Check Coverage

• Find out about dead spots and coverage zones before you sign a contract. Very often you can find out whether a certain address receives coverage by calling the provider directly. Ask them to check coverage on the addresses where you will most often use your phone, such as your home or place of work. Some carriers will offer better coverage than others, so shop around.
  
  If you want to access this information without dealing with customer service types, there are several online resources you can turn to. The website www.deadcellzones.com allows you to search in a regional area for customer reported dead zones. For a broader search try www.cellreception.com, which allows users to check coverage by zip code, search for cell tower locations and even search an area by individual carrier.
  
  

Location

• Your surrounding environment plays a significant role in the reception you get on your cell. Signal from the nearest tower can be disrupted by trees, hills, and buildings. Sometimes, all it takes is moving to a different area.
  
  This can be an even bigger problem indoors. Your signal may be disrupted by interference from walls, appliances, even electrical wiring. Watch your signal in different parts of the building and try spots next to windows where interference is likely to be minimal.
  
  

Power

• Your phone's ability to detect, send and receive signal is only as good as the battery that's powering it. These basic functions require power, and if your battery is low it may be the source of your trouble. To improve reception, try charging the battery, or powering off of the wall charger.
  
  If your signal is still weak after a full charge, check the battery. If the battery case is cracked, or if the battery appears warped or swollen, you need to replace it immediately. A damaged battery can cause problems that are far more inconvenient (and potentially dangerous) than poor reception.
  
  

Antenna Issues

• Like any device that sends or receives wireless signals, the position of your phone's antenna plays a key role in providing clear reception. If the antenna is not extended, or if it is bent, you'll see a resulting loss of signal. If the antenna is held at an angle, you may experience more problems as well.
  
  With most modern phones using internal antennas, the problem is more likely to be how and where you hold your phone. Covering your antenna with your hand can disrupt the signal, so check your owner's manual to learn where in the phone it is located. Also, remember to keep your phone upright.
  
  

Accessories

• If all else fails, there are several solutions offered to consumers who are willing to pay for better coverage. These solutions range from highly effective to completely useless, and range in price from $5 to thousands.
  
  As a general rule, any sticker or patch that promises to boost cell signal is a waste of money. These "solutions" can be tempting and are certainly cheaper than other options, but they do not work. If your cell phone could get measurably better performance from these devices, manufacturers would have incorporated them into the phones long ago.
  
  A reasonably priced option that does provide some improvement is the use of an external high-gain antenna. These are often available through the phone's manufacturer, or through specialty retailers. Make sure that the antenna is compatible with your model of phone, and follow the installation instructions closely. While an antenna of this sort is not able to create stronger signal, its increased sensitivity will allow you to do more with the signal you have. Many of these antennas can also be mounted on top of or outside of buildings, allowing you to avoid the many sources of interference that can be found in your home or office.
  
  Finally, you may want to try a cellular repeater. The repeater will pick up weak cell signal, then amplify and rebroadcast that signal, creating a bubble of strong clear signal in your home or office. While this solution is often the most effective, it is also the most expensive. Repeaters can cost hundreds of dollars and may offer only limited compatibility, so always research in detail to make sure you have found a device that meets your needs.