Cell Phone Signal Strength

Based upon my personal observations with my own cellular phone. Verizon Wireless is my service provider and I use a digital phone capable of switching automatically or manually to analog mode. Most major carriers operate repeaters in the region. Most major highways have cellular service. I have been amazed at some of the remote locations that I've gotten a signal, had an incoming phone call or have placed outgoing phone calls.

Don't forget that your cellular phone is basically what can be described as a two-way radio – a very low powered one at that. Your phone may be receiving a strong signal because of the repeater's higher power, but you phone's low transmit power may not be strong enough to cover the distance or obstacles between you and the repeater. Some who regularly spend time in remote areas often keep old Motorolla cellular phones – those that were carried in a bag – due to their much higher transmit power. Digital phones, due to the way their signals are processed, often have a strong incoming signal yet cannot get a call out. Those phones with automatic or manually switched analog modes will fare far better getting a call out if placed in that mode.

Note: In 2008, all analog phone service will be discontinued. How this will affect remote repeaters – most transmitting/receiving analog signals only – is yet to be determined. I will note any changes as I am aware of them.

Below is my rating system for cellular phone signal strength and what each rating implies.

Good – Pegged or nearly so signal strength meter. Should have no troubles getting out to the repeater from your phone. Should not experience any dropped calls.

Fair – Middle of the range signal strength. Digital phones may have difficulty getting out to the repeater unless switched to analog mode (analog signals are generally more stable in fringe reception areas; and the repeater handles digital mode calls in a different manner, prioritizing calls based upon signal strength). May experience dropped calls.

Weak – There is a signal present but spotty. Chances of getting out, especially with a digital phone, very low. If your phone can be manually switched into analog mode, your chances are better of getting out to the repeater. If you can get a weak signal, try moving to a high or open point with a good all around view to increase your chances of getting out. If you know of a communications tower in the vicinity (they are shown on most topographic maps), there may be a cellular repeater on the site. Try to position yourself in a location where you can see the towers of it.

None – Forget about using your phone. If you are in an emergency situation, starting climbing to nearby high points and hope there is a repeater somewhere within range.

©2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 D.A. Wright
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Page Revised: 02/17/2008