Need EZ & Good Android app

[rmalikone]

Have S-5 that I use for mobile hotspot and need a ez and good android app to locate verizon cell phone towers. I'm not into the electronics thing so need a simple pointer app that points the nearest verizon tower.

 

Thanks In Advance

 

[AFchap]

Why do you need to know where anybody's tower is? I've used my Vz phone as hotspot for years, and never knew or cared where a tower is...

[rmalikone]

Why do you need to know where anybody's tower is? I've used my Vz phone as hotspot for years, and never knew or cared where a tower is...

Because some locations have a weak signal (3G 2 bars or <) and I've purchased a signal booster and that will help by strengthening the signal but it works better when pointed towards the tower. Would rather have 4G over 3G

[Bill Joyce]

There mostly seem to be websites and here is an overview of some the websites, http://cellphones.lovetoknow.com/Cell_Phone_Tower_Locations. There is no full and complete map of tower locations.

 

This app, Signal Finder, gets mostly good reviews - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akvelon.signaltracker&hl=en. It is free to install, but requires $4.95 in app purchases. I have not tried it.

[RV_]

Here's a list:

http://www.appbrain.com/search?q=verizon+signal+strength&src=header

 

 

For iPhones this looked interesting. I wonder if it still works.

 

http://lifehacker.com/5929546/see-the-actual-signal-strength-on-your-iphone-with-this-quick-tweak

[strawdog]

I personally always go directy to the FCC website for tower information, it gives GPS locations along with the towers antenna patterns.

 

dave

[LindaH]

I personally always go directy to the FCC website for tower information, it gives GPS locations along with the towers antenna patterns.

 

 

Dave, where on their website do you find this information? I couldn't find anything that stood out even after doing a search for "cell tower locations."

[strawdog]

 

Dave, where on their website do you find this information? I couldn't find anything that stood out even after doing a search for "cell tower locations."

As with any government website it is convoluted and confusing "freedom of information"

As far as I have found the "easiest way" into the database is -

 

Go to - http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home

 

Click on - Search "Licenses"

Click on "Advanced License search"

Select the "Match only the following radio service(s):" button

In the drop down menu select "CL-Cellular" + "CW - PCS Broadband" and any other license types you are interested in. (control-click)

Now at the top of the page select "Geosearch"

Select the State/County button

In the drop down menus select the state and county you are interested in.

At the bottom click "Search"

 

The above gives the call sign/lease ID's for that county, When you click on a call sign it will open a page with information on the license holder. One of the tabs on that page - "Locations" lists all the towers operating under that license with GPS Coordinates.

 

If you click on Location details it will give information including tower height, radiated power, and transmitting direction information.

 

Edit: Note - at times you have to dig pretty deep to find what carrier a tower is associated with, as the carriers will lease towers licensed from others so they don't have to build and license towers.

 

Frequency information given often helps also.

 

BTW don't worry about the statement at the top of the Uniform Licensing System stating you must register, that is only for actually applying for/maintaining a license.

 

 

Dave

[LindaH]

Yikes! Thanks, Dave...I would never have found that information on my own!