An Overview of Signal Strength:
Cell phone signal strength is an important factor that affects the quality and reliability of voice and data transmissions on mobile devices. A weak or unstable signal can result in dropped calls, slow internet speeds, poor audio quality, and reduced battery life. But how do we measure cell phone signal strength, and what is considered a good level?
Cell phone signal strength is measured in decibels with respect to one milliwatt, or dBm. It is expressed in negative numbers and ranges from -30 dBm to -120 dBm. The closer the number is to 0, the stronger the signal. A 3-dB increase means the signal is twice as powerful.
A signal of -50 dBm to -79 dBm is considered great. It means you have full bars on your phone and can enjoy clear voice calls and fast data speeds. A signal of -80 dBm to -89 dBm is still good, but you may experience some minor issues with voice or data transmissions. A signal of -90 dBm to -99 dBm is fair, but you may experience more frequent issues with voice or data transmissions. A signal of -100 dBm to -109 dBm is poor, and you may experience dropped calls, slow internet speeds, poor audio quality, and reduced battery life. A signal of -110 dBm to -120 dBm is very poor, and you may not be able to make or receive calls or use data services at all.
Cell phone signal strength can vary depending on various factors, such as proximity to a cell tower, any obstructions such as buildings or trees, weather conditions, network traffic, and device settings3. To improve your cell phone signal strength, you can try some of the following tips:
Move closer to a window or an open area if you are indoors.
Avoid using your phone in basements, elevators, tunnels, or other underground areas.
Switch to a different network mode (such as 4G LTE or 3G) if your current one is congested or unavailable.
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if you are not using them, as they can interfere with your cellular signal.
Update your phone’s software and carrier settings regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Use a cell phone signal booster device that can amplify the existing signal and provide better coverage in your home, office, or vehicle.