Boosting Signal for Better Video Calls in Remote Locations

In New Zealand, as remote work and digital communications become more common, many people are finding themselves relying on mobile phones for video calls. However, a weak or inconsistent mobile signal can often lead to frustrating video call experiences. If you live in a remote area or travel frequently to places with poor mobile signal coverage, the quality of your video calls can be greatly impacted.

In this article, we’ll explore how mobile signal boosters can improve your video calling experience, especially in New Zealand’s more isolated regions. We’ll dive into why signal strength matters, how boosters work, and the best ways to choose and set them up.

Why Video Calls Can Be Difficult in Remote Locations

Remote locations in New Zealand, such as rural farms, coastal towns, or mountainous regions, often experience weak mobile signals. This can cause several issues during video calls:

1. Lag or delay: A poor signal can result in delays, causing a lag between what is said and seen on the screen.
2. Poor video quality: Without a stable signal, your video quality may drop, making it hard to see facial expressions clearly.
3. Dropped calls: In areas with low coverage, calls can be suddenly dropped or disconnected without warning.
4. Audio issues: Weak signals can cause distorted or unclear sound, leading to communication breakdowns.

Fortunately, a mobile signal booster can help solve these problems. But first, let’s understand how signal strength works.

Understanding Mobile Signal Strength

Mobile signals are transmitted by cell towers that broadcast signals in specific coverage areas. These towers use radio frequencies to send and receive data from your mobile phone. However, in remote areas, signals can be weak for a few reasons:

1. Distance from cell towers: The farther you are from a cell tower, the weaker the signal will be.
2. Obstructions: Mountains, forests, and tall buildings can block signals, leading to low reception.
3. Interference: Weather, electronic devices, and even buildings can interfere with the mobile signal.

Mobile signal strength is measured in decibels (dBm), with higher numbers indicating stronger signals. A signal strength of -50 dBm is excellent, while -120 dBm is considered weak or poor.

What is a Mobile Signal Booster?

A mobile signal booster, also known as a signal repeater or mobile phone amplifier, is a device designed to improve mobile signal strength. It works by capturing weak signals from outside, amplifying them, and then broadcasting the boosted signal inside your home or workplace.

Here’s how a typical signal booster system works:

1. Outside antenna: The external antenna captures weak signals from nearby cell towers.
2. Amplifier: The signal is passed to the amplifier, which increases its strength.
3. Inside antenna: The amplified signal is sent to the interior antenna, which broadcasts the stronger signal within the building.

This process can drastically improve the quality of your mobile signal, allowing you to enjoy clearer calls and better video call experiences.

Benefits of Using a Mobile Signal Booster for Video Calls

1. Improved Call Quality: With a stronger signal, you’ll experience fewer dropped calls and clearer audio. This is essential for maintaining smooth communication during video calls.
2. Stable Video: Stronger mobile signals help maintain stable video quality, preventing pixelation and buffering.
3. Better Connection Speed: Mobile signal boosters enhance data speeds, allowing for faster uploads and downloads during video calls.
4. Enhanced Productivity: If you work remotely, a reliable mobile signal ensures you can attend meetings, collaborate with teams, and communicate efficiently.
5. Stronger Signal Range: In New Zealand’s remote areas, where signals are often weak, a mobile signal booster can provide coverage in places you never thought possible.

Types of Mobile Signal Boosters

There are different types of mobile signal boosters available. Each type serves a unique purpose, and choosing the right one depends on the size of the area you want to cover and the strength of the existing signal.

1. Home Signal Boosters

These are designed for residential use. Home signal boosters are ideal for boosting signals in small to medium-sized homes or offices. They are simple to set up and are often used by people in rural or suburban areas.

2. Vehicle Signal Boosters

If you spend a lot of time driving in remote areas, a vehicle signal booster can help maintain a strong signal while on the road. These are portable devices that plug into your car’s power supply and boost signals as you travel.

3. Commercial Signal Boosters

For businesses or larger homes, commercial signal boosters offer more power and coverage. These systems are suitable for larger areas, such as farms or remote offices, where multiple rooms or buildings need improved signal strength.

4. Outdoor Signal Boosters

For areas with significant interference or poor outdoor signal reception, outdoor signal boosters are the best option. These systems typically include large external antennas that capture weak signals from a greater distance.

How to Choose the Right Mobile Signal Booster for Better Video Calls

Choosing the right mobile signal booster can be a challenge, but there are several factors to consider that can guide your decision:

1. Check the Signal Strength in Your Area

Before purchasing a signal booster, check the signal strength in your location. Some mobile network providers offer apps that show signal strength maps, or you can use websites to check the strength in your area. This information will help you select a booster that matches your needs.

2. Consider the Coverage Area

The size of the area you need to cover is another key factor. If you need a booster for a single room or small area, a home booster should suffice. However, if you need to cover a larger area, like a farm or a multi-story building, you may need a more powerful system.

3. Compatibility with Mobile Networks

Ensure that the mobile signal booster you choose is compatible with your network provider. Some boosters work with all major networks, while others may be specific to a particular carrier. In New Zealand, the main mobile network providers include Spark, ONE.NZ, and 2degrees.

4. Installation Process

Our signal boosters are easy to install and can be done by yourself, while others may require professional installation. To make the installation process easy and quick, our signal boosters come with detailed instructions and our boosters automatically adjust itself to provide you with the improved signal.

5. Budget

Signal boosters come in a wide price range. While cheaper options may work for smaller areas or low-strength signals, higher-quality boosters will be more effective in challenging environments. Balance your needs with your budget to choose the right option.

How to Set Up a Mobile Signal Booster

Setting up a mobile signal booster involves a few simple steps. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:

1. Find the Best Location for the Outside Antenna

The outside antenna needs to be placed where it can pick up the strongest available signal. This is usually on the roof or an elevated spot. Aim the antenna towards the nearest mobile tower for the best signal.

2. Install the Amplifier

Place the amplifier inside the building, close to the area where you need signal improvement. It should be connected to the outside antenna with a cable.

3. Install the Inside Antenna

The inside antenna should be installed in the area where you need the boosted signal. It should be placed as far as possible from the outside antenna to prevent interference.

4. Connect Everything

Once the antennas and amplifier are in place, connect the cables. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for optimal setup.

5. Test the Signal

After setting up, test the signal strength in the area you want to improve. Use your phone to check call quality, video streaming, and internet speeds. If needed, adjust the positioning of the antennas for better results.

Top Mobile Signal Boosters for Video Calls in New Zealand

Here are some of the best mobile signal boosters available in New Zealand for improving your video call experience:

1. Micro Boost 4G Signal Booster

The Micro Boost 4G Signal Booster is a high-performance signal booster that works with all major New Zealand carriers. It can cover medium-sized homes and significantly improve signal strength for video calls, internet browsing, and voice calls.

2. Ultra Boost 4G Signal Booster

Mobile Signal Guru’s Ultra Boost 4G Signal Booster that can cover large areas of up to 1500 square meters. It’s perfect for rural homes and offices in New Zealand, providing a stronger signal for video calls in remote locations.

Final Thoughts

In New Zealand’s remote areas, poor mobile signal strength can disrupt video calls, but a mobile signal booster can solve this problem. Whether you’re working from home, attending virtual meetings, or staying connected with friends and family, boosting your mobile signal will ensure clearer, more stable video calls.

By carefully selecting and installing the right signal booster, you can enjoy better communication and productivity. When choosing a mobile signal booster, remember to consider the coverage area, compatibility with your network provider, and ease of installation.

If you’re tired of dropped calls and poor video quality in remote locations, a mobile signal booster may be the solution you need. Boost your signal and enjoy smooth, hassle-free video calls today!