Drop calls and weak receptions are the main gripes regularly aired by millions of device owners. However sleek and up-to-date your gizmo is, it is completely useless when getting sufficient cell phone signal seems to be an eternal issue.

Here are some practical tips to stay connected whether you are in the so-called dead zones or constantly moving that telco towers can hardy keep up.

Pick the handsets with multi-connectivity

It is a dizzying prospect to get the smartphone or tablet that best suits your mobile communication needs. The best bet, of course, is to get a device that covers all major bandwidths whether you'll be on Telstra or Optus.

The key acronyms to remember are 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE which follow the pattern route of fast to fastest. Having all these radio signals on your device communication is indispensable, allowing you to access the best signal strength that is determined by your location or the make of your house.

Choose carefully your service provider

The choice all boils down on how you will connect to provider's network. If your device will access, say Telstra's LTE facilities, within a given coverage limits then the most basic package plan will suffice. Determine too which provider delivers the strongest signal where you live. Internet forums on the topic and referral from friends should give you a good start on this respect.

But if you move around frequently, it serves you well to check first if your plan supports roaming options. This will allow your smartphone with multiple radio signals to automatically connect to different networks, here and abroad, that is supported by your service provider.

Identify your area's signal barriers

Lifehacker listed the following as major contributors in restricting your device's signal strength: nearby mountains and trees, building make and material and installed energy-efficient products like window tints and radiant barriers.

One of the best ways to get around these issues is to seek the help of signal booster specialists, Lifehacker said, who will dispense services and advices to circumvent these physical signal barriers.

Or get a cell phone signal booster

In the U.S., the FCC has recently approved the commercial use of cell phone signal booster, also known as cell phone repeaters. The whole kit works by installing an aerial antenna on a house roof to receive radio signal from cell phone towers. The signal is passed on to an indoor signal amplifier then emitted by a separate indoor antenna.

In choosing the signal booster that best serves your needs, Lifehacker said, ensure that you consider the following: the carriers and networks that you need to support, the existing outside signal strength of those carriers and the size of the area that needs to be covered in boosted signal.

Mobile signal booster is an option too

This comes in two forms: a cradle where the device sits for exclusive use of one person and vehicle boosters that you can carry while travelling on cars, trucks or even boats. Of the boosters mentioned, the cradle-borne booster is the cheapest but also comes with a slight discomfort when in use.

Conversely, the vehicle signal booster ensures that you get coverage while on the road or at the sea. Note, however, that the quality you'll get will greatly hinge on the signal strength broadcasted by your service provider. As discussed earlier, your choice of telco will largely define your mobile device connection.