How to Compare Cell Phone Reception

There are two factors to consider--the strength of the carrier's network and the cell phone itself. Evaluating networks is relatively easy but cell phones are problematic. What you really need to know is how much of the signal from the network is usable on a particular device. The technical term for this is "EC/I0" (pronounced "ee-see-over-eye-naught") and is not displayed because it fluctuates wildly, alarming cell phone users. Instead, the more stable bars are displayed, although they are relatively meaningless. There is no industry standard regulating the use of bars so their thresholds are set arbitrarily. "Two bars" means different things on different phones. No two models, even from the same manufacturer, are identical and the accuracy and strength of their antennas and receivers varies.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with access to the Internet
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Visit several cell phone carriers' websites and study the network maps in your area and the areas where you need strong coverage. Pay attention to signal strength as well as coverage. Open a new tab for each and bookmark the page if the coverage meets your needs. Keep these pages open. Close all tabs that did not meet your criteria for good cell phone reception.

2. Review each page and the phones available from that carrier. Choose the model that best meets your needs and has the strongest and most accurate antennas and receivers. Call the provider if the information is unclear or lacking.

3. Read some reviews of the networks and phones you are considering. Look for overall comments and don't focus on individual reviews. Choose reviews from consumer sites as well as from users.

4. Evaluate the information gathered and make an informed decision about which network and device will provide the best cell phone reception for you.

Tips & Warnings

• The network maps provide different information from carrier to carrier. For example, Sprint's coverage map breaks down its services based on Sprint, Nextel, and PowerSource devices and shows where there is voice coverage, voice coverage with varying signal strength, roaming areas, and no coverage. Verizon's map is interactive and displays information for all their services and the breakdown between digital, analog, and no coverage nationwide.

• The fastest way to research cell phone reception is to go online. If you don't have access to the Internet, call the dealers direct or stop by their locations for more information.

• The reception can be good even in a bad coverage area if the "EC/I0" is high, and the opposite it also true.

• Try different models in local store to see how they really sound and work.

• Determine exactly what the return policy is with the carrier you choose and what your options are should the reception not be as represented.

References

• Compare Cell Reception
• Reviews of Cell Phone Reception
• Dead Cell Zones

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish