Updated May 2024:
Do you have poor Wi-Fi coverage inside your home due to low signal or interference from other nearby Wi-Fi routers? How about poor wireless cell phone coverage at home due to wireless carriers having trouble locating their cellular transmission antennas, towers and poles in residential neighborhoods? Resident complaints that cell towers will decrease property values or become eyesores within the landscape have persuaded elected officials to deny the permits needed to construct new cell sites.
Fortunately there are a few solutions that will improve Wi-Fi and wireless cell coverage in the home and other small-to-medium size buildings where coverage is weak.
Wi-Fi coverage
Wi-Fi provides wireless coverage around your home so your computers, mobile devices, and IoT devices such as wireless cameras, streaming media devices and smart speakers can access the internet. Wi-Fi technology has evolved over the years allowing manufacturers to produce more powerful Wi-Fi routers, range extenders and mesh network devices that increase range, speed and reduce “dead spots” within the home or office. See: Is it time to replace your Wi-Fi?
Wireless cell phone coverage
All major wireless carriers now offer Wi-Fi Calling, which is available on the newest smartphones. Wi-Fi Calling uses the existing Wi-Fi connection in your home to connect your phone to the wireless cellular network through your home broadband internet connection. When connected, calls and text messages will typically be as clear and reliable as your Wi-Fi connection.
Alternatively, the carriers also offer a device that connects to your home broadband internet connection which improves the wireless signal to cell phones located nearby. Each carrier has their own branded device – links for the individual carrier’s femtocell offerings follow:
The advantage of Wi-Fi Calling vs. getting a booster/extender is there is no cost to enable Wi-Fi Calling. A booster/extender can cost up to a few hundred dollars, however carriers will sometimes discount or fully subsidize the cost for the device for their more profitable customers.
If you have bad wireless cell phone coverage when out of your home, sometimes switching cellular service providers may be your best option. In the Reno area the Verizon network has the most cell towers, followed by T-Mobile, AT&T and Dish. Source.
Computer Techs can help with the setup of new Wi-Fi devices, Wi-Fi Calling on your smartphone or a booster/extender – just contact us to setup an appointment.