Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!??

Posted by bgreddit on Tuesday December 19, 2017 @05:21PM
from the self-post dept.

is it just me or has anyone else noticed this? Target stores dont provide coverage and force you to use their WiFi. . I have been to 3 target stores in my area (Sunnyvale, Fremont Hub, PAcific Commons, Fremont). I always get no coverage inside which forces me to use their Wifi. Neighboring stores have no issues. Is Target forcing us to use their WiFi and tracking our activity for their data analytics!!. Worse and something to think of is how do I call 911 or emergency numbers if I need to. Is anyone else seeing this?

( 8 comments | 6 points | on HN )

Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by teapot01 on Thursday December 21, 2017 @07:33AM (#15978342)

This could be due to the fact that Target et. al. generally use cheap construction methods like steel frame with steel sheet roofing and cladding. If that's the case, you be effectively inside a faraday cage which would attenuate the signal.

Many larger public buildings and shopping malls often use distributed antenna systems (DAS) to improve coverage inside.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by bgreddit on Thursday December 21, 2017 @01:52PM (#15981656)

thx.. I havent seen this when I go into other big box stores. Seems to me like they want to force you to use their WiFi so that they can track if I am price matching or just window shopping at target!!. But it comes at a cost of safety which is what I am worried about!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by fetus8 on Tuesday December 19, 2017 @05:36PM (#15965090)

So I live in Colorado and have noticed this before as well. Different Target locations, in different towns. When I'm in a target, it's like my phone just doesn't work. I'm on Verizon, so who knows.

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Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by sigjuice on Tuesday December 19, 2017 @05:31PM (#15965048)

This is most likely a coverage issue with your cell phone provider. The next time you visit Target, bring someone along whose cell phone provider is someone else and see if the cell phone coverage issues are the same.

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Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by bgreddit on Wednesday December 20, 2017 @12:24AM (#15967215)

I have tried it on AT&T. My friend had TMO and it had the same issue. Other folks in this thread have mentioned Verizon. So it does seem like not an isolated case

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Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by Wheresthedoor on Tuesday December 19, 2017 @06:12PM (#15965344)

I have Family Mobile (TMobile MVNO) and have never had service in a Target. My wife has AT&T and never has service either. This is in multiple Target's in the Central Florida area.

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Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by PaulHoule on Wednesday December 20, 2017 @11:37AM (#15971090)

I've never been able to get a signal with a (voice-only) tracfone (uses AT&T network) in the Target in Lansing, NY.

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Re:Target stores have no cell phone coverage!!?? by bgreddit on Thursday December 21, 2017 @01:50PM (#15981638)

Seems like this is prevalent across the nation!!. I am more worried about not able to reach out to folks from inside in case of emergency!!..

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