Mobile phones

[iwbus]

When I recieve a text message or someone calls me and my mobile is by my monitor I get interfierence but sometimes the same thing happens without a resulting message or call. Is my mobile reregistering with the network or something similar?

[PaulB]

Yes. Every hour (or half hour with some networks) your mobile sends out a signal to the nearest phone mast to get coverage.

[Hippy]

Another interesting point is that when travelling the phone is always on the lookout for the neighbouring cells so as to switch over when reception is better in the new cell.

The phone receives this information from the cell transmitters (passive affair) but when switching over cells it transmits a burst of data (active battery bashing activity). The cells are small in towns and built up areas, larger in country areas. So, your phone does a lot more work when on the move; in built up areas it may be swapping cells ten times or more per hour. This is why the traveller finds that the battery life is less, even though they make and receive a similar number of calls as when static.

Another tip is always try to keep your mobile phone clear of obstructions, as its transmission activity is geared to its perceived signal strength. The little data bursts are only tiny milliwatt affairs when it sees a good signal from the cell transmitter. If it's in your pocket or a cupboard or otherwise hidden form the cell transmitter its data bursts are really strong to try to get through. This uses up more battery power.

[abfandango]

Man, what an answer! I never would have thought that! Pity I have a Samsung A800. The aerial is made by an especially small factory employing special midget people using tiny tools. There's nothing of it! I see the nice 'no signal' icon come up regularly while watching others nattering away beside me! (Checks phone to notice, yep, no signal).