How to Boost Cell Signal in a Basement

Why do I have no service in my basement?

Do you struggle with no service in your basement? A surprising number of people either have an office, workshop or other workspaces in a basement or live in a basement-level apartment.

Getting reliable cell signal in these spaces is typically problematic because a basement is below ground level and cell signal has a hard time getting to this area. Keep in mind that mobile phone signal operates on a line-of-sight basis.

If you happen to be below ground level in a basement, then there’s no clear line-of-sight to the nearest cell tower signal source that your phone is trying to connect with.

And that, in a nutshell, is why it’s normally so tough to get good cell reception in a basement.

Fortunately, there are some tips below you can try for free that may improve your below-ground-level cell signal. Also, there are proven technologies that absolutely can solve for poor cell signal in your basement, for example, a signal booster for basements. Read on below to learn more.

Best Ways to Improve Cell Phone Signal In Basements

1) The first thing to do is check with your cell carrier and explain your situation. They may be able to suggest possible solutions to improve your signal. They may suggest a device called a microcell or femtocell. For example, AT&T used to offer an AT&T microcell.

• Microcells function almost like a tiny cell tower. They create a localized cell signal in your basement. But they require a broadband Internet connection in order to operate. They also work only for your specific carrier, so anyone with mobile service on a different carrier can’t benefit.

2) Keep your phone charged up. A low battery can negatively impact your phone’s ability to get and hang onto the signal.

3) If there’s a case on your phone, take it off and test to see if your reception is better without it. Sometimes a case partially blocks cell signals from reaching your phone’s internal antenna.

4) If your cell reception still needs help, try using your phone in different areas of your basement like by a window. You may find a sweet spot where your reception is better.

5) You can make a quick signal map of your basement space, so you know where the signal is best (and worst). To see more on how to make a signal map, check out this post on how to boost cell signal in your apartment.

6) Another solution is Wi-Fi calling. All newer smartphones and all U.S. cell carriers allow native Wi-Fi calling and texting. So if you have solid Wi-Fi coverage in your basement space, Wi-Fi calling may be a perfectly good substitute for the cellular network.

7) There are a bunch of messaging apps available that support audio and video calling like over Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp. Again, you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection for this to work well.

Best way to increase signal strength of mobile network in basement

Devices that can provide amplified cell signal into your basement are called cell phone signal boosters.

A mobile signal booster for basements works by collecting cell signal from the cell tower with an outside antenna.

Then that signal is passed along coax cable to a signal booster unit which amplifies the signal via the indoor antenna into your basement so your phone can connect seamlessly.

The process is completed in reverse order to send signals from your phone back to the cell tower. Watch the video to see how a cell phone signal booster for homes could help you.

If you can go outside your home and use your phone without any problem, then a signal booster will probably work well for your basement. Also, all weBoost basement cell phone boosters work with all networks and carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular and more.

Summary of Tips to Boost Signal in Your Basement:

• Keep your phone charged. A low battery can make it hard to get and keep a signal.
• If there’s a case on your phone, take it off and test to see if your reception is better without it.
• Get a cell signal booster to collect and amplify existing signals available outside your building.
• Use your phone in different areas of the basement, like by a window. You may find a sweet spot where reception is better.
• Give Wifi calling a try. If you have solid Wifi in the basement, it may be a perfectly good substitute for mobile phone use.
• Get a microcell that uses your broadband connection to create a cell signal.

Need a cell signal boost in your basement? Check out weBoost cell phone signal boosters that can provide strong cell reception.

Home Room – For One Room – Up to 1,500 sq. ft.

Home MultiRoom – For Medium Homes – Up to 5,000 sq. ft.

weBoost Installed | Home Complete – For Large Homes 

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