Picture the scene. You're in the middle of an important call, and suddenly, the dreaded "call dropped" notification pops up on your screen. Or, perhaps you're trying to log onto your emails in a hurry but struggling with sluggish data speeds. Weak cellular signal can be a real downer, hindering communication, productivity, and even entertainment in today's hyper-connected world.

Since becoming legalised in 2018, mobile signal boosters have emerged as a vital solution for these problems, promising to amplify weak signals and provide a much-needed connection boost. However, there's a surprising amount of misinformation circulating about these devices. Before you dismiss them entirely, let's debunk some of the most common myths and set the record straight.

Myth #1: Mobile signal Boosters are a scam

If you've ever stumbled upon cheap "signal booster stickers" online, you might be inclined to believe this myth. These passive stickers, often adorned with fancy antenna-like patterns, claim to magically improve your signal strength. Unfortunately, they have about as much impact as a decorative phone case. The truth is, legitimate mobile signal boosters are electronically powered devices that actively amplify weak cellular signals.  They work by capturing the existing signal from the nearest cell tower, amplifying it, and then rebroadcasting it within a designated area. This leads to a noticeable improvement in reception, allowing you to experience clearer calls, faster data speeds, and a more reliable connection overall.

Myth #2: Mobile signal boosters are illegal

This misconception can lead people to avoid exploring a potentially valuable solution. The good news is that in most countries, including the UK, mobile signal boosters are legal to use, and have been since 2018. However, there are some regulations in place to ensure they operate safely and don't disrupt the cellular network itself. These regulations typically involve operating within approved frequency bands and maintaining a certain level of signal strength output. Look for boosters certified by regulatory bodies like Ofcom in the UK. This certification guarantees that the booster meets safety standards and operates within the legal framework.

Myth #3: Mobile signal boosters drain your phone battery

This myth might seem logical at first glance. After all, wouldn't a stronger signal require your phone to work harder to maintain a connection, leading to faster battery drain? In reality, the opposite is true. When your phone struggles with a weak signal, it constantly searches for a better connection, working overtime to maintain a stable link. This constant searching is what drains your battery life. With a strong and readily available signal thanks to your booster, your phone doesn't have to expend as much energy searching and connecting. This translates to improved battery life, allowing you to talk, text, and browse for longer without reaching for the charger.

Myth #4: Mobile signal boosters interfere with WiFi

Imagine trying to listen to your favourite radio station while someone else blasts music on a completely different frequency. That's not how radio waves work, and thankfully, the same principle applies to mobile signal boosters and WiFi. Both mobile signal boosters and WiFi operate on entirely different radio frequencies. Think of it like tuning a radio – you can listen to different stations (frequencies) without interrupting each other. So, boosting your cellular signal won't affect your WiFi performance in the slightest. You can continue to stream music, browse the web, and connect your smart devices without any worries about interference.

Myth #5: Mobile signal boosters harm your health

This myth is often based on misinformation and scaremongering tactics.  Mobile signal boosters operate at very low power levels, well below the safety standards set by regulatory bodies.  These regulations are in place to ensure the safe use of these devices and there's no scientific evidence to suggest any health risks associated with proper booster operation.