OK.
But I’m “seeing” a radiated signal coming from the phone. Why would it have to “send” in order to recognize a better cell tower connection. To me, that would be a “receive” state on the phone.
Is it a handshake so to speak the phone sends to the tower telling the tower “I’m connected to you right now?”
Yes. The cellphone network needs to know which tower your phone is connected to, in case somebody calls or SMS's your device. When you get a call, not 100% of the cell towers light up seeking your phone.