal Boosters: The Best Solution

A mobile signal booster is the most effective solution for solving your mobile signal strength drops issues inside a building. Signal boosters work by capturing the weak signal from outside, amplifying it, and transmitting it inside.

These devices are designed to handle different types of mobile networks, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and even 5G, which makes them highly versatile.

Types of Signal Boosters

1. Cellular Signal Boosters: These are designed to enhance the mobile voice and data signal for all carriers in the Netherlands, including KPN, Vodafone, and Odido.
2. Wi-Fi Calling Boosters: If you have Wi-Fi calling enabled, these devices can help you make calls using your internet connection when the mobile signal is weak.
3. 4G and 5G Boosters: With the rise of 5G, many mobile signal boosters now support 5G bands. If you’re in an area with 5G infrastructure, this booster ensures you can enjoy faster internet speeds.

How Signal Boosters Work

• External Antenna: The external antenna captures the mobile signal from outside the building.
• Amplifier: The captured signal is sent to the amplifier, which increases the strength.
• Internal Antenna: The amplified signal is transmitted inside the building, improving coverage across various rooms.

A good mobile signal booster will cover a range of sizes, from small apartments to large office buildings. The coverage area will depend on the model, so it’s important to choose one that suits the size of your property.

Why are Mobile Signal Boosters Effective?

• Enhanced Coverage: Signal boosters can cover a wide area, ensuring that no part of your building is left with a weak signal.
• Improved Call Quality: With a stronger signal, your calls are clearer, and you are less likely to experience dropped calls.
• Faster Data Speeds: Signal boosters increase data transfer rates, allowing you to enjoy seamless internet browsing, streaming, and downloading.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Signal Booster

• Carrier Compatibility: Make sure the mobile signal booster works with your mobile carrier. Most boosters are designed to work with all major carriers in the Netherlands.
• Coverage Area: Choose a booster with the appropriate coverage for your home or office. Larger buildings need more powerful models.
• Frequency Band Support: Different mobile networks use different frequencies. Ensure that the booster supports the frequencies your carrier uses for 3G, 4G, or 5G.

Reposition Your Phone and Router

Sometimes, simply moving around your home or office can help improve the signal. Try the following:

• Near a Window: If possible, move your phone near a window. The signal tends to be stronger when there is less interference from walls.
• Avoid Electronic Interference: Move away from microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and other electronic devices that can interfere with your mobile signal.
• Router Placement: If you’re using Wi-Fi calling, make sure your router is placed centrally in the building, away from thick walls or obstacles.

Wi-Fi Calling for Better Reception

If your mobile signal is weak but you have a good Wi-Fi connection, consider enabling Wi-Fi calling. Many modern phones support Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make calls over your internet connection instead of relying solely on mobile networks.

This feature is especially useful for people living in areas with poor mobile coverage but reliable internet.

Use a Small Cell (Femto Cell)

A femto cell is a small, personal mobile tower that connects to your home internet. It creates its own mobile network within your home, allowing your phone to connect directly to the femto cell for better signal strength.

Femto cells are ideal for areas with persistent signal issues. However, they do require a stable internet connection to function properly.

Improve Building Layout and Materials

If you’re planning to build or renovate, consider using materials that are more signal-friendly. For instance, lightweight materials like drywall are better for signal transmission compared to concrete or steel. Additionally, designing open spaces with large windows can help signal flow throughout the building.

Contact Your Carrier

If the mobile signal issues persist despite using a booster, it’s a good idea to contact your mobile carrier. They might be able to adjust the network in your area, recommend more specific boosters, or provide solutions that are better suited to your needs.

Carriers in the Netherlands like KPN, Vodafone, and Odido have customer service departments that specialize in addressing mobile signal concerns.

Conclusion

The mobile signal strength drops inside buildings are common in the Netherlands, but they don’t have to be a permanent problem. By using mobile signal boosters, optimizing placement, and considering solutions like femto cells and Wi-Fi calling, you can improve both call quality and internet speed.

Mobile signal boosters are a reliable and cost-effective solution for most people. They provide a simple way to amplify weak signals, ensuring better coverage across your home or office. By investing in the right booster and following best practices for installation, you can significantly enhance your mobile experience indoors.

If you’re facing persistent issues with mobile signal in your building, reach out to Mobile Signal Guru. We specialize in providing expert solutions and the latest technology to boost your mobile signal and ensure you stay connected.