Scanning for Calls
by Mr. Upsetter
A radio scanner is a fun and useful tool for anyone interested in eavesdropping on phone calls. This article will be primarily concerned with receiving two types of telephone calls: cordless and cellular.
Although some of the old cordless phones operated on 1.6-1.7 MHz, the new ones operate on 46 and 49 MHz. Usually the base transmits both sides of the conversation on 46 MHz and the handset transmits only one side on 49 MHz. There are also phones which operate only on 49 MHz.
The following is a list of corresponding base and handset frequencies:
The cordless phone transmissions on these frequencies have a range of about 1000 to 2000 feet. That's plenty of range to eavesdrop on all your neighbors. The longest range I've gotten is about 3000 feet with an indoor telescopic antenna. If you know your neighbor has a cordless phone and you want to find his frequency, program the frequencies I've listed into your scanner, then call your neighbor. When he answers (hopefully on the cordless), scan the frequencies and you should hear your own conversation.
It is obvious that anyone's cordless phone conversation could be received with ease. If you use a cordless phone, you should be concerned about security. It is not unlikely that someone near you has a scanner. Uniden Corporation, a major manufacturer of scanners, reports that there are scanner in over four million American homes. Think twice before you use that cordless phone.
Cellular phone transmissions are also easy to receive. The frequencies allocated to cellular phones are in the 800 MHz band. Scanner that receive the 800 MHz band are much more expensive than other scanners with standard coverage. Some manufacturers also block out cellular phone reception in their scanners.
However, in my location (San Diego) I discovered a cellular service that operates between 451 and 459 MHz. These frequencies are covered by virtually all scanners on the market. The company using this system is called VectorOne Cellular. They use the following frequencies:
If you own a scanner, I would suggest searching the 450 MHz band to see if there is a similar cellular service in your area. Needless to say, I was surprised to find a cellular service operating on this band. I finally found out the name of the company after hearing the transmission of a recorded message which said "The VectorOne user you called is not available," which is played when one mobile user tries to call another unavailable mobile user. A quick check in the phone book verified the company's existence.
While we're on the subject of snooping, I would like to point out another interesting method. Some people use an "electronic babysitter" to keep track of their kids. An "electronic babysitter" is basically a radio (usually FM) transmitter that is placed in the child's room so the mother can hear the kid cry or whatever from another part of the house using the matching receiver. Some of these "electronic babysitters" transmit on 46 and 49 MHz along with cordless phones. One near my house transmits continuously on 49.83 MHz. People in effect bug their own houses by using an "electronic babysitter." I would estimate the range of these units to be short, about 500 to 1000 feet.
Scanners have many other uses besides eavesdropping on phone calls. If you happen to be a criminal, you can keep track of the police with one. You can also hear air, marine, fire, business, military, and countless other transmissions. Scanners are pretty cheap. A decent one can be bought for about $100.
Scanner World in Albany, New York has a good selection and prices. Their address is 10 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY, 12208. Catalog is two bucks.
Also, CRB Research has quite a few frequency directories. Their address is Box 56, Commack, NY 11725.
RadioShack also sells a few scanners and frequency guides.