Which phone network has the best performance on the canal system?
Over the entire canal system Orange seem to have the best coverage for voice calls and Vodafone seem best for mobile data.  It is best to check the coverage yourself in the locations you are likely to be spending most of your time as this will vary greatly from place to place.

Which phones can take an external antenna?
Quite a lot of phones can take an external antenna, but it is best to check with us before you purchase a phone as we can ensure you get a phone that will be able to use an antenna.  If you do not contact us for advice before buying a handset then you are taking a gamble.

Why don't you list the gain given by antennas on your website?
We don't list the gain of our antennas because the numbers don't mean very much on there own, there are many more factors which have an influence which is equal to or greater than the gain.  The important thing is that we have thousands of customers who can now make and receive calls.

Have you got any tips to make my antenna more effective?
If you have purchased an antenna and aren't receiving the desired signal improvement then try putting the antenna on a higher surface such as a pole or other metal surface. If your antenna is placed higher up it is likely to get a better signal as this will help the radio waves miss any obstacles such as trees or embankments.

I use an antenna and get signal in one room, but how can I receive calls in the others?
In most cases the best thing to do is to treat your mobile as if it is a landline which doesn't move until you need to go somewhere. If you do need to take calls around your house then a trick which a lot of our customers do is to leave the handset in the location where there is a signal and use a Bluetooth headset when in other rooms.

Do you just sell antennas for use on boats?
Not at all.  When the company was founded it was aimed at boaters, but it has grown to supply individuals and companies from a variety of different sectors.  Our antennas are used on buildings, vehicles, site cabins, oil rigs, ships, and of course the occasional narrowboat.

How much will an antenna and adapter cost?
Typically the cost for a set up would be around £55, but this varies depending on your needs, a working set-up can be purchased from as little as £35.  Have a look at our Antennas page to find the correct setup and then have a look at our Price List for the latest costs.

Can I use my mobile phone as a modem for my computer?
Probably, but this depends on exactly which make and model phone you have.  Other factors are your tariff, network provider, and the spec of your computer.  We sell a CD which is designed to help people understand how to connect to the Internet using the phone as a modem, have a look at our Mobile Data section for details.

Are mobile phones safe to use inside a narrowboat?  What about radiation?
Mobile phones produce radiation which, when inside a narrowboat, will bounce around within the hull, this is known as the 'Faraday Cage' effect.  The long term effects of this type of radiation are not fully known at the moment but as a precaution it is a good idea to try and minimize your exposure to it.

What can I do to reduce this radiation?
Use an external antenna. As well as boosting reception it will also help keep signals remote on the outside of the surface it is fixed to. This reduces the possibility of unhealthy electro-magnetic influences which have been the cause for recent concern.

Do you sell mobile phones or USB modems?
We don't sell the handsets, so our advice can remain impartial, but if you require a particular model we can advise on suitable stockists, we do not recommend signing a contract with The Car Phone Warehouse due to our own dealings with the company and the ensuing ombudsman case..