Poor mobile reception can be a frustrating mystery—especially when it always seems to vanish the moment you walk into certain stores.

For one Australian shopper, the experience sparked a bold conspiracy theory that’s now dividing opinions online.

But as speculation spreads, experts have weighed in with a more grounded explanation that challenges the claims.

A young Australian woman sparked debate online after suggesting there was something suspicious behind the weak mobile reception inside certain retail stores.

The woman, known as Lily, posted a video on social media claiming that some businesses may be actively preventing shoppers from accessing the internet while inside.

‘Apparently they’re using internet blockers so you can’t go on certain shops to price match products,’ she said.

Shopper claims stores block internet access. Image source: Tiktok/lily.on.the.road

‘I went into Chemist Warehouse yesterday and I was in the shop, and I didn’t have any internet.

‘Then I would leave the shop and I would have internet all of a sudden.’

Lily said she couldn’t get reception inside the store to do a price comparison.

Her claim resonated with other Australians who shared similar frustrations, especially in stores like Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI.

However, the theory didn’t hold up under scrutiny—because blocking mobile phone signals is illegal in Australia.

According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), only certain law enforcement and security agencies are allowed to use jamming devices.

So what’s really going on?

Signal Solutions, a UK company that specialises in improving indoor mobile coverage, explained that the real culprit is often the buildings themselves.

‘Most big supermarkets have been constructed within huge metal-framed buildings for speed, safety and cost,’ the company stated.

‘The thing is, one of the properties of conductors like metal mean that an electromagnetic charge tends to flow along the outside, rather than penetrating through it.’

In simpler terms, metal structures can block mobile phone signals from getting through.

Some retailers install mobile signal boosters—also called repeaters—to help customers stay connected.

But not all businesses invest in this technology, which is why reception can vary from store to store.

While Lily’s suspicions may have sounded like a modern retail conspiracy, the explanation turned out to be far less dramatic.

That didn’t stop social media users from jumping on the theory, with one writing: ‘Is this true?! Not cool!!!!! What a scam!’

The video, posted to social media, included the caption: ‘Is this true?! Not cool!!!!! What a scam!’ and featured the original sound from Lil.

Source: Tiktok/lily.on.the.road

In a previous story, millions of web users were warned about dangerous browser extensions posing serious security risks.

The extensions, many of which appeared harmless, were found to be collecting sensitive data without consent.

If you missed it, make sure to read the full warning and check if your browser is affected.

Key Takeaways

• A woman named Lily claimed on social media that some stores block internet to stop price comparisons.
• Her experience of losing signal inside the Chemist Warehouse was echoed by other Australians.
• Experts clarified that signal loss is due to metal-framed buildings, not illegal jamming devices.
• Some stores use signal boosters, but coverage still varies widely.

Have you ever noticed your mobile signal drop the moment you walk into your local supermarket? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

 

[Kman]

Look up "Faraday Cage".

A Faraday cage is a conductive enclosure that protects its contents from external electric fields and electromagnetic radiation. It works by distributing the charge or radiation around the exterior of the cage, effectively canceling it out within the interior. This shielding effect is achieved because the conductive material allows the charges or radiation to move to the surface of the cage, preventing them from entering the protected area.

 

[darrellh]

I've definitely noticed poorer reception in supermarkets but plenty of people on their phones.

 

[Kim w]

I have noticed when I go to SHELL service station & put petrol in then go inside to pay & try to got the LINKT app on my phone to get the Shell discount 4 cents off per litre,the internet won't work(I have to stop elsewhere to get the LINKT app up & get the SHELL discount ready)then go get petrol to use the discount. I had one lady who gave me the discount even as I couldn't get the internet to work, thank you to that lady as some will not do that even as they can see that the app won't work. As you know that it's only a small amount we pensioners need to save on many things & we go to these places to use the discounts we are offered. Thank you. Kim

 

[Zemo]

I've noticed much the same thing when I buy Lotto tickets, too.

 

[Jennylolo]

have not had this happen including all stores mentioned in the post. However it can happen anywhere, moving from room to room in a house, going outside etc. The towers can be interfered with by weather which happens a lot in my area and also the buildings themselves. Friend or family on the phone in their properties can move a little and it can drop out. It's a pain.

 

[HelenB55]

I have experienced this many times when shopping.
I just shrug my shoulders at it.
Not worth getting upset over it.

 

[Mummanew]

I wish this were the case in the shops I frequent. It would be so lovely to do my shopping without having to listen to someone's phone conversation, or have to do a dodge and swerve with a full trolley to avoid running into some selfish twit texting and not looking where they're going!

 

[PattiB]

I haven’t experienced this problem at all, but then, I only use my phone to find my cards. I know my husband’s phone works in supermarkets as I’ve often called him while he’s shopping.