Keep an Emergency Antenna

• Most mobile phones have a small opening on the back or side with a small rubber flap covering. If you open this flap, you will see a hole. Believe it or not, this hole was created with the foresight that the internal antenna may not be effective enough for all users in all areas. By sticking a straightened paperclip, wire hanger or even a small twist-tie into that opening, the bars on your phone are likely to rise. Experiment with all three and see what works best for your phone. Then keep that item in your car, work desk, home or anywhere you tend to lose your signal so that you are able to use your phone in an emergency situation.
  
  

Purchase an External Antenna

• Because walking around with a coat hanger sticking out of your phone may not be a practical long-term solution to your reception dilemma, you might want to purchase an external antenna to boost reception. Some cellular service providers sell an antenna designed specifically for your phone, although you may save money by comparing antennas on websites such as AntennaBooster.net, which is linked in the References section.
  
  

Invest in a Cellphone Signal Booster

• If your lack of good reception is frequent and extreme, consider investing in a cellphone signal booster. This is an antenna that is not attached to your phone but sits separately as a unit of its own. This device blocks interference and is able to attract signals from much farther than many standard mobile phones. Along with a signal booster's magnificent ability to communicate with cellular service towers, these super-antennas usually come with a high price tag. If a booster provides the usage ability you expect to have in a phone you are contracted to keep for a certain length of time, however, it may be well worth your while to have the security of knowing you can dependably use your phone. Electronics stores often sell signal boosters, as do numerous electronics websites. JDTECK.com, which is linked in References, sells a variety of signal-boosting kits and is a great example of what you may want to look for if shopping in or calling electronics stores.