Questions
Frequently asked questions
We have collected the questions most often asked by people who live and work far from fast connectivity: what this reference is, how to deal with a weak signal and how to protect your devices and yourself in the cold.
Good preparation for a trip takes an evening; skipping it can cost your family several anxious days.
About the reference
Is Newpk connected with the publication that used to be on this domain?
No. The former website has nothing to do with us, its articles are not here and we do not restore them. Only the domain name remains from it.
Who writes this reference?
A small editorial team that gathers practical advice from manufacturers' instructions, operators' help pages and official guidance. We do not name companies or models.
Do you sell equipment?
No. We do not sell, connect or advertise anything. Our goal is to help you understand the subject and ask the right questions of those who do sell.
Can I suggest a topic?
We choose catalogue topics ourselves, based on typical connectivity problems in remote places. The list of upcoming articles is in the guides section.
Signal and internet
Why does my neighbour get a better signal than I do?
Perhaps their house is higher, closer to the tower or on the other side of the hill, and its walls let the signal through better. Sometimes you are simply on different operators.
Will a homemade booster help?
We do not recommend it. Only certified equipment should be used, and under the operator's rules: homemade devices can cause interference for everyone around.
Is satellite internet always slow?
Not necessarily. Geostationary systems have noticeably higher latency because of the distance; low-orbit systems have less. Speed depends on the particular system and conditions.
How can I save data without losing what I need?
Turn on data saver, disable video autoplay and background updates, compress photos before sending and postpone large downloads until you have a good network.
Cold and emergencies
Why does my phone drain so fast in freezing weather?
A lithium-ion battery temporarily loses some capacity in the cold. Once it warms up, the charge usually partly returns.
Can I charge my phone right after coming in from outside?
It is better to wait. Manufacturers advise against charging a battery below freezing, and in the warmth condensation may form on the cold case.
Will a call to 112 go through without a SIM card?
In Russia, yes, if the phone sees any operator's network. Rules differ by country, so check the local emergency number where you are. If there is no network at all, move higher or into the open.
What should I take on a trip to a place with no coverage?
Offline maps, a charged power bank, a paper list of numbers, a warm case or an inside pocket for your phone, and an agreement with your family on check-in times.
Read also
- Guides
Practical guides: how to work on slow internet, save data and prepare for a trip without coverage. The article catalogue is here too.
- Safety
Emergency calls, careful handling of devices in the cold and staying safe online when the connection is weak or not your own.
- Comparisons
Mobile, satellite or wired internet, an external antenna or a repeater, a power bank or a spare phone: pros and cons without brands.
- Glossary
Connectivity terms in plain words: signal and cell towers, latency and speed, antennas, repeaters and satellite orbits.
- Tools
What is already built into your phone and computer: data saver, offline maps, power saving and checking signal strength.
Sources
- Smartphone and battery manufacturers' instructions
- Reference material from telecom operators
- EMERCOM of Russia — guidance on calling emergency services
Information about batteries, condensation, communication satellite orbits and calling emergency services has been checked against publicly available material from manufacturers, operators and the relevant authorities as of the date this page was prepared. Menu items on your phone or computer may be named differently, so we describe them in general terms.