Redigoogle wrote:
> On Jun 22, 9:35 am, "Richard B. Gilbert" <rgilber...@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
> what does the transmit power of a cell
>> phone have to do with the quality of reception on that cell phone?
>>
>> The sensitivity and selectivity of a receiver can make a big difference
>> in the quality of the received speech. I suspect that the answer is
>> that better phones have better receivers.
>
> I see your point, and realize that I'm confusing the two issues
> presuming that more power effected both directions of communication.
> Still power must be somewhat an issue in reception,
> since whatever signal is available must certainly be amplified to
> audible levels.
> Maybe its more a function of antenna size/quality?
> I don't know.
> Comments appreciated.
>

A better antenna can make a huge difference. The sticking point is that
many cell phones have no provision for an external antenna. The
instruction book for my RAZR V3m does not mention the antenna at all.
Whatever it has, it seems to be entirely internal.

There are gadgets called "repeaters" that will increase your range.
I've never seen one nor, knowingly, used one. Some are intended for use
in vehicles, others are intended to be installed in, or on top of,
buildings.