Home News Forum Articles
  Welcome back Join CF
You are here You are here: Home | Forum | Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most of the discussions, articles and other free features. By joining our Virgin Media community you will have full access to all discussions, be able to view and post threads, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload your own images/photos, and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please join our community today.


Welcome to Cable Forum
Go Back   Cable Forum > Virgin Media Services > Virgin & O2 Mobile Service

Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.
Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 16-09-2020, 13:08   #1
heavyside
cf.geek
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 653
heavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to behold
Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Indoors at home, I can only get a very weak 4G mobile signal - one bar upstairs and no bars at all downstairs. 3G is hardly any better. I would have hoped for a stronger signal in central London. Outside the signal is strong and my WiFi signal is strong both upstairs and down.

Is there any way I can boost my indoor mobile signal so that I can make and receive calls in all rooms? I have looked online at mobile signal boosters but they are hideously expensive.
heavyside is offline   Reply With Quote
Advertisement
Old 16-09-2020, 13:11   #2
Chris
Trollsplatter
Cable Forum Team
 
Chris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: North of Watford
Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests
Posts: 36,870
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Most mobile phone service providers now allow Wifi calling, which allows your phone to route calls to the telephone network via your home wifi. This is a good solution as long as your home broadband isn't too slow, at which point wifi calling can get a bit choppy.

Who is your mobile service provider?

(edit) If it's Virgin Mobile, the instructions are here: https://www.virginmedia.com/help/mobile/wifi-calling

Last edited by Chris; 16-09-2020 at 13:16.
Chris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-09-2020, 13:53   #3
heavyside
cf.geek
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 653
heavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to behold
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris View Post
Most mobile phone service providers now allow Wifi calling, which allows your phone to route calls to the telephone network via your home wifi. This is a good solution as long as your home broadband isn't too slow, at which point wifi calling can get a bit choppy.

Who is your mobile service provider?

(edit) If it's Virgin Mobile, the instructions are here: https://www.virginmedia.com/help/mobile/wifi-calling
Thanks for the link, Chris. I'm with Virgin and on 500 Mbs Ultimate Oomph. Unfortunately, I have a Samsung Galaxy S8 which is not supported. There's a note that mentions that other handsets will be added 'soon'. In the Virgin universe 'soon' seems to have a different meaning to everyone elses definition of the word. Being free it's a much better solution than shelling out hundreds for a booster so I guess I'll wait (but not hold my breath).
heavyside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-09-2020, 16:31   #4
Chris
Trollsplatter
Cable Forum Team
 
Chris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: North of Watford
Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests
Posts: 36,870
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Are you entitled to a handset upgrade? If they’re not supporting a phone released in spring 2017 by now the chances are they’re never going to.
Chris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-09-2020, 16:55   #5
heavyside
cf.geek
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 653
heavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to behold
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris View Post
Are you entitled to a handset upgrade? If they’re not supporting a phone released in spring 2017 by now the chances are they’re never going to.
I'm on a SIM-only deal, Chris. Besides, I like the S8. I don't need or want a new mobile phone.

I'm surprised Virgin hasn't an app to do something similar.
heavyside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-09-2020, 17:36   #6
Hugh
laeva recumbens anguis
Cable Forum Team
 
Hugh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Age: 67
Services: Premiere Collection
Posts: 42,039
Hugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden aura
Hugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden aura
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Dumb question - have you tried the WiFi calling option on the S8? (as every other Operator seems to support it).

I know the VM site says S9 onwards, but nothing ventured, nothing gained
__________________
There is always light.
If only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it
.
If my post is in bold and this colour, it's a Moderator Request.

Last edited by Hugh; 17-09-2020 at 12:55.
Hugh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16-09-2020, 17:58   #7
Chris
Trollsplatter
Cable Forum Team
 
Chris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: North of Watford
Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests
Posts: 36,870
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

If you have a pressing problem with signal reception right now, and Wi-fi calling is unavailable to you, then you’re left either buying a femtocell that’s compatible with Virgin (Ofcom approved units are £££ I believe) or buying a phone virgin will support for Wi-fi coverage. Also £££ but probably slightly less.

Or, pick a mobile phone service provider that has coverage in the places you actually need it. That’s why I use EE; there are cheaper deals out there, especially for unlimited data which is what I need most of all, but there’s no point taking a cheaper deal if I can’t use the thing.
Chris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-09-2020, 09:11   #8
heavyside
cf.geek
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 653
heavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to behold
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh View Post
Dumb question - have you tried the WiFi calling option on the S8? (as ever other Operator seems to support it).

I know the VM site says S9 onwards, but nothing ventured, nothing gained
There is no WiFi calling option on the S8 - or none that I can find. Android 9 doesn't seem to have it.

---------- Post added at 08:11 ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris View Post
If you have a pressing problem with signal reception right now, and Wi-fi calling is unavailable to you, then you’re left either buying a femtocell that’s compatible with Virgin (Ofcom approved units are £££ I believe) or buying a phone virgin will support for Wi-fi coverage. Also £££ but probably slightly less.

Or, pick a mobile phone service provider that has coverage in the places you actually need it. That’s why I use EE; there are cheaper deals out there, especially for unlimited data which is what I need most of all, but there’s no point taking a cheaper deal if I can’t use the thing.
I'm on Ultimate Oomph and the SIM is bundled with my package. There is no problem when I'm out and about but it's an annoyance that I can't make and receive calls on my mobile when I'm at home except in the upstairs rooms.
heavyside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-09-2020, 10:22   #9
Chris
Trollsplatter
Cable Forum Team
 
Chris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: North of Watford
Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests
Posts: 36,870
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Yes, I get that - I’m just saying you need to weigh the annoyance against the unfortunate truth that fixing it will cost you money. It’s a pity Virgin doesn’t support Wi-fi calling on your handset as that was your only free-of-charge option ... failing that it’s either a 4g signal relay, a new handset, or a SIM from a different service provider with better local coverage. All of which costs, which is annoying. So really you just have to decide which is less annoying.
Chris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-09-2020, 11:44   #10
pip08456
Sad Doig Fan!
 
pip08456's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Barry South Wales
Age: 67
Services: With VM for BB 250Mb service.(Deal)
Posts: 11,646
pip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny star
pip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny starpip08456 has a nice shiny star
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by heavyside View Post
There is no WiFi calling option on the S8 - or none that I can find. Android 9 doesn't seem to have it.

---------- Post added at 08:11 ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 ----------



I'm on Ultimate Oomph and the SIM is bundled with my package. There is no problem when I'm out and about but it's an annoyance that I can't make and receive calls on my mobile when I'm at home except in the upstairs rooms.
Here's how to find WiFi calling on the S9, I expect the S8 to be roughly the same.

https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/...ing-on-or-off/
pip08456 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-09-2020, 12:56   #11
Hugh
laeva recumbens anguis
Cable Forum Team
 
Hugh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Age: 67
Services: Premiere Collection
Posts: 42,039
Hugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden aura
Hugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden auraHugh has a golden aura
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

And here's the Vodafone version of the instructions for the S8

https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/...ing-on-or-off/
__________________
There is always light.
If only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it
.
If my post is in bold and this colour, it's a Moderator Request.
Hugh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-09-2020, 13:34   #12
heavyside
cf.geek
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 653
heavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to beholdheavyside is a splendid one to behold
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris View Post
Yes, I get that - I’m just saying you need to weigh the annoyance against the unfortunate truth that fixing it will cost you money. It’s a pity Virgin doesn’t support Wi-fi calling on your handset as that was your only free-of-charge option ... failing that it’s either a 4g signal relay, a new handset, or a SIM from a different service provider with better local coverage. All of which costs, which is annoying. So really you just have to decide which is less annoying.
Thanks, Chris. I guess I will have to wait until Virgin adds support for the S8 and hope it's before I need to upgrade my mobile due to old age (the phone, not me - although I am not in the spring chicken category).

---------- Post added at 12:27 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hugh View Post
And here's the Vodafone version of the instructions for the S8

https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/...ing-on-or-off/
Quote:
Here's how to find WiFi calling on the S9, I expect the S8 to be roughly the same.

https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/...ing-on-or-off/
Thanks, both, but Android 9 on the S8 is not similar to either. Incidentally, Hugh, I could not click through on the link you posted.

---------- Post added at 12:34 ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 ----------

Curious development. I was out earlier today and used 4G. Now, back home and upstairs - the only place I can get any signal indoors, and only one bar at that - 4G is not available, only 3G.
heavyside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-09-2020, 14:45   #13
Taf
cf.mega poster
 
Taf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Kairdiff-by-the-sea
Age: 68
Services: TVXL BBXL Superhub 2ac (wired) 1Tb Tivo
Posts: 9,785
Taf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny star
Taf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny starTaf has a nice shiny star
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Since changing to the Vodaphone-VM SIM my daughter has been getting very low signal levels where she used to great rock solid connections with the EE-VM SIM.
Taf is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 17-09-2020, 15:09   #14
Chris
Trollsplatter
Cable Forum Team
 
Chris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: North of Watford
Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests
Posts: 36,870
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Chris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden auraChris has a golden aura
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

At the risk of sounding like a fanboy, there’s a reason I’ve always been with Orange/EE. Generally speaking they have better coverage in more places. They’re not the cheapest but you get what you pay for, and in a marginal signal area (as is my home location) it makes all the difference.

I now have 4g internet up and running at home with EE; it’s an unlimited data plan sold for phones, not modems (but a handy competition ruling means they can’t stop you putting your phone SIM in a modem if you want to). As a second number on my account, it is £37 a month (though I managed to get them to discount it to £25 for 18 months because their app mis-sold me a rate that was no longer available). I get great signal, and around 80mb down and 10mb up. Once I’ve installed my external aerial I expect that to improve further. That may seem like small beer to you lot on VM, but most non cabled streets relying on Openreach FTTC would fare little better.

Meanwhile, half a mile from here my neighbour got his 4g internet from Vodaphone. He pays less than me, but his speeds are utter crap, barely better than the ADSL line. There isn’t a Vodafone mast anywhere near here, as he’d have discovered if he’d done what I did before committing to purchase and spent a few minutes researching it. Cellmapper reveals that EE has a whole network of masts in the area providing good coverage despite the difficult highland terrain. Its user-submitted signal data shows where it works and where the black spots are, with an accuracy down to just metres in places. The other networks pretty much give up as soon as you leave the population centres.

Truly, you get what you pay for.

Last edited by Chris; 17-09-2020 at 15:12.
Chris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24-09-2020, 10:35   #15
japitts
cf.geek
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Services: V6 with Full-House/Maxit Sports & Movies, 100Mb broadband, Talk Weekends.
Posts: 570
japitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud ofjapitts has much to be proud of
Re: Weak Indoor Mobile Signal.

Late to this thread, but also remember EE PAYM users have access to the additional 800Mhz "extended range" coverage that (where it's available) can make a noticeable difference to indoor & rural coverage. Along with having pretty extensive WiFi-calling support.

I guess it depends whether you're after a full-feature mobile service, or a slightly more budget offering.
japitts is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:02.


Server: osmium.zmnt.uk
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.