Last updated on Jul 23, 2024

You're on a remote road with a spotty connection. How do you keep your network alive on a moving vehicle?

Traveling on remote roads can be a true adventure, but it also often comes with the inconvenience of a spotty network connection. Whether you're on a personal journey or a professional one, staying connected is crucial. You may need to send an important email, access maps, or simply want to stay in touch with loved ones. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to keep your mobile network alive and kicking, even while you're on the move.

Key takeaways from this article

Download offline resources:

Before hitting the road, grab offline maps and essential documents. This preemptive move ensures you're not stuck when the signal fades, keeping you on track and informed.
Upgrade your tech:

Future-proof your connectivity by embracing upcoming technologies like 5G or even satellite messaging. This investment keeps you a step ahead, ensuring smoother travels with fewer connection woes.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Signal Boosters

Signal boosters can be a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a stable mobile connection on remote roads. These devices amplify the signal from a mobile network, providing you with a stronger and more reliable connection. By installing a signal booster in your vehicle, you can significantly improve the quality of both voice calls and data services. Just ensure that the booster is compatible with your mobile network and that it's properly installed to avoid interference with other electronic devices.

Add your perspective

Ahmed Kamel

Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T HQ In-Building, Network Design Standards, Capacity, and RF Exposure Compliance
Report contribution
Remember however, any amplifier will add noise to the signal. If the network SINR is at the minimum usable threshold, even this solution won’t work.

Like

2 Alternative Networks

Sometimes, the key to staying connected is as simple as switching networks. If your primary carrier's signal is weak, your phone may be able to latch onto another network that has a roaming agreement with your carrier. In your phone's settings, you can select the 'Network Selection' option and choose 'Automatic' to allow your device to pick up the strongest signal, regardless of the provider. This can be particularly useful when you're traveling through areas where your main carrier has limited coverage.

Add your perspective

3 Offline Resources

In areas where a connection is too unreliable for real-time data, relying on offline resources is a smart move. Before you set off, download offline maps, music, podcasts, and any necessary documents. Many apps offer an offline mode, allowing you to access key features without a live connection. This way, you can navigate and entertain yourself without the stress of a dropping signal.

Add your perspective

4 Antenna Upgrades

If your vehicle's built-in antenna isn't cutting it, consider upgrading to a high-gain antenna designed for mobile use. These antennas are more sensitive and can pick up weaker signals, giving you a better chance at a stable connection. They come in various sizes and styles, so you'll need to choose one that's suitable for your vehicle and the frequencies used by your mobile network. A properly installed high-gain antenna can make a noticeable difference in connectivity.

Add your perspective

Ahmed Kamel

Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T HQ In-Building, Network Design Standards, Capacity, and RF Exposure Compliance
Report contribution
A high gain antenna, is also highly directional. This means that when directed towards the serving tower it will aid, but when directed away it will hurt. Perhaps a good consumer product would be a beam forming antenna that can adjust directivity to maximize performance.

Like

5 Strategic Stops

When all else fails, sometimes the best strategy is to plan your stops around connectivity. Look for areas along your route known for having better signal strength, like hilltops or clearings free of obstructions. When you need to make an important call or download information, pull over at these spots. While this approach requires some planning and patience, it ensures that critical communications are handled without interruption.

Add your perspective

Ahmed Kamel

Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T HQ In-Building, Network Design Standards, Capacity, and RF Exposure Compliance
Report contribution
Some of us remember traveling without mobiles. Public land line phones were more easily accessible. Constant telecom access was not a “necessity.”

Like

6 Tech Settings

Lastly, tweaking your phone's technical settings can help maintain a connection in spotty areas. Enabling data roaming may incur additional charges but can keep you connected when your main network falls short. Also, switching from LTE/4G to 3G can sometimes provide a more stable connection since 4G signals have a harder time penetrating obstacles and covering large distances. Adjust these settings in your phone's network options to optimize for the strongest possible signal.

Add your perspective

Ahmed Kamel

Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T HQ In-Building, Network Design Standards, Capacity, and RF Exposure Compliance
Report contribution
I’m not sure why there is an assumption that 3G coverage is better than 4G coverage. If it is the frequency band propagation, then that is independent of 3G versus 4G.

Like
Kumar Balachandran

Senior Expert at Ericsson Research| Spectrum Management| Radio Research | Trustworthiness | RAN and Physical Layer
Report contribution
Download offline maps on your phone. Avoid using SMS (if you have speech to text input) and use apps that will store messages for a spot with good coverage. None of that “your message could not be delivered” nonsense. Carry a paper map. Get a Garmin InReach or an iPhone capable of satellite connectivity. There is likely simple messaging in iOS 18 as opposed to SoS connectivity alone. Resolve to upgrade to 5G/6G non-terrestrial connectivity when supported, for your car & personal device. Don’t yearn for the 1950s (well, 1750s but you get the idea) when you needed a theodolite, sextant, and compass to chart your route. But learn map reading and how to use a compass for that tail event when gamma ray bursts bring down all electronics.

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

You're on a remote road with a spotty connection. How do you keep your network alive on a moving vehicle?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Signal Boosters

2 Alternative Networks

3 Offline Resources

4 Antenna Upgrades

5 Strategic Stops

6 Tech Settings

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Communications

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Mobile Communications

More relevant reading

You're on a remote road with a spotty connection. How do you keep your network alive on a moving vehicle?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Signal Boosters

2 Alternative Networks

3 Offline Resources

4 Antenna Upgrades

5 Strategic Stops

6 Tech Settings

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Communications

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills