Force Roam - Found!

[snovvman]

Take a look at ##DEBUG#. For newbs, go to the dial pad and enter the string.

The "receive" portion of the radio is passive in that, it cannot "boost power" to "grab" better signal. The "transmit" portion of the radio has the ability to transmit up to 600mW (per FCC requirements).

When signal quality is good, the phone does not need to TRASMIT at higher power levels and therefore does not drain battery as quickly. When signal quality is poor, the phone may need to poll the cell site more often in order to establish connection and/or switch between 1xRTT and EVDO. When EVDO signal is not good (DO is serviced by a seperate cellular element within the cell site), the phone switches to 1x. The act of repeated connection and switching between DO and 1x will consume battery.

When the Rx s/n is low, it causes the phone to transmit (Tx) at higher power in order to reliably reach the cell site. Again, the phone cannot simply "boost power" to go out a get better signal.

On the subject of roaming--since Sprint can only roam at 1x on Verizon, having the phone on forced roam will cause the phone to be locked at 1x. If your phone is constantly switching betwen 1x and DO while on Sprint (therefore causing the phone to turn on all the time), having it locked on Verizon 1x WILL save battery.

On the other hand, if you have good DO coverage and the phone does not switch betwen the 1x and DO, then the point is moot.