ATT Cell Service - Sucia Is

H

hardee

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Sleepy-C
Anyone have experience with AT&T cell phone service :phone around Sucia Island? Good, :thup Not so, :roll: or Not Available :thdown ? I am working with a group to provide support boat service for a kayak group in that area :) and they are talking of using cell phone for communication between each other and the support service.

Thanks in advance.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Harvey, not exactly answering your question......I don't know about AT&T but I do know that Verizon Wireless works well. (But then, maybe you already know that about Verizon Wireless).
 
HI Dave,

I know that Verison works better here on the peninsula, but don't know about the northern San Juan's. I would not be surprised if I'm playing the "Can you hear me now", game up there. Hoping to know ahead of time to make prior arrangements.

Thanks again,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
I haven't been to Sucia in a while so my recollection might be wrong, but I seem to remember getting fine service on my iPhone at the dock on Sucia. I don't know about the rest of the island.

I've found AT&T to be good in the San Juans. In fact, they are the only cell company that gives reliable service at our cabin on Decatur. The biggest problem I've found is getting on Rogers in certain area, like Stuart Island and the west side of San Juan. On the other hand, I was at Cabbage Island a month ago and even though I was in Canada, I got 3 bars of AT&T.
 
I have used my AT&T service in Fossil and Shallow Bay the last couple of weeks and it has worked just fine. You may be accessing a Canadian service at times.
 
Harvey,

A little off topic but a true story. We entered Fossil Bay one fine day and found the Lady Washington, our states Tall Ship, at anchor there. A crew member was scrambling up the rigging. A perfect time for a photo, I thought. As we approached, I saw the crewman in the rigging had gotten as high as he could and was using his cell phone! Sorta ruined the ancient mariner moment for me. :crook
 
I have found that Rogers Wireless (Canada) steals my Verizon signal even as far into the States as Friday Harbor -- and thereby incurring international roaming charges. Anyone else have that experience?

Warren
 
Roger- that is hilarious!

Back on topic - I would encourage the gtroup to use VHF radios. Every one could hear the messages, and cel coverage doesn't become an issue.

If the group will be close, FRS radios could be used as well.
 
Roger- that is hilarious!

Back on topic - I would encourage the gtroup to use VHF radios. Every one could hear the messages, and cel coverage doesn't become an issue.

If the group will be close, FRS radios could be used as well.
_________________
Matt Gurnsey
Kitsap Marina
Click to expand...

Roger, That is really good. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Matt, I have talked with them about the VHF. None of the group owns one. I have encouraged that. I had not thought of the FRS. That may be a good option, and I have 3 to start with. Thanks for that tip.

I will have to ask them how tall the masts on their kayaks are. :wink

Harvey
SleepyC
 
Thanks for the help here. Still trying to work out the details.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Warren, I have that problem with AT&T in places, but not Friday Harbor. It's annoying, but normally I can just wait until I get to another area to use the phone. If it's an issue I've heard you can take a picture of the phone next to your chartplotter (with coordinates, to show you are in the US) and send it in to the cell phone company and they normally reverse the charges. I haven't tried this myself, though.
 
If it's an issue I've heard you can take a picture of the phone next to your chartplotter (with coordinates, to show you are in the US) and send it in to the cell phone company and they normally reverse the charges. I haven't tried this myself, though.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good idea.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
I got billed for using rogers and just called at&t and told them I was not in canada and they took it off my bill no problem. with the new phones having gps they should be able to check them selves.

as for the boat support group i would go with hand held vhf's and also ones that float. if they try to use cells a beat 10% get destroyed from water or lost over board by the end of the trip.
 
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