166 Section 4A: SafetyGetting 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; you can also check it yourselfby pressing any key. Anytime the Power Save feature is activated, amessage is displayed on the screen. When a signal is found, your phonereturns to standby mode.Understanding How Your Phone OperatesYour phone is basically a radio transmitter and receiver. When it’sturned on, it receives and transmits radiofrequency (RF) signals. Whenyou use your phone, the system handling your call controls the powerlevel. This power can range from 0.006 watts to 0.2 watts in digitalmode.Knowing Radio Frequency SafetyThe design of your Sprint PCS Phone complies with updated NCRPstandards described 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 andindustries developed this updated standard after reviewing theavailable body of research. In 1993, the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) adopted this updated standard in a regulation. InAugust 1996, the FCC adopted hybrid standard consisting of theexisting ANSI/IEEE standard and the guidelines published by theNational Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP).
