Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
While operating Aircraft X we received a 'Cell call' message on ACARS from our Dispatcher. The message informed us that we were NORDO and that we needed to contact center on Frequency X. In the 5 mins prior the radios were quiet. For the night in particular; we didn't find this to be that unusual because radio chatter had already been sporadic. Guard was tuned on VHF 2; however we turned it down due to unnecessary chatter earlier in the flight.As a procedure; guard should be tuned; and selected in VHF 2 with the volume turned up loud enough to be heard. If radio chatter becomes unnecessary and distracting then guard should be turned down for no longer than 5 minutes. This could alleviate any potential NORDO incidents in the future.
Air carrier Captain reported being NORDO and having 121.5 Guard frequency turned down because of unnecessary chatter.