Broadcast Channel - BCH
The broadcast channel (BCH) continuously transmits system and access control information to mobile devices that are operating within its radio coverage areas. This information typically includes the system identification code and name, lists of neighboring radio channels, system configuration information, available random access channels and the scrambling codes they use. Each base station must have a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel continually transmits and this allows mobile devices to examine and measure the signal strength of each broadcast channel at nearby cell sites. The ability to of mobile devices to measure broadcast channels allows it to determine which cell site is best suited for communication.