Check coverage before you buy
Once you have decided to buy a phone, before signing the contract, check the coverage from different mobile network. All operators have a tool called "Coverage Checkers". The online tools that can give indication of 2G (voice and text) and 3G (mobile broadband) coverage or in other words the tool that gives us an idea of the coverage we can get from a mobile service, is called "Coverage Checkers". The Coverage Checker doesn't give any guarantee of any actual signal coverage but it gives you only a general idea about the signal coverage and as such it could be used only as a guide. When you make a deal the provider will also give you advice.

Often the operators are displaying information on their coverage checkers differently. No uniform method is being followed. Some operators display the result for out door and indoor coverage while others display only the result of outdoor coverage on their coverage checkers. Some buyers use this coverage checkers and also they call their friends and relatives in order to check the signal strength of the providers. The buyers are advised to check the coverage of places that you frequently visit, your office etc. as the coverage checkers gives only the likely coverage at a particular location.

You have to go through the terms and conditions before you sign the service contract. See whether there is any clause or condition which gives you any right to cancel the contract. Some shops and service providers will allow you to cancel the contract or to return the phone if you are not getting a good signal. Again, some operators give network guarantee to customers to return the device, if the customer is not getting a good signal. Here the customers are advised to return the device at the earliest possible and that too with out causing any damage to the device and return it with all the packaging. Seven days "cooling off" period can be claimed if you have bought your set online or over the phone

Choose SIM-only monthly contracts or Pay as you go
The customers are advised to opt for any one of the available schemes since you are not required to sign any service contract. This will enable to test the coverage strength of different operators. Nowadays it is possible for the customer to retain his mobile number even if he changes the provider.

Improving indoor coverage
Buildings, in general, act as a shield to mobile signals. The features of the building determine the signal coverage indoor and as a result the signal coverage indoors is generally weaker than the coverage outdoor.

At present there are ways to improve indoor coverage using a broadband connection. A device called "femtocell", like a small router, boosts the mobile coverage through the broadband connection. To boost the signal coverage, Vodafone has another device called "Suresignal". Another device is offered by Orange by name "Signal boost". UMA (Universal Mobile Access) technology is used in Signal Boost. Another way to improve the indoor coverage is to route your mobile data and calls through a home Wi-Fi provided you get permission from your service provider.