CellMapper

What CellMapper does and who it is for

CellMapper is a cell network information tool. It shows low-level details of the mobile connection your phone or tablet is using, and it can log those readings to feed crowd-sourced coverage maps. The listing covers 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, including both NSA and SA forms of 5G.

It suits people who want to see what their handset is actually attached to: the network generation, the band and the tower sector. Anyone who wants to add their own data to a shared coverage map can record readings as they move around.

Recorded data feeds the maps on the CellMapper website at cellmapper.net. The listing also links to Reddit, Facebook and Twitter pages for the project.

Reading live cell network details

The main view shows low-level information about the cellular connection. The listed network types are GSM, UMTS, CDMA, LTE and NR. Where the device supports it, the app reads cellular frequencies and bandwidths directly.

Frequency band calculations are provided for some providers, not all of them. The listing states this as a limit, so band figures depend on the network you are on.

Dual SIM devices are supported.

Viewing coverage and tower sector maps

The map shows coverage for the network. It can also show the coverage of individual tower sectors, along with the bands each one uses.

The listing notes that data is generated shortly after upload, but it can take up to a few days before new readings appear on the site and in the app. A route recorded today may not show on the map straight away.

Recording readings for crowd-sourced coverage

Recording is how a device contributes to the shared maps. The location the readings were taken at is what places them on the map.

If there is no internet connection, the app can write the data to a CSV file on the device instead.

Two optional settings are listed: starting the app at boot, and vibrating when the cell changes. Each can be switched on or off.

Calculating frequencies for each standard

The frequency calculator covers GSM, iDEN, CDMA, UMTS, LTE and NR. One tool therefore handles older standards such as GSM and iDEN as well as current ones such as LTE and NR.