How to get LTE signal strength in Android?

Question

I am using Verizon's new LTE handset from HTC Thunderbolt. I cannot find the API to query for the signal strength while the handset is on LTE. By entering the field test mode (##4636##), I can see signal strength as -98dBm 2 asu. Anyone know what API I could use to get this info?

Answer 1

Warning : this solution should work for Android below API17. Some people may have troubles with newer api or specific phone brand (like Huawei)

You need to use this code. In fact, all the information you need is here :

String ssignal = signalStrength.toString();

String[] parts = ssignal.split(" ");

The parts[] array will then contain these elements:

part[0] = "Signalstrength:"  _ignore this, it's just the title_

parts[1] = GsmSignalStrength

parts[2] = GsmBitErrorRate

parts[3] = CdmaDbm

parts[4] = CdmaEcio

parts[5] = EvdoDbm

parts[6] = EvdoEcio

parts[7] = EvdoSnr

parts[8] = LteSignalStrength

parts[9] = LteRsrp

parts[10] = LteRsrq

parts[11] = LteRssnr

parts[12] = LteCqi

parts[13] = gsm|lte|cdma

parts[14] = _not really sure what this number is_

So, LTEdBm is :

TelephonyManager tm = (TelephonyManager)context.getSystemService(Context.TELEPHONY_SERVICE);

int dbm = 0;

if ( tm.getNetworkType() == TelephonyManager.NETWORK_TYPE_LTE){

    // For Lte SignalStrength: dbm = ASU - 140.
    dbm = Integer.parseInt(parts[8])-140;

}
else{

    // For GSM Signal Strength: dbm =  (2*ASU)-113.
    if (signalStrength.getGsmSignalStrength() != 99) {
                    int intdbm = -113 + 2
                            * signalStrength.getGsmSignalStrength();
                    dbm = Integer.toString(intdbm);
                }
}

bye