Do 787 LCD windows reduce cell phone reception?
Sep 17, 2016, 2:04 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,990
I experienced this the very first time I was on the 787 a while back. I thought it was the composite material. So, it is the LCD?
It is not fun when you have a really early arrival into SFO and are stuck on the plane without phone service http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...fore-open.html . I tried both my AT&T and Verizon and it did not work - although another passenger sitting in the center got through on his Verizon on 3G and he said it was spotty.
It is not fun when you have a really early arrival into SFO and are stuck on the plane without phone service http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...fore-open.html . I tried both my AT&T and Verizon and it did not work - although another passenger sitting in the center got through on his Verizon on 3G and he said it was spotty.
Last edited by username; Sep 17, 2016 at 2:13 pm
Sep 18, 2016, 10:08 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 218
^ yes, the windows. No doubt about it. With my GPS, which picks up much weaker signals in bands (frequencies) similar to cell phones, the nearer I am to windows (on regular aircraft of course) the stronger the signal. It also depends on angle to the window, since GPS signals propagate roughly on line of sight. If I move my GPS away from the window, say a foot below, I lose most or all signals. Middle seat it may work on the tray table (line of sight again) but not below. None of this is any surprise if you understand electromagnetic wave propagation and shielding. As others have said, the fuselage is a great shield.
Sep 18, 2016, 2:08 pm
#19
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Sky High
Posts: 47
I can confirm that every Land Rover I have owned has been a problem for my toll pass. Each one has a very thick windshield with a electrical defrost feature. Works great for its intended purpose, but does cause interference for not only my toll pass sticker but even my cell phone on occasion.
You may want to check if there's something similar available for your LR's.
Sep 19, 2016, 7:00 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Sep 20, 2016, 7:40 am
#23
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,333
^ yes, the windows. No doubt about it. With my GPS, which picks up much weaker signals in bands (frequencies) similar to cell phones, the nearer I am to windows (on regular aircraft of course) the stronger the signal. It also depends on angle to the window, since GPS signals propagate roughly on line of sight. If I move my GPS away from the window, say a foot below, I lose most or all signals. Middle seat it may work on the tray table (line of sight again) but not below. None of this is any surprise if you understand electromagnetic wave propagation and shielding. As others have said, the fuselage is a great shield.
Anyways, yes it's definitely the windows.
Aug 19, 2018, 1:48 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: ua swa
Posts: 7
Yes you are correct a 787 is a flyng Fadaday cage. I also noted horrible phone reception on the ground and i canot recveive GPS while flying like i can in a 777 even over the pole. My google maps works well (if i down load map before flight) showing location, but not on a 787
One advantage if you are like the old brother character in "Better call Saul" no microwave radiation in a 787! Lets not discuss neutrinos!
JJM
One advantage if you are like the old brother character in "Better call Saul" no microwave radiation in a 787! Lets not discuss neutrinos!
JJM