cell phone coverage

webefishn23 · Post by **webefishn23** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:10 pm

Who has the best cell coverage? I am looking for coverage at
Lake Mcclure, Don Pedro, Tulloch, etc.

FISHorDIE · Post by **FISHorDIE** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:54 pm

From what I hear Verizon has the best coverage overall but im not sure about those lakes. I have Cingular and get a weak signal at best
here and there at both of those lakes.

kopper_bass · Post by **kopper_bass** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:00 pm

FISHorDIE,
consider that the phone that has good coverage at the lakes may ultimately be the worst phone for you for other circumstances.

So, as WeBeFishn said, Verizon or Sprint are likely going to have the better coverage at the lakes because both use CDMA or TDMA technology and use Analog signals as an alternate backup (analog is like AM radio; its old, doesnt do a lot, but the signal carries far). MetroPCS is also an option here. The pitfalls to these companies is that they are unique technologies that are only used here in the USA, and in limited areas, so it may not work in other parts of the US and it most certainly wont work anywhere else in the world.

Whereas, Cingular (old AT&T) and T-mobile use digital signals now using GSM networks. This is a universal worldwide system and you can use it most anyplace. The problem with this is that they are still converting towers to the new signal, and as such have limited service in remote areas. But its getting better and better each year, and soon will be just fine.

So, if you want satifaction now and don't travel outside the mid-cal area, then Verizon or Sprint are likely the best bet. If you want to be up-to-date with technology and ready for the upcoming future, then you need to look at the digital services of T-mobile or Cingular.

BTW - i have t-mobile; it sucks right now on some lakes, like shasta and oroville and others it works fine like clear lake or the delta.

good luck,

kopper_bass

rocksetter · Post by **rocksetter** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:16 am

I have cingular, I had At&t and I was not happy to convert. but, I must say that I have been happy with my cingular, for about a year now. I have been able to get a signal at all the lakes you have listed and many more. My son in law, has T-Mobile. he is not happy, we were out on the Delta yesterday he was using my phone....Like Kopper Bass stated they are converting towers to the new system. and everytime they do the system seems to do a better and better job. I also have a ravor phone and since I got that phone my signal always seems to be strong. I do not know enough about there syatem to say why. but, it is true. Have a nice day... My two cents worth... Steve A. Eheler

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:35 am

Not many will work on Mother load lakes. I have Verison and can get out in very small places here and there. When the lakes are full it is a little better LOL! I don't think there is a phone thats gets out very well if any up there. Like I said some times you hit a very small area is all.

Good Luck.
Don.

not4un · Post by **not4un** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:24 am

I have Cingular now and have had verizon and nextel in the past. Definately stay away from nextel!!! From my exprience Verizon has the best overall coverage. I do get some signal on my cingular in the Motherlode lakes but verizon seemed to be a little better.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 11:46 am

VERIZON !!

Sacto John · Post by **Sacto John** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 12:37 pm

I have Cingular and while the coverage on the Motherload has been spotty I have made/recieved calls form all the lakes you listed as well as Clear Lake, the Delta, Folsom and Oroville. I have been very happy with my service as a whole.