Dennis

On 30 m, our internet modem produces a 9 dB increase in noise over the already high city noise level (partly our neighbours' internet modems, presumably). So it would be quite easy for their noise level to be 10-20 dB higher than at your country location. As a result, I am a terrible alligator on that band (all mouth, no ears!) and am loath to call CQ. But not everyone will make the same decisions in the face of noise.

73,
Steve