No phone reception or mobile Internet connection despite O2 coverage map saying I should?

[Anonymous]

I just recently moved house, 1.2 miles from my old one, which I used to get full reception and 3G Internet, or in fact anywhere in the town I live in. In my new house I get maybe 1 bar if I stand in a specific place in one room, and even then I sometimes have to turn aeroplane mode off and on until it decides to not say "no service", and I get no Internet. 

I wouldn't mind so much if it was just an area not covered and I had chosen to move there, but looking at the coverage map I should be fine for phone calls and messages inside and outside, and even the 3G map is mainly inside and out coverage.

What could be causing this massive drop in reception?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

Most likely the construction of your building. Certain building materials and insulation products are very effective at blocking mobile phone signals. If you have a monthly contract and WiFi at home you could try out Tugo which will give you better reception inside.

http://www.o2.co.uk/tugo/want-it

[Bambino]

Have you checked to see if the mast in your area is working properly? http://status.o2.co.uk/

[perksie]

One of the things many people check for now before moving is, the broadband connection speed and the mobile phone signal in the new location.