Poor phone reception/quality with Droid Turbo

At home I previously had good phone quality with my Casio gZone phone. I have upgraded to the Droid Turbo and most phone calls have numerous drop-outs during the call. I have advanced calling turned on and have a LTE signal strength that averages around -118 and -112 is a rarity (I'm at -119 as I type this). High speed Internet is only available via satellite so a Internet based repeater is not an option. What options do I have to be able use my phone as a... phone? My old phone worked great so I assume it is possible but the Droid Turbo is not cutting it.

Accepted answers

PilotDane

OK, that covers registering a device with Verizon. Do you have any recommendations as to choosing a antenna/signal booster. It appears the only thing Verizon carries might be the Samsung Network Adapter: http://www.verizonwireless.com/accessories/samsung-network-extender-scs-2u01/

All comments

Verizon_Support

PilotDane

I definitely want to ensure you have the service you need! I understand this has started since you activated your new phone. Have you attempted to use it with Advanced calling turned off? Does this change your calling experience at all?

RuthW_VZW

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PilotDane

I was having poor phone reception when using tradtional calling which prompted me to try advanced calling to see if it would improve. So, I have poor phone quality with both modes.

When I started typing this post I had 1x -120db and 4g -120db. Checking a few minutes later I had 1x -120db and 4g -116db but it dropped back to -120db while typing. We're getting moderate snow & sleet now which is probably making my signal strength now worse than usual.

PilotDane

The phone works elsewhere without problem and my previous gZone flip phone has no trouble with phone calls so I assume the Droid Turbo has poorer reception. Is there anything that can be done to improve my phone quality at home?

Verizon_Support

My apologies for the trouble you're experienced! Your previous phone was a 3G phone and this phone you currently have is a 4G phone. Your particular area may be in a stronger 3G coverage area then 4G. Please verify your settings are correct on your Droid Turbo.

1) Go to Settings.

2) Tap on More.

3) Tap on Mobile Networks

4) Tap on Global Data Roaming access

5) Verify All Access for all trips is enabled, then tap on OK.

6) Then tap on Preferred network type

7) Tap on the LTE/CDMA, then Cancel to go back. (this will fluctuate for best possible signal)

8) Power off fully to reset.

9) Test

Keep us posted! Thanks very much!

KristieQ_VZW

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PilotDane

Because of the ridiculously high rate Verizon charges for international data roaming I will NOT turn on global data roaming.

I am curious how switching from GLOBAL to LTE/CDMA will improve call quality? Within the United States wouldn't it automatically use LTE or CDMA, whichever is available or has a stronger signal?

PilotDane

There is still no noticeable improvement in my phone reception. I am still experiencing dropped calls and drop outs during calls. I have installed the latest software download that was released two weeks ago and have system 21.44.12. I also have the phone switched to LTE/CDMA.

Snn5

Also disable Advanced Calling if enabled.

Verizon_Support

Thanks for trying all those suggestions, PilotDane. Just to confirm, does this only happen while you're at home or around your neighborhood as well? What's your zip code? When you say there's drop outs during the call, can you please describe more about what happens? Does the call remain connected but the audio drops out or does the call itself drop out? Are you using any type of case or hands-free accessories with the new phone?

JenniferH_VZW

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PilotDane

In town in other cities and other countries the phone works properly so I assume it is simply not enough signal strength for the Droid Turbo at my home.

My zip code is 27574.

Drop outs: When talking on the phone the audio drops out but the call remains connected.

I have tried 3 different cases and am currently using no case. The cases have made no difference. Bluetooth is turned off and I am not using any hands free devices or accessories.

Snn5

Is advanced calling disabled? If not, try that. Many of us G2 owners had dropped and missed calls with AC enabled.

B33

Some Towns might have Advanced calling and where you live might not have it yet but ya could soon it took some time before we got it in our City but I'm told we have it along with the X-LTE which has to be switched on to make the advanced calling functional..

PilotDane

Snn5

Cell Phone Signal Boosters - Best Buy

Amazon.com: Signal Boosters

Some of them may not require a cable/DSL connection. The Verizon extender is no good for you without same. Honestly, the boosters are more than the ETF.

PilotDane

After posting I read the full description and saw that the Samsung Adapter requires a high speed Internet connection which kill it for me.

Do you have any advice when choosing a antenna and booster? I assume I'll be looking for something with an external antenna I can mount on the roof or attic and then a repeater/antenna that I can put somewhere near the center of the house.

Snn5

Wilson Electronics DT4G Cell Phone Signal Booster Kit Blue 460101 - Best Buy

Looks like it matches the CDMA and band/frequencies your Turbo uses.

Make sure to clear it with Verizon first and obtain permissions set forth on this page Consumer Signal Booster Registration - Verizon Wireless

PilotDane

I have just done a quick install of the signal booster and at least initially it appears to be working. I've only made a few short phone calls but have had no drop outs. Where I previously had intermittent 4g I now have a solid signal with two bars 25% of the time 3 bars 50% and four bars about 25% of the time. My signal strength now is about -77 on 1x and 4G is bouncing around -90 to -100 but mostly staying around -95 from the same exact location where I previously took my readings. Surfing the web and checking E-mail is noticeably faster so initially I've got to say the booster seems to help.