What could be more annoying than not being able to use your mobile phone due to a bad GSM signal? Read here why you have a bad GSM signal and how you can get more mobile coverage. In most cases, there is a simple way to fix this problem.

• 1. What is a GSM signal?
• 2. How does the GSM signal work?
• 3. Why do I have a bad or inexistant GSM signal?
• 4. Is there a solution to strengthen the GSM signal?
• 5. Which GSM repeater do I need?
• 6. How can GSM-REPEATER-SHOP help me?

1. What is a GSM signal?

As with television or radio, your mobile phone must be able to receive waves (frequencies) correctly before you can make calls or use the Internet. Also, the GSM signal from your mobile phone must be picked up by your provider's transmission tower. When you are on a phone call, you can hear the other party and the other party can hear you. Therefore, the call is made in two directions. Receive and send a signal to the transmission tower.

2. How does the GSM signal work?

Depending on your provider, your mobile phone uses a certain frequency. These frequencies are grouped into blocks called "frequency bands." In total there are five frequency bands used for the mobile network: 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz.

Usually the 900 MHz frequency is used to make calls. All providers use 2100 MHz for 3G mobile Internet. The 800 and 2600 MHz are used for 4G mobile Internet.

However, technology is changing very rapidly. Until recently, calls were made over the 2G, 900 and 1800 MHz network. Today more and more calls are made over the 4G network. With 4G calls, also called Voice over LTE (VoLTE), in which a faster and more stable connection is created during a call. A great advantage of VoLTE is that the connection is established much faster. With "classic" mobile calls (2G network), it takes between 4 and 10 seconds before a connection is established. With VoLTE it takes just 1 to 2 seconds.

General description of all the signals and GSM frequencies

3. Why do I have a bad or inexistant GSM signal?

If you don't have a GSM signal, calls will be interrupted. You will not be able to understand your caller or you will not be able to make calls. In that case, you will have to go outside or stand near a window to receive enough GSM signal. Over time, this becomes very annoying.

In rural areas, the density of GSM transmission towers is much lower than in urban areas. Therefore it often happens that the GSM signal is poor or null in wooded areas. However, this is not only due to the distance to the transmission tower, but also, for example, to the trees that strongly absorb the GSM signal. It even happens that the GSM signal is better when there are no leaves on the trees.

Compare it to a car radio. The further you drive and get away from the signal the worse the radio reception will be. At some point, the signal drops completely. The same goes for mobile phones. The further you are from a cell tower, the weaker the GSM signal will be.

But not just in wooded areas, the GSM signal often needs to be boosted. There are also many people in urban areas who do not have mobile coverage. Today, new buildings are so well insulated that the GSM signal is barely reaching. In that case, you often have to be by a window in order to make good calls. Steel and concrete structures strongly deter signal, as does double glazing.

4. So, is there a solution to have more mobile coverage?

Yes in most cases! When even a small amount of GSM signal can be received (outside), it can be amplified inside a building. The GSM signal can only be amplified when there is a reasonable signal outside. Getting something out of nothing is difficult.

GSM-REPEATER-SHOP offers GSM repeaters, also called GSM amplifiers that are supplied with an indoor antenna, an outdoor antenna and 10 meters of coaxial cable. The outdoor antenna is installed as high as possible, in the direction of the transmission tower. Choose, for example, a roof or a facade. The outdoor antenna is connected using the supplied coaxial cable. The indoor antenna is simply screwed onto the repeater. The GSM repeater is connected using a supplied adapter.

The outdoor antenna receives the GSM signal, the repeater amplifies it and the indoor antenna transmits the GSM signal indoors. In this way you bring the GSM signal from the outside to the interior rooms.

Place the indoor antenna where you need it (office, living room, bedroom, etc.) and your mobile phone will work normally again: clear and uninterrupted calls, SMS / MMS / iMessage instant messages and stable mobile Internet.

GSM repeaters are very easy to install: in principle, you don't need to call an installer or electrician (unless you want to, of course). Follow the instructions in the supplied manual and connect the repeater to the network.

5. Which GSM repeater do I need?

The mobile phone frequencies or mobile phone bands currently used are the following:

2G / GSM: 900 and 1800 MHz.

3G / WCDMA: 900 and 2100 MHz.

4G / LTE: 800 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 Mhz.

Depending on your operator, the distance to the transmission tower and the surface you need to cover we will help you select the right repeater to solve your problem.

6. How can GSM-REPEATER-SHOP help me?

Of course, at GSM-REPEATER-SHOP we are at your disposal to answer any questions or concerns. We are happy to advise you to buy the most suitable GSM repeater for your needs. We are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. at 5 p.m. for free support or advice.

Read our FAQ or our blog to get all the answers to your questions about GSM repeaters.

GSM repeater store: "never miss a call again!"