Section 4: Safety Guidelines and Warranty Information4A: Safety 118Getting the Most Out of Your ReceptionKeeping Tabs on Signal StrengthThe quality of each call you make or receive depends on the signalstrength in your area. Your phone informs you of the current signalstrength by displaying a number of bars next to the signal strength icon.The more bars displayed, the stronger the signal. If you’re inside abuilding, being near a window may give you better reception.Understanding the Power Save FeatureIf your phone is unable to find a signal after 15 minutes of searching, aPower Save feature is automatically activated. If your phone is active, itperiodically rechecks service availability or you can check it yourself bypressing any key. Anytime the Power Save feature is activated, a messagedisplays on the screen. When a signal is found, your phone returns toStandby mode.Understanding How Your Phone OperatesYour phone is basically a radio transmitter and receiver. When it’s turnedon, it receives and transmits radio frequency (RF) signals. When you useyour phone, the system handling your call controls the power level. Thispower can range from 0.006 watts to 0.2 watts in digital mode.Knowing Radio frequency SafetyThe design of your PCS Phone complies with updated NCRP standardsdescribed below.In 1991-92, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) joined inupdating ANSI’s 1982 standard for safety levels with respect to humanexposure to RF signals. More than 120 scientists, engineers andphysicians from universities, government health agencies and industriesdeveloped this updated standard after reviewing the available body ofresearch. In 1993, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)adopted this updated standard in a regulation. In August 1996, the FCCadopted hybrid standard consisting of the existing ANSI/IEEE standardand the guidelines published by the National Council of RadiationProtection and Measurements (NCRP).
