mobile video
Credit: By Kirill Kniazev on Flickr. Some rights reserved.

Mobiles have become the default device in some reporting scenarios, particularly because they're more efficient in breaking news situations or when covering stories in remote locations.

However, reporters often rely on a data connection and a strong signal to feed material back into the newsroom or be able to upload it themselves, so poor connectivity can make or break a story.

Marc Settle, who specialises in smartphone reporting for the BBC Academy, put together a list of alternatives for when your mobile network is overcrowded and there's a deadline to meet.

He suggests using 2G for texting, switching on and off your phone's 'airplane mode' to get better signal or checking to see if a less subscribed mobile phone tower is close to where you're reporting from.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).