Getting the Most Out of Your Reception

Keeping Tabs on Signal Strength

The quality of each call you make or receive depends on the signal strength in your area. Your phone informs you of the current signal strength by displaying a number of bars next to the signal strength icon. The more bars displayed, the stronger the signal. If you’re inside a building, being near a window may give you better reception.

Understanding the Power Save Feature

If your phone is unable to find a signal after 15 minutes of searching, a Power Save feature is automatically activated. If your phone is active, it periodically rechecks service availability or you can check it yourself by pressing any key. Anytime the Power Save feature is activated, a message displays on the screen. When a signal is found, your phone returns to standby mode.

Understanding How Your Phone Operates

Your phone is basically a radio transmitter and receiver. When it’s turned on, it receives and transmits radiofrequency (RF) signals. When you use your phone, the system handling your call controls the power level. This power can range from 0.006 watts to 0.2 watts in digital mode.

Knowing Radiofrequency Safety

The design of your PCS Phone complies with updated NCRP standards described below.

In 1991-92, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) joined in updating ANSI’s 1982 standard for safety levels with respect to human exposure to RF signals. More than 120 scientists, engineers and physicians from universities, government health agencies and industries developed this updated standard after reviewing the available body of research. In 1993, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted this updated standard in a regulation. In August 1996, the FCC adopted hybrid standard consisting of the existing ANSI/IEEE standard and the guidelines published by the National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP).

Section 4: Safety Guidelines and Warranty Information

 

4A: Safety

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