Semi-technical NoOb question regarding Verizons 3G and Voice Coverage

[KAL-EL]

I am fortunate enough that I have exellent big red 3G coverage in my home. Even full bars roughly 90% of the time in my basement. I have yet to even use my droids wifi because big reds 3G has been so stellar. I also noticed that whenever I make an actual phone call, the signal strength sinks down to about 2 bars (sometimes 3). I am assuming this is because my 1x voice coverage isn't as good as the EVDO data coverage. my question is, what is the technical reason for this? is it because Verizons voice coverage operates at a higher fequency that isnt as good at building penetration? Are there specific towers just for voice and vice versa? Thanks in advance for any responses!

 

[gruss]

Usually its the opposite. Typically VZW runs voice on cellular 850 or so and data on pcs 1900 or so. So usually data is more flaky then voice but its possible in your area they utilize different towers and the evdo panels are really close and the 1x panels are farther away? Or you live in an area VZW only had pcs licensees until Alltel buyout then rolled out 3g? Maybe a big bird crashed into the panel and now its pointed right into your basement?

 

[KAL-EL]

Hello and thanks for taking the time to reply. I live in Philadelphia, which has always been a major Verizon market. We dont have alltel here. so it isnt that. I myself had always assumed voice would be stronger then a data signal. in my case however, its just the opposite. Not complaining mind you. As I already mentioned, my 3G speeds are very good which is why I have yet to actually use the droids wifi in my home. Even at 2 bars, the call quality I feel is still above average. I was bascially curious is all.

 

[gruss]

It is curious! Could also be interference in the cellular band too. Signal strength can be high but the ec io may be bad causing you to lose "bars" I agree though if the phone is working well I wouldn't be to concerned.

 

[colnago]

I am fortunate enough that I have exellent big red 3G coverage in my home. Even full bars roughly 90% of the time in my basement. I have yet to even use my droids wifi because big reds 3G has been so stellar. I also noticed that whenever I make an actual phone call, the signal strength sinks down to about 2 bars (sometimes 3). I am assuming this is because my 1x voice coverage isn't as good as the EVDO data coverage. my question is, what is the technical reason for this? is it because Verizons voice coverage operates at a higher fequency that isnt as good at building penetration? Are there specific towers just for voice and vice versa? Thanks in advance for any responses!

FWIW, I think its just the nature of the CDMA technology (vs 3G). I have AT&T and T-Mo, and T-Mo, running at the higher frequencies, does suffer from poor building penetration, in areas of "full bars" (i.e. - go outside the supermarket and have full signal) compared to AT&T. When on "2G/Edge" connection, on T-Mo or AT&T, the signal behaves much like the Droid when I had it...move the phone an inch or two, and the signal level changes significantly.

I made an antenna mod for my Droid, which helped with reception:

http://androidforums.com/motorola-d...rough-3g-1x-switching.html?highlight=homemade

...but the poor reception around my town (Balt/DC corridor), with (3) Verizon stores and Verizon CO down the street, forced a switch back to 3G for voice/data.

 

[gruss]

EVDO is VZW's 3g. CDMA can run in pcs (tmo sprint) or cellular. Cellular penetrates better than pcs which is why this situation is odd as usually VZW runs the data in the pcs band.
If ATT works better for you that's great but I think you have you terminology mixed up.

 

[colnago]

EVDO is VZW's 3g. CDMA can run in pcs (tmo sprint) or cellular. Cellular penetrates better than pcs which is why this situation is odd as usually VZW runs the data in the pcs band.
If ATT works better for you that's great but I think you have you terminology mixed up.

Fair enough.

Either way, I think that 1x signal is succeptible to a lot of interference, as I have issues with VZ "using the Droid", along with my parents' "dumb phones" in many areas of my town, even outside, vs. no issues, even in basements with AT&T, throughout the NE/Mid-Atlantic, w/Moto Q.

But again, it could be the phones...I just hated that I lost "half bars/half dB strength", just by turning my head with the Droid.