[vorage]

Can one of you techies out there explain to me why my cell phone suddenly started experiencing dropped calls today? We have AT&T and never had this problem before. We normally have good service and only have one bar today. Luckily we have a land line (with fresh batteries), but I'm wondering if this is storm related? I see an outage map online, but no real explanation. I was prepared for a power outage and having to limit calls to preserve battery life, but the storm isn't even here yet. Maxed out towers? Loss of a satellite? I've literally found myself shouting "can you hear me now?

[Opmoochler]

When I have a weak signal, I reboot the phone. It usually fixes the problem.

[ColdNoMore]

Between phone calls and internet weather usage from the vehicle traffic headed north...I'm guessing the bandwidth is maxed out right now.

[BobsBurgers]

Originally Posted by vorage

Can one of you techies out there explain to me why my cell phone suddenly started experiencing dropped calls today? We have AT&T and never had this problem before. We normally have good service and only have one bar today. Luckily we have a land line (with fresh batteries), but I'm wondering if this is storm related? I see an outage map online, but no real explanation. I was prepared for a power outage and having to limit calls to preserve battery life, but the storm isn't even here yet. Maxed out towers? Loss of a satellite? I've literally found myself shouting "can you hear me now?

I've had exactly the same issue as you've described the last two days! I am also an AT&T customer.

Makes me nervous to think what it will be like if we need to call someone for assistance during the worst of Irma. 😟

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by BobsBurgers

I've had exactly the same issue as you've described the last two days! I am also an AT&T customer.

Makes me nervous to think what it will be like if we need to call someone for assistance during the worst of Irma. 😟

Make an assumption right now that the cell towers will be affected and what you can do or not if/when there is no cell service.

It is likely to happen so plan for it.

[GolfGirl122]

I noticed dropped calls on Thursday also - the first time in years. I think - please don't think I'm nuts - it may have been a solar flare event. The Midwest states, IL and IN were expecting to see the Aurora Borealis last night due to unusual solar activity. Just a thought.

[autumnspring]

Originally Posted by vorage

Can one of you techies out there explain to me why my cell phone suddenly started experiencing dropped calls today? We have AT&T and never had this problem before. We normally have good service and only have one bar today. Luckily we have a land line (with fresh batteries), but I'm wondering if this is storm related? I see an outage map online, but no real explanation. I was prepared for a power outage and having to limit calls to preserve battery life, but the storm isn't even here yet. Maxed out towers? Loss of a satellite? I've literally found myself shouting "can you hear me now?

Gracy calling Mildred so what are you doing due to the hurricane.

[autumnspring]

Originally Posted by Opmoochler

When I have a weak signal, I reboot the phone. It usually fixes the problem.

I don't know if it is fact or an old wives tale but we were told if you shut off your phone and turn it back on it seeks out the strongest available tower. It seemed to work.