Influence of Atmospheric Temperature on the Signal Strength of Mobile Phone Communication

Abstract

The atmosphere serves as a medium for wireless (over-the-air) communication and is significantly influenced by weather conditions. Among various meteorological parameters, atmospheric temperature plays a critical role in radio signal propagation. This study investigates the impact of atmospheric temperature on mobile phone communication signal strength. A field campaign was conducted across five Nigerian cities: Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, and Warri. Signal strength data were collected from two leading mobile networks in Nigeria—MTN and 9Mobile. In the 3G band, MTN operates within the 2110.00–2120.00 MHz downlink spectrum, while 9Mobile uses 2130.00–2140.00 MHz. For 4G services, MTN transmits within the 2620–2690 MHz (2600 MHz band) and 791–821 MHz (800 MHz band), whereas 9Mobile transmits in the 1805–1880 MHz range (1800 MHz band). Signal strength was measured hourly using an Android-based transceiver device with dual SIM capability and the Cell Signal Monitor (v5.1.1) app. Data were collected from specific cell sites to ensure accuracy, and corresponding atmospheric temperature readings were sourced from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The analysis showed a generally inverse relationship between atmospheric temperature and signal strength. However, inconsistencies observed may be attributed to factors such as local topography, antenna characteristics, seasonal variations, and the relative position of transmitters and receivers.