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 0.01µ 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 216
