Thanks to the OpenSignal app, you have a map of the cellular network coverage for the area you are in, as well as a radar to find the nearest transmitting tower.
Are you outside and find that the 4G network is too weak to watch videos? OpenSignal is a very practical app to easily find a place where the network is better. You just need to download it for free (in iOS or Android version) before going on the road. Here is how to use it:
- Accept the various authorization requests and activate the location function of the smartphone if it is not yet in operation.
- The arrow in the center of the window tells you which direction to look for better reception. By tapping on sections Antennas Where Wireless, you access a map with the position of the different transmission towers of the network you are using, as well as the list of public Wi-Fi access points.
- Tap on the icon with the two vertical arrows at the bottom of the window to access the flow test function. Then tap on the button Test to start the measurements and find out the current speed of the network (Wi-Fi or mobile) to which you are currently connected.
- The icon of Graphic allows you to obtain statistics on the connection while that of Blanket gives the zone’s network coverage rate, with the choice between the different operators and the type of network (2G / 3G or 4G). Similar maps are also available on the OpenSignal website.
- And if you select a specific operator, you get information about its performance. Finally, tap Compare performance to display the measurements of the four main operators.
These statistics are established by averaging the measurements made by OpenSignal users in the area.