Mobile Broadband - 3g in France. Improving signal strength

[0rient]

Hi Guys...hoping you might be able to help.

I spend a lot of time in France and currently use the k3765 dongle. I mainly use the dongle whilst outdoors but the 3g signal strength varies considerably even when stationary in the same spot. My question - is there any way of improving the signal strength...a more powerful dongle? can i fit some kind of aerial booster to the dongle to improve signal strength. I often just get one bar signal strength for the 3g...if i could improve it slightly I'm sure things would be a lot better. I've heard stories that if you place your dongle in a tin pan it improves the signal strength!? any truth in that?? Most of the time i will be still and in the same spot but outdoors. Any idea's on how i can improve my signal strength.

Thanks in advance

[Retired-James]

Hi 0Rient,

To be honest there are a lot of old wives tales out there on how to do this however there isn't anything that can be done to improve the signal strength as it depends more on the network coverage in the area rather than an areal being pointed in the right way.

If you are in france it may be worth checking with the local network for any faults or to see what the signal strength is in the area which you are using the dongle.

James
eForum Team

[0rient]

Hi 0Rient,

To be honest there are a lot of old wives tales out there on how to do this however there isn't anything that can be done to improve the signal strength as it depends more on the network coverage in the area rather than an areal being pointed in the right way.

If you are in france it may be worth checking with the local network for any faults or to see what the signal strength is in the area which you are using the dongle.

James
eForum Team

Thanks James,

So i can take it that all these 3g signal boosters and Clip Antenna's which velcro round your dongle don't work then and are a waste of money??
Anyone actually tried a booster?

Cheers

[Retired-Lee]

Hi 0rient,

I don't think James was implying that these devices are a waste of money. His post actually said the direction of the aerial doesn't necessarily improve signal strength.

Personally, I've answered questions about directional aerials before on this forum, and in particular weak areas of signal pointing in the right direction has helped, albeit only a tiny amount.

I've never tried a booster myself, never really needed one where I live fortunately, but I've seen reports of boosters making a difference. I'll leave this question open to the forum for a more complete opinion.

Cheers,

LeeH
eForum Team