How does Adaptive Power Control Work?

Mobile phones and EMF FAQ

How does Adaptive Power Control Work?

Adaptive power control is a process of adjusting the output power level of a mobile phone to match variations in the strength of the signal received from the base station. These variations in signal strength may be caused by changes in distance between the mobile user and the base station and the surroundings of the mobile phone user such as buildings, trees and other obstacles.

The aim of adaptive power control is to adjust the output power of the mobile phone so that the average power received at the base station from each user is generally constant. Adaptive power control works for both the mobile phone and the base station signal.

The mobile phone assesses the strength of the base station signal and communicates that information back to the base station which initiates a series of power control commands that are used to continuously increase or decrease the output power level of the mobile phone. A mobile phone user doesn't perceive any change in voice and service quality during the call as the power varies.