Being out of the city can feel great. Being surrounded by nature, staying in a private house, far from all the noise and stress of urban lifestyle. All of it is great, except when you notice your 4G signal being at all times low.

A poor connection can mess up many situations, both personal and business-related. Fortunately, there are several ways to go about the question of how to boost 4G signal in rural areas. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons for a poor connection and the best solutions for it.

Understanding Why the 4G Signal Is Weak in Rural Areas

Let’s figure out why rural areas tend to have poor signal before figuring out how to boost your 4G. A combination of infrastructural and geographic reasons is responsible for this issue.

The distance from cell towers is the key problem for rural connectivity. Those areas are generally farther from the closest mobile towers, which means the signal has to travel a longer distance. This, of course, means more interference. Natural barriers can also distort the signal. Those can be hills, mountains, or trees, and anything similar that can get in the way.

While towns are densely packed with towers and buildings, operators tend to cover rural areas less. There are fewer people here, so putting up and maintaining towers is not very profitable for the providers. So, what to do about it?

Solution 1: Mobile Signal Boosters

One of the most effective solutions on how to improve 4G signal in rural regions is to use mobile signal boosters. The name speaks for itself, basically: this thing will pick up a weak signal and amplify it for your use.

A booster like this typically consists of three parts: an external antenna, an amplifier, and an internal antenna that retransmits the stronger signal inside your home or car. You can buy those devices for both home and business use.

Signal boosters can be of great help. They can boos call quality and loading speed. You’ll get better use out of your network. It can help you get a better mobile performance without switching providers or replacing your phone.

There are a few main types of boosters:

• Home Boosters. Those are for small spaces, between 1,000 to 3,000 square feet.
• Vehicle Boosters. Best for those on the move, these are easy to install in cars, trucks, or RVs and are lightweight.
• Commercial-Grade Boosters. These are heavier systems for bigger buildings or offices and can reach several thousand square feet.

There are a few factors to consider if you want to pick one of those. Define your coverage area and the signal strength in your area. Also check with in with your network provider to make sure everything is compatible. 

Solution 2: Wi-Fi Calling

This might be a good option if your 4G is not up for the job. This feature will allow you to make calls, send texts, and access mobile data through a Wi-Fi connection instead of the mobile network.

It works by sending voice and text messages via your home or office network. It is useful when you have a strong Wi-Fi but weak 4G. It will help you chat without a hitch, even when your mobile reception is weak.

If your 4G signal is poor, your phone will use the Wi-Fi network automatically if you switch on this feature. It’s a good backup option that is worth keeping in mind.

Pros and cons of this solution:

• This can be great for regions with bad 4G signals. As long as you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you can make calls and load data fast, without worrying about the mobile network.
• The main limitation here is that it is dependent on the strength and reliability of your Wi-Fi. If it’s weak, then of course, it’s no better option than the 4G network.

Luckily, there are more options.

Solution 3: External Antennas

External antennas are another option you can try. You can install those on your mobile device or home router to pick up stronger signals from the nearest cell towers. 

Those antennas will get you a better signal reception. They are particularly useful in improving signal strength where the 4G signal is weak but not completely non-existent.

These antennas work by improving the capacity of the mobile network to identify your device from a greater distance. If your workplace or home is surrounded by buildings or natural obstacles that hinder signals, an external antenna can help. They are a good solution paired with other devices, like mobile boosters, that we discussed previously.

You’ll need to locate an antenna in an optimal reception zone, like a roof or a window, pointing towards the direction of the nearest cell tower. The placement could vary according to the device and the model of antenna. It comes with manuals, so those will have more extensive instructions for each particular model.

Solution 4: Changing to a Better Network Provider

If you’re still dealing with poor 4G reception despite trying everything above, it may just be time to consider switching to another network provider. Some offer better coverage in rural areas, while others might have limited access to these regions.

To get a network provider with better rural coverage, look at coverage maps, read customer feedback, and ask your neighbours about their experience. You can also check the website of the provider or call up their customer care to check their coverage in your area. In this way, you’ll be able to get the most detailed information for your specific location.

Conclusion

Though rural areas often suffer from weak 4G signals, there are several choices available to improve your connection. From Wi-Fi calling and mobile signal repeaters to external antennas and changing carriers, they can strengthen your 4G signal.

When choosing which option to go with, consider the specific requirements of your area, the cost, and the type of coverage. With the right tools installed, you can significantly improve your experience, no matter where you are.