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Weird GSM problem

robtheman

Mar 30, 2008, 5:20 PM
Short version:

GSM signals interfere with my computer speakers. It creates a weird static/popping sound whenever I am receiving or sending a call or SMS/MMS. It doesn't matter if the speakers are on or off, but unplugging the speakers is the only way to get the signal to stop the interference. The interference only happens if the phone is actively doing something. If the phone is idle sitting on my desk, there's no problem. Ever heard of this problem? Any idea how to resolve it?

Long version:

My girlfriend had Cingular/AT&T a while ago. Whenever she was in my house, my computer speakers would make a weird static/popping noise. After a few weeks, we figured out that the problem didn't happen when she turned her phone off. I ...
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depechemode82

Mar 30, 2008, 5:24 PM
I had the same exact issue when I had Cingular. It has something to do with the frequencies or something like that. Someone explained it to me a long time ago. But yes, it is definitely the phone.
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robtheman

Mar 30, 2008, 5:26 PM
Were you able to fix the problem?
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verizonplayah

Mar 30, 2008, 5:27 PM
It is GSM phones in general. Nothing is wrong with the phone. If it is too much of a problem then you would have to switch to VZW or Sprint, which use a different frequency (CDMA).
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robtheman

Mar 30, 2008, 5:33 PM
I just switched from Verizon. They can't match the deal I get with T-Mobile.
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I AM GOD

Mar 30, 2008, 5:36 PM
Nobody can.
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incognitoool

Mar 30, 2008, 6:23 PM
Yeah, it happens to all GSM phones. You might try moving your phone away from your speakers. Also, it doesn't happen as much if your speakers are sheilded properly (most computer speakers should be!) My phone can be near my computer speakers and not make noises, but if it's near my answering machine, it does. Then I have a pair of old computer speakers, and the phone always interferes with them.
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AshDizzle

Mar 31, 2008, 2:08 AM
I was under the impression it was 1900 MHz that interfers with the speakers, not just GSM. If CDMA operates at 1900 MHz it can do the same thing.

Would be good if someone could do some investigating to see for sure.

My old TDMA phone did the same thing, so I suppose it could be the time division techonologies that interfere.
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pricelss

Mar 31, 2008, 4:17 PM
But it happens if you are on the phone, not on the phone, or about to receive a call. Pretty much all the time. Never happens with my Curve though.
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pricelss

Mar 31, 2008, 4:19 PM
I have a HDTV with a QAM tuner and the Nextel will interrupt the signal from the cable and the channel won't come in if I'm near the TV.
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michael_herc

Apr 1, 2008, 9:57 AM
Actually, from what I've heard and from my personal experiences, 850 MHz is actually worse than 1900 MHz. The farther you get from the cell tower, the worse that GSM noise can get. T-Mobile tends to have less problems with this because they operate solely at 1900 MHz.

It is really a TDMA issue and not a "GSM" issue. Back when everyone had TDMA phones, everything buzzed as well. GSM is based on TDMA, therefore you get buzzing. And lastly, Nextel's technology - iDEN - is TDMA based, so you also get interference with them as well.

The only real way to not get this interference, from my point of view, is to switch to a CDMA carrier - Verizon, Sprint, Alltel - or get a 3G device from AT&T because 3G is actually WCDMA. (See the CDMA part i...
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crackberry

Mar 30, 2008, 7:02 PM
it's an issue with the speakers. the speakers are not shielded well enough.
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the_eraser

Mar 30, 2008, 8:22 PM
you can either 1. buy new speakers (old speakers are more prone to buzz) 2. get a 3G phone (they don't buzz) 3. turn the speakers off?
my phone doesn't make my computer speakers buzz, but it does make an old tv set in my house go crazy.
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beeferjay

Mar 30, 2008, 8:52 PM
your frequency is not properly grounded. esentially all signals should be grounded but cell phones take priority over lesser classified devices.

The signal the phone emits can be picked up by any receiver/magnet wired to amplify signal.

I play bass and guitar and the amps and pickups and even microphones with a magnet wired to amplify signal all pick this up from GSM phones.

part of the FCC rules for the device say they have to pick up any signal, even signals that cause undesired operation. (it usually has a disclaimer on the device somewhere like in the users manual or on a little label)

To minimize the sound you could find out where the radio (the transmityer doohickey)is on your phone and point it away from the amplifying dev...
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robtheman

Mar 30, 2008, 11:25 PM
Thanks for the information, everybody. I guess I'll have to buy some new speakers. That sucks.
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Hombre07

Mar 31, 2008, 12:14 AM
You may have that problem with ANY speaker. I avoid it by rotating my phone until it stops. The antennae will at some point not be pointing at the speakers.
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incognitoool

Apr 1, 2008, 2:11 PM
or just move the phone away from the speakers. Depending on the speakers, you could have to keep your phone on the other side of the room. Eventually you just get used to the noise, plus, you'll always hear that noise right before you get a txt or phone call. It's like esp for phones 😉
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BROWN27

Apr 1, 2008, 2:28 PM
That is what you get when you go from the best service ( verizon) to crappy gsm tmobile...all your kool aid comments about verizon, and you went to tmobile 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 PRICELESS 🤣
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tnt2k1

Apr 1, 2008, 3:03 PM
I was waiting for a post like that ...
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