Mobile Data connection in crowded areas.

[AlexaxelLondon]

My phone struggles to connect to internet in high data traffic areas, Stations, airport ect. Any solutions. Thanks 

[bristolian]

Data speeds can vary more in these locations, but you shouldn't normally be struggling to get any connection. Are you using 5G or 4G?

Out of interest, do you have any specific examples?

[AlexaxelLondon]

Phone is set to 5G and 4G connections. During peak times at the train station it takes up to minute to connect. Any other times I have no issues 

[Northerner]

Hi @AlexaxelLondon 

No solution until the network improves, just got to live with it. 

Alternatively use a dual SIM device with another network SIM which has better coverage. 

Thanks 

[bristolian]

Small cells are often deployed in busy areas to combat this issue. Do you have any specific locations where you're having issues?

All you've cited so far are generalisations.

[AlexaxelLondon]

I'm mainly travel from London bridge rail station.Few thousand people are there during peak times Signal strength is great, but internet connection is really slow. 

[bristolian]

A slightly old PR which does refer to an ongoing project - https://newsroom.ee.co.uk/ee-adds-over-400-new-small-cells-to-increase-4g-capacity-and-reduce-conges... 

I'm unsure whether there's anything installed in London Bridge currently, there is umbrella coverage on Bands 1, 3 & 7 in the immediate area.

[Northerner]

Hi @AlexaxelLondon 

In those areas it's not the number of people it's the infrastructure and buildings impacting the signal at lower levels 5G especially is impacted becase of its short range and frequency used on EE. Until lower level infrastructure is implemented (in lamp posts etc and as @bristolian says) it will always be poor in built up areas especially in London City becase of the glass tower blocks. 

(I work in the City btw). 

Thanks 

[bristolian]

5G is no different to any other RAT, 4G included, in its range & frequency. Both techs are deployed on high & low bands - urban conurbations tend to have a mixture of umbrella coverage and street-level micro-sites.

Both bands have a place in network design, but small cells, indoor microcells & DAS use high bands by nature.

[AlexaxelLondon]

Thanks all for explanation. Hopefully it will improve.