Negative number beside the carrier

[Wesj00]

On my iPhone 5, right beside the carrier there are negative numbers such as -77 and stuff. How do I get that off?

Thanks.

 

[S.B.G]

On my iPhone 5, right beside the carrier there are negative numbers such as -77 and stuff. How do I get that off?

Image

Thanks.

This used to work on my 3GS, not sure if it still does or not.

Field Test Mode

From the numbered screen on your iPhone type in the following sequence and then press 'Call'. This will show you the dBm and the lower the number the better the signal strength. I think the best I have seen is -45

*3001#12345#*
You can keep the numbers permanent in field test mode. When exiting just hold the home button down a few seconds like you would to force close an app.
Now you can simply toggle between numbers or bars with a simple touch.
The only catch is that this toggle feature is permanent (even between firmware updates) unless you go to Settings and Reset All.