topic Re: Confusion re poor signal in Mobile Network discussions

Confusion re poor signal

henryb1 — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:00:19 GMT

At my home location in Hanwell in W London, the coverage checker shows Excellent 4G and 2G signal indoors and out. (I know there are many reasons why it could be wrong.)

The odd thing is that for 1800MHz 2G signal, I would say that broadly speaking it is correct - the signal is good (RXL/RSSI = -87dBm).

However for 4G (on band 3 - also 1800MHz) signal is terrible (RSRP = -117dBm).

I see this pattern across much of the surrounding area (within a mile or two).

Given the same frequency I would have expected more similar propagation. That said, I understand I am assuming the same mast location, antenna angle, etc, and that might be inappropriate.

Any thoughts on:
a) Do folk agree this is odd / what am I missing?
b) Can anything be done to improve the 4G signal (by me or by EE)?

In general, the online coverage tool projection has it terribly wrong for 4G & 5G in this area.

Re: Confusion re poor signal

bristolian — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:33:53 GMT

Both 2G & 4G on 1800Mhz are generally rigged to the same antenna and radio module - but the power levels are set independently. EE's network design is such that 2G1800 always has to exceed the coverage levels of 4G1800 to allow for CSFB on non-VoLTE phones.

Two of the serving sites in this area also carry 4G800Mhz, and it's possible the online coverage map could be factoring this.

Re: Confusion re poor signal

henryb1 — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:01:36 GMT

Thanks

NetMonster shows band 20 but no stronger hence not used.

Can I or EE do anything to help here or do I have to change network if I want a usable signal indoors?

Re: Confusion re poor signal

bristolian — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:37:24 GMT

Easy solutions for improving RX levels are the panacea for 100% national indoor coverage - a lovely idea but unrealistic in practice. Hence WiFi-calling being the recommended solution.

Some phones are better at handling fringe coverage levels than others.