For those of you wondering about cell phones

Steelheader69 · 04-20-2002, 09:03 AM

I just finished my testing on my cell phone. I ended up canceling my Qwest and AT&T phones because my routes I deliver have virtually no cell coverage. I have Verizon now, and have completed my testing on all the various remote routes I do.

I have about 90% coverage on the routes I do (the other 10% is either no service or very crackly). Those spots are usually in deeper valleys. I also checked out Verizon's map coverage. They lied about coverage. They had a big empty coverage blank over the Olympic Peninsula through the National Park. I had full service inside the park all the way up to the Hoh ranger station. So, a lie in a good way. I never had coverage, and occasional roaming outside Olympia with the other two services I mentioned, had Verizon strong coverage the whole way except heavily old growth wooded areas.

So, hope this helps anyone looking for a good coverage plan. I don't know about Oregon, but this is what I've found in W. WA.

[ 04-20-2002, 10:08 AM: Message edited by: Steelheader69 ]

Fish Hunter · 04-20-2002, 05:49 PM

Just renewed w/ Verizon. Doubled my anytime mins. for 10$ more per mo. The service keeps getting cheaper. Pretty sure I got more minutes than I'll be able to use now. The free long dist. saves me enough to justify the 40$/mo. Great way to keep tabs on whats hot and happen'n on the river.

smilesforu · 04-21-2002, 12:01 AM

Do they make a waterproof cell phone? It does rain up here. Did you test the other brands on your trip up here to the Peninsula?

Flasher · 04-21-2002, 01:06 AM

Smilesforu you can get a waterproof cell phone bag. When I go out on the river or in the boat I put my phone in the bag. You can even use the phone while it's in this bag too. I got mine at Great American Tackle in Clackamas. It's probably cheaper than buying a waterproof phone and I'm not even sure if they make them.

Steelheader69 · 04-21-2002, 07:03 AM

Yep, that's why I had canceled my other phones Marty. I spend all my spare time on tthe Southern and Western OP andd my other two phones never got reception. My girlfriends Dad brought his AT&T aad had nothing from about after the Hump except a few stray signals. But was odd to find I had some reception if nnot solid in the National Park.

crabbait · 04-21-2002, 07:09 AM

I bought a Body Glove cover for my phone, $20 at Freddies or Target. It is neoprene and covers the whole phone except for the antennae and the charger plug on the bottom with a clear plastic face so you can see the display and push the buttons.

It's not "waterproof" but I would not be afraid to use the phone in the rain.

:grin: