When I started reading the reports of this signal loss issue, I did a little test. I have an iPhone 3G...probably close to two years old. My house typically has a week cellular signal, but the bars are usually at 4 or 5 bars most places in the house. I picked up my 3G and cupped my hand around the back of the phone like anyone would when they talk on a cell phone. Guess what.....the bars went down to 1.
Now, I am at work in downtown DC where the signal is very strong. I pick up my 3G and hold it in the same manner. Guess what......still 5 bars.
Am I surprised by this result? Nope! There is going to be signal loss when you cover up part of an antenna. That only makes sense.
My suspicion as follows:
1) Certain percentages of signal reception equal a given amount of bars displayed. I don't know what that is, but for the sake of argument, let's say they are as follows:
60 - 100% = 5 bars
50 - 60% = 4 bars
40 - 50% = 3 bars
30 - 40% = 2 bars
20 - 30% = 1 bar
0 - 20 = 0 bars
2) When you place your hand over the antenna, if degrades the signal by a certain percentage (varies depending on how you hold it).
So, if someone has a very strong signal and picks up their phone, covering the antenna, the signal may drop from 100% to 70 %, but the bars still indicate the same.....5 bars.
However, someone with a weaker signal may pick up their phone, covering the antenna, and the signal may drop from 60% to 30% dropping from just barely getting 5 bars to 1 bar....even though the signal is dropping the same 30%.
Based on the above theory, people that are experiencing this issue are likely receiving weaking cellular signals than those that are not experiencing this issue.
Just a theory........but I bet I'm right.
Now, I am at work in downtown DC where the signal is very strong. I pick up my 3G and hold it in the same manner. Guess what......still 5 bars.
Am I surprised by this result? Nope! There is going to be signal loss when you cover up part of an antenna. That only makes sense.
My suspicion as follows:
1) Certain percentages of signal reception equal a given amount of bars displayed. I don't know what that is, but for the sake of argument, let's say they are as follows:
60 - 100% = 5 bars
50 - 60% = 4 bars
40 - 50% = 3 bars
30 - 40% = 2 bars
20 - 30% = 1 bar
0 - 20 = 0 bars
2) When you place your hand over the antenna, if degrades the signal by a certain percentage (varies depending on how you hold it).
So, if someone has a very strong signal and picks up their phone, covering the antenna, the signal may drop from 100% to 70 %, but the bars still indicate the same.....5 bars.
However, someone with a weaker signal may pick up their phone, covering the antenna, and the signal may drop from 60% to 30% dropping from just barely getting 5 bars to 1 bar....even though the signal is dropping the same 30%.
Based on the above theory, people that are experiencing this issue are likely receiving weaking cellular signals than those that are not experiencing this issue.
Just a theory........but I bet I'm right.