Mobile phone signal

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It has been suggested that Dead zone (cell phone) be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

It has been suggested that Dropped call be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

A display of bars on a mobile phone screen

The Mobile phone signal (or reception) is the strength of the connection the mobile phone has to its network. Depending on various factors, such as proximity to a tower, the signal may vary. Most mobile devices use a set of bars of varying heights to display the strength of the signal where the device is located.

Generally, a stronger mobile phone signal is easier to obtain in an urban area, though urban areas do have some "dead zones" where a reception cannot be obtained. On the contrary, many rural or minimally inhabited areas lack a signal or have a very weak reception, but many mobile phone providers are attempting to set up towers in parts of these areas most likely to be occupied by users, such as along major highways. Even some national parks and other popular tourist destinations away from urban areas now have cell phone receptions.

In an area where the signal would normally be strong, certain other factors may have an effect on the reception, thereby making it either stronger or weaker, or may cause complete interference. For example, a building with thick walls may prevent a mobile phone from being used. Many underground areas, such as tunnels and subway stations, lack a reception. And the weather and volume of network traffic may impact the strength.

It is also possible to block the signal with a mobile phone jammer. However, these are outlawed in many countries (see laws by country).

[edit] Improving reception

Many companies try to sell devices that they claim, if installed into a mobile phone, can improve the reception in an area. However, none of these devices have been proven to work.

It is possible, though, to improve a signal within a house or building by installing an external antenna on the roof of the structure.