Actually, it’s not too difficult to stump me. But as long as I have Internet access and a phone to call people who do know the answers, I’m pretty good with tracking down the solution. People email me random technology questions on a weekly basis and I try to respond as best I can. But really, I’m here to help you help yourself. So since I’m helping one person out, maybe someone else can benefit from my reporting and show you where I look. I’m launching a new blog category today as a way to respond to reader questions AND inspire other readers to comment if they have a better answer.

First up, Steve from Orange:

Q: I was wondering if you knew anything about motorollas razor phone making radios and tvs buzz every five to fifteen minutes. if my phone is within 5 to 10 feet of said appliance it will do it. what gives?

My answer: I’ve noticed that my cell phone seems to periodically check for cellular service and when it does, I hear a faint doot-to-doot sound over my computer’s speaker or if I’m on a landline. But that’s the extent of interference I seem to get with my cell phone.

Another possibility is the phone’s Bluetooth connection…

Bluetooth wirelessly transmits over the 2.4 GHz frequency of the radio spectrum, a crowded spot that is also used by Wi-Fi, some cordless telephones, microwave ovens and baby monitors (to name a few). Put all of these in the same room and you’ll get interference. I believe the RAZR turns off Bluetooth when not in use, but double check.

A search online found a similar question asked to C/NET’s cell phone guru Kent German. He responded with two possibilities: “…it can just be the nature of two electronic devices trying to exist in the same space” and “If there’s a metal surface around your charging place, your TV that could be a factor as metal tends to disrupt cell signals.” Read his answer yourself HERE.

Dwight Silverman, a tech columnist at the Houston Chronicle, addresses the issue twice in his blog: HERE and HERE. Dwight narrowed down his own reader comments and answers to the GSM celluar network, which Cingular and T-Mobile use. Cingular’s response: “Cellular phones located within range of unshielded speakers or wires could cause a buzz on electronic equipment.” So, move the phone away from the TV, Steve.

Hey everyone, any other possbilities? Comment below and help Steve out. Or, if you have your own high-tech stumper, go ahead, try me.

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