Satellite phones

[merle&louise]

What's internet coverage like? If good you could use "Skype".
GregM

I do not have a satellite dish to receive internet on top of the coach. So I would assume the only internet service I could get would be in campground close to big towns or cities.

[merle&louise]

Tuga, you might check with Rogers, a Canadian company. Here's there coverage ... http://www.rogers.com/web/content/wi...ork_LowerBadge

Seems we used them or Sprint or AT&T partnered with them when we were in Canada. Or maybe you could get a short term account.

Verizon seems to have pretty good coverage up there, too. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/C...atorController

Maybe you're planning on being very remote?

Thanks Jim,

I will look into Rogers. Thanks for the link.

[jelmore]

Tuga, do you have a cell phone data card? The Verizon coverage would give you internet access. If you don't have one, you can usually get an almost free 30 day trial, or sign up for $60 a month for two years.

[merle&louise]

I used my AT&T cellphone all over Alaska (including Denali) several years ago. However, some friends traveling with us didn't have coverage so I guess it depends on your provider. Good luck.

Bonnie

Bonnie & Richard,

It looks like AT&T is the best carrier for Alaska. I found a map on google that shows AT&T was the best , Verizon, and 2 others to be the next best (I can't remember what the other 2 are but it wasn't Sprint).

[merle&louise]

Tuga, do you have a cell phone data card? The Verizon coverage would give you internet access. If you don't have one, you can usually get an almost free 30 day trial, or sign up for $60 a month for two years.

Jim,

We do have a Sprint Air Card which is spotty at best (in the lower 48).

I am considering supplementing the Sprint service with a Wilson Dual Antenna Cell Amplifier system. I think that will solve some of my problems. And I have a friend who has volunteered his satellite phone; all I have to do is buy the minutes. This of course is better than renting.

So it looks like my problems are solved!

Thanks for all of the input, it is greatly appreciated!

[jelmore]

We got by on Sprint for a year and then added Verizon. Now, we're covered almost everywhere. The cards are hot-swappable with our Cradlepoint router.

[jello_jeep]

Tuga, also see a thread I am starting "satellite messenger", that is related, but not a phone...

[merle&louise]

Thanks Warren but I would need a phone. Got to have Commo!

It is a neat little deal though; and inexpensive!

[Danss]

Had use of sat phone after Katrina and it was almost useless as ??? on a bull. Had to walk around and get signal and if you found a signal you had to put your head where the phone was , don't dare move the phone. Very chancy reception. I used my cell phone in Alaska without any problem.

[merle&louise]

Dan,

Do you remember what brand satellite phone you were using?

From what I have read the coverage for Iridium phones is excellent. They are guarantted to work anywhere on earth. However, some of the other brands are like what you experienced, not so good.

Also, what carrier do you have for cell service?

Did your cell work good when you were not in a major town? Out in the boonies?