800 MHz is a tough band for scanners. Scanners typically have weak front ends and are susceptable to nearby strong RF fields. This is mostly true near cellular telephone sites, though it may or may not necessarily be iDEN (NEXTEL) related. Additionally, 800 MHz experiences a lot of multipath (signals bouncing off of buildings, semi trucks, mountains, etc.) and fading which may cause crackling and popping in the reception of signals on this band. This is quite noticible while operating mobile. Multipath and fading are typically less apparent with digital signals, but is quite obvious with analog. Even the commercial-grade receivers that public safety users have experience the effects of multipath and fading - but because of the better front ends in the receivers, are not as susceptable to the overloading from cellular telephone sites. In sum, all of these factors make 800 MHz a tough band for reception, especially with scanners.
