Date:         Fri, 22 Aug 2003 10:58:21 -0800
Reply-To:     Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Subject:      RoadHaus - Verizon Cell Phone Coverage Report
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          <wetwesties@yahoogroups.com>,
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A few Volks have asked  that I post a report on Cell phone coverage.

My provider: Verizon

Tried Sprint over a yr ago .. but Verizon had better coverage in the
Southwest at that time.

To date I have traveled 17,000 miles:

In the USA:

AZ, CO, KS, OK, TX, NM, MS, UT, CA, WA, OR & AK

In Canada:

Vancouver Island, BC, Alberta & Yukon

Comments on Verizon service

- Along most major interstate corridors coverage has been good
- Most Major cities were covered
- Worst areas for coverage OK, KS & MS and of course any Indian
Reservation
- Many areas you will be in roaming mode
> make sure you have a plan that will not charge extra for roaming
> voice mail notification will not work while roaming (need to check in
from time to time)
> most other additional features will not work while roaming
> many times your phone wont even ring for an incoming call in roaming
areas
- Customer service has not been very helpful (this seems somewhat
typical among cell phone providers)
- I have had roaming coverage in all Major cities (so far) in Western
Canada & Alaska)

Comments on Phones:

- A good speaker phone is a handy feature
- basic three way signal capabilty a must
- most expensive is not always the best
> I have had 4 diff phones
> so far the best is the cheapest ... a Kyocera model "QCP 3035" (nice
speaker phone)

Editorial Comment:

Dealing with cell phone providers is a "Love Hate Relationship".

Overall ... I'm happy with Verizon's Coverage in the areas I have
travelled.

"the Road will test you."
  - RoadGuy



Larry Chase
Email: RoadGuy@RoadHaus.com
Web:  <http://www.roadhaus.com/> www.RoadHaus.com
Cell: 480 620 8966
What: North American Road Trip
How: RoadHaus - 1990 White VW Westfalia Syncro
Today: Roaming the Yukon & Alaska.