Coverage map - coverage at home

I recently purchased a home, and before doing so, I checked the coverage map to be sure I'd have coverage there. According to the map even zoomed into street level, I should have 4G LTE coverage. On the various visits to the house prior to closing, I tried text messaging, calling, etc, with no particular difficulty. I could not connect to anything using data (Google Maps, Internet, etc), but that wasn't a deal-breaker to me because I knew I'd have WiFi to connect to in the house.

However, since moving, I've had several important phone calls get dropped, including one to Verizon! If I want more than 1 bar, I have to go out to the street. Nowhere along my street do I get more than 3 bars, and nowhere does my phone show 4G - only 3G. The other evening when I drove home, I got a warning pop up about being out of the country and whether I wanted to block data on this trip!

I've been a Verizon customer for a long time because of it's great coverage across the country. It's disturbing that the map shows one thing where reality is now proving otherwise in a major metropolitan area.

I've started asking around the neighborhood about what other people use. It's becoming clear that I have at least one option to switch to. I'd rather not switch, however, because that option does not have coverage in my parents' hometown. As they are aging, I need to have coverage when I return there.

What are you going to do to help me out, Verizon? WiFi calling would be perfect, but that seems to be a non-priority. Installing a tower to actually provide the coverage your map says you provide would be even better. Non-coverage in this day and age is ridiculous.

Can you hear me now? Hello? Hello? Click...

Accepted answers

Verizon_Support

Snn5, you're absolutely correct. The network extender will boost wireless signal into your workplace or residence. For more details regarding the network extender, click
http://vz.to/1i37AzC

LasinaH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the �Correct Answer� button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

All comments

Snn5

Sounds like after you moved in and filled up the house with other electronic devices and furniture and other signal interfering items that maybe that could explain some of the reduced signal in the house.

As far as wifi calling, Google Voice works, but that's a 3rd party workaround and I'm sure not convenient for all customers.

The coverage maps represent outside signal that is possible, but not guaranteed, and obviously indoor signal is never guaranteed.

eclaasse

One of the calls that got dropped was out on the street. As is the 3G non-LTE coverage.

The same amount of electronics is in the house as was when we were looking at it - a TV and router. I used to live in a basement apartment with more electronics and had spot on reception, so inside with electronics is probably not the issue.

Will look into Google Voice. Thanks.

MiiHere

You could also look into a Mobile Phone Service Booster.

Snn5

MiiHere is right, you could look into a 3G network extender from Verizon. The one they have is about $249. Verizon might or might not offer it to you at no charge. There are better ones on the market from Wilson Amplifiers and they make 4G boosters as well. The Verizon extender doesn't play well with 4G phones, but it is better than nothing.

Verizon_Support

Congrats on the new home, eclaasse. We know how important it is to ensure you have solid service when you need it and we certainly wouldn't want to see you consider a switch either. Your fellow customers had a few great tips regarding the Network Extender option www.vzw.com/networkextender for in home service as well as some of the things that can add to signal interference. Also keep in mind that the map is a general depiction that service is available and not how strong the service is. Indoor signal may vary and can be weaker than outdoors due to factors beyond our control. It's also possible the people that had sold the house had a Network Extender that they took with them, which may have resulted in successful calls during your initial few walk through tests. What's your new zip code? Before moving in, were you able to get LTE service on your phone? What model phone do you use that popped up with the global message?

JenniferH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the "Correct Answer" button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

eclaasse

Thanks for the reply, Jennifer.

1) The zip code is 27703.

2) I don't recall whether there was LTE service; I just remember calling while walking through the house and not noticing any issues.

3) The phone is a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini. I haven't seen the pop up again (yet), so maybe it was a fluke thing. But it was definitely weird!

Verizon_Support

I appreciate this information, eclaasse. This is an area of good coverage, with some spots of opportunity depending where you are located. Please keep us posted if the pop up returns.

AndreaS_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the "Correct Answer" button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

Verizon_Support

Hi Eclaasse,

Thanks for the details! 27703 does not have any current reported issues. I reviewed the manufacturer website, and this is not showing to be a known issue on the Galaxy S4 mini. Glad to hear that the issue has not occurred again. It may been a one-time software issue. Power cycling the device can help with rare errors that appear on the device. Please keep us posted if you see the pop up again.

Thanks,
PamelaF_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport
If my response answered your question please click the �Correct Answer� button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

eclaasse

I haven't received the popup about out of country again, but my partner with the same phone as me received it yesterday mid-day.

I went for a walk around the neighborhood today, and I had to walk 4 blocks and out of my subdivision before getting more than a bar on the 3G service and between 6 and 8 blocks until I got 4G/LTE service. That's a substantial chunk of territory that is not 4G/LTE as per the map, and to be outside and only getting 1 bar of 3G is even worse. Seems to me a tower for this section of the zip code might be required. It's not like we're in the sticks.