Analyzing the Relationship between Atmospheric Pressure and Mobile Network Signal Strength in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the influence of atmospheric pressure on mobile phone signal strength across five Nigerian cities: Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, and Warri. Signal strength data were collected from two major mobile networks—MTN and 9Mobile—operating on both 3G and 4G frequency bands. Measurements were taken using Android smartphones running the Cell Signal Monitor application (Version 5.1.1). Data were logged at one-minute intervals at selected cell sites, focusing on the first fifteen minutes of each hour to maintain consistency. Simultaneously, atmospheric pressure readings were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for correlation analysis. The findings reveal a generally weak and statistically insignificant inverse relationship between atmospheric pressure and signal strength (average correlation coefficient R = -0.042771). However, variations across locations and cell sites point to additional influencing factors, including local topography, antenna characteristics, seasonal weather patterns, and the spatial configuration of transmitters and receivers.