Will Climbing a Hill Really Get You Better Phone Reception?

Satellites play no role in cellphone reception, so getting closer to the sky, or getting a clear shot at it, won't necessarily result in a connection. Cellular reception largely depends on how close you are to a cell tower, what geographical and man-made obstructions stand in between, and how many people are using the tower at a particular time (more users decreases a tower's range).

That said, elevation can help. "It's hard to say that this is a hard and fast rule of thumb," says Brian Josef, assistant vice president of regulatory affairs at the CTIA?The Wireless Association, but climbing to get reception is "common sense." A higher elevation could put you in line of sight with a cell tower, which may help you get that one crucial bar of coverage.

This common sense applies only if coverage is a possibility; a truly remote location is not likely to have any service at all. Ken Phillips, chief of emergency services at Grand Canyon National Park, warns that the blind pursuit of cellphone connectivity could be counterproductive. "In the vast majority of the canyon, there's no cell coverage," he says. By climbing to the top of a rock formation or butte, especially during severe weather, "you're just exposing yourself to risk." If you're genuinely lost, focus on your situation, not your tech: Gather water, build shelter, and stay put.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/tips/will-climbing-a-hill-really-get-you-better-phone-reception-7698457?src=rss

beltran space ball jim mora the weeknd echoes of silence gio gonzalez san francisco fire patti labelle