Any ways to improve phone signal strength?

I have particular problems with very poor to no service "3G" phone signal at my home location. I'm on Orange UK Network. I read elsewhere that with the "Band Selection" in "Phone Settings....More" tab, set to "Automatic" the phone will always default to the faster 3G signal even in areas where a 2G signal may be stronger and more stable.

Apparently it's always searching for a 3G signal and will constantly try and connect to one as it's better for Internet access I believe. I get pretty much no 3G signal downstairs in my home and upstairs it's only 1 to 2 bars on the signal level icon.

In my area the "older" 2G signal is stronger, so I've set the "Band Selection" to GSM900/1800, which I'm guessing is the older 2G network. This seems to have improved the signal level considerably particularly downstairs where it remains a pretty constant 2 to 3 bars. Upstairs the signal is 3 to 4 bars. There are the occasional dropouts to "No service" but not to the persistent level it was when "Band Selection" was automatic.

I wondered if anyone else had experience of this and had any other suggestions for improving reception in poor signal areas?

Also curiously the phone seems to maintain a signal better when its laid on it’s back with the touchscreen facing upwards and I wondered if this was anything to do with the placement of the phones aerial/antenna – Does anyone know where this is located on the phone and the best way to lay the phone down for good reception?