How to fix my mobile communication weak signal?

Minh N. #35754

Since I switched to Fizz from Koodo, my mobile communication has a lot of drops and statics during calls. I checked my signal strength and I have between 107-125dBm (which is pretty weak). Someone I know and living in Montreal told me he has around 107dBm. For testing, I put my wife's sim (Koodo) on my phone and I had 67 dBm. I put my sim (Fizz) in her Samsung S7 and I got 109 dBm. I'm living in Brossard and I'm using an Oneplus 7T. Could anyone confirm a weak signal with Fizz or can help me fix the problem I would greatly appreciate it. I would switch back to Koodo with I can't find a fix to the problem. I tried the recommended solution from Fizz with no luck https://fizz.ca/en/faq/what-can-i-do-if-mobile-network-coverage-is-weak-or-inaccessible

Fizzy

Hi Minh

It will depend on where you live.

Fizz coverage map is here: https://fizz.ca/en/coverage

You can see all the cell tower locations on this map here: https://www.ertyu.org/steven_nikkel/cancellsites.html

Minh N. #35754

Thanks Fizzy for your cell towers map. Very handy!
I am inside Fizz's zone and I should have 4 bars according to coverage's page.
Based on the towers map, the closest Videotron's tower is roughly 830meter away from me and my signal is at -120dBm. Using my wife's sim (Koodo) the closest Telus's tower is roughly 920meter away and I have -68dBm.

Fizzy

Maybe there is another factor at play here.

Fizz does not offer VoLTE calling (yet). So when you make a call, you are connected by 3G.
Whereas with a premium provider, you are always connected to LTE.

I have found when using Fizz, it helps to disable calling features on my phone such as:
- VoLTE
- Voice clarity

Minh N. #35754

You might be on something here.
I switched the Preferred network type to 2G/3G (Automatic) from 2G/3G/4G (Automatic) and I will test the call quality for the next 2-3 days. I expect internet browsing would be abysmal though. I Will let you know.

Billy N. #35415

You can ask fizz on the live chat through the website, facebook messenger or twitter. They are usually there 24/7 on social media. They will be glad to help you!

Alice M. #6356

Try to switch to network manually to see if there’s a signal difference

Alzhi

Hello Minh!
I have a similar scenario as well. I live in Montreal and my phone is around -111dBm. I haven't notice any static in my calls but depending where I am in my home, I get a little better and a little worst. My old service provider was stronger in terms of signal as well. I believe this is because of the Voice Over LTE feature that Big Name provider offers. The signal received is stronger and the calls wont be made using 3G.

If you select your network manually for FIZZ It help a bit, got mine down to around -90dBM but it fluctuate a lot.

I guess for now there is no miracle solution other than hope that FIZZ eventually launch a VOLTE service

Have a good day

Minh N. #35754

I can confirm by switching from 2G/3G/4G (automatic) to 2G/3G (automatic) from the Preferred Network Type within Oneplus GUI, I had a better signal strength (-120ish dBm to -80ish dBm). However, the voice sounds digital, not as clear or natural. However, communication is much better than before when I can't maintain a 5min call without experiencing static or lost communication (similar to what Alex described). Manually switching the Network Operators to Fizz vs Automatic has no impact.
Interestingly Speedtest showed the following results:
2G/3G (automatic): DL = 15.2Mbps/ UL = 3.37Mbps/ Ping = 28ms/ Jitter = 10ms
2G/3G/4G (automatic): DL = 6.20 Mbps/ UL = 2.57 Mbps/ Ping 33ms/ Jitter = 11ms
In light of these results, I assume my phone seems not able to manage properly the network when using the default setting - 2G/3G/4G (Automatic). Also now I have to assess if I should stay with Fizz or not because I rely heavily on my phone for work...sadly.
Thanks, everyone for helping, you guys are awesome!