DOES MY MOBILE PHONE COMMUNICATE WITH THE BASE-STATION TOWER EVERY NOW AND THEN?

A cell phone is in constant communication with the nearest cell antennae for the basic reason that, as a telecommunication device, it is a “real-time” communicator. That means that it must be ready at all times to both make and receive calls in any instant. In order for that to occur the phone sends a “keep-alive” data packet at regular intervals in a similar manner that a computer constantly communicates with a switch. If a call is directed to a specific cell phone, the providers routers need to know exactly which path to take in order for that call to be routed through the cell network to the tower and finally on to the correct phone. This is required so that the cell system does not have to broadcast the signal throughout the network looking for the phone. This would place too much load on an already busy network.

The “keep-alive” packets are very small but must be sent regularly so that the system knows exactly where the phone is at any given moment. As you move from antennae to antennae the signal moves with you too. It is the “keep-alive” that allows this to work effectively.

Finally, there should not be any interference from your phone through your TV. I suppose it’s possible but I think unlikely. Try moving the phone to a different location to prevent this.