I have a Nokia 6130 cell phone and use a rechargeable Vodafone SIM card (Italian). I have very poor reception in my apartment and, I've noticed, in other parts of Italy as well. It's not uncommon for those around me to be happily chatting on their telefonini while I am mute because I can't get a signal! Pardon my ignorance but is this a problem with the cell phone itself, the carrier (Vodafone), or is it just me? Would my coverage improve with a new phone, a new provider?

Alternatively, can anyone provide advice about the availability of a device that will boost the signal in my apartment? does such a thing exist?

Most grateful for any advice/suggestions

The problem's almost certainly with the carrier (i.e. Vodaphone). Different carriers are good in different places, I think because they use different masts. Mine (TIM) used to be OK at work but lousy at home. (Now it's got slightly better at home - you can use it if you hang out of the study window.) If it's very important, it shouldn't be a problem to change carrier. Ask local people if they know of any problems with coverage for your area, and which carrier is best.

I'm with Sid- switch carriers. We live right on the edge of a mountain RF-shadow- the TIM signal is stronger at the front of the house than the back. If you have an obstruction (like a hill) between your house and the Vodafone cell tower it may impair your reception.

I also live in Venice and I have vodaphone....I rarely have trouble with them....

An experiment would be to try your SIM card in the phone of a neighbor (and vice versa).

I recently had a similar problem and it ended up being the phone I brought with me from the states, worked fine for the most part but just had lower signal than my wife's cell almost everywhere. Ended up getting a new LG and that fixed the problem so far. So it could be either one that is causing the problem. Some phones just don't have good antennas in them. I would definitely check your Sim in a friends phone before dropping money on a new phone.

Good advice everyone. Thank you all.