Cell phones on the gulf

Post by **dwoody49** » August 12th, 2002, 4:16 pm

Can anyone tell me which cellular phone provider seems to have the best coverage out on the water in the Northwest Florida gulf?
Thanks.
Rodbender

Post by **Jumptrout51** » August 12th, 2002, 5:22 pm

I use Alltel,it doesn't even work well in town.

Wil · Post by **Wil** » August 12th, 2002, 6:11 pm

I have US Cellular, and I get pretty decent coverage on the water.

Waterdog · Post by **Waterdog** » August 12th, 2002, 9:12 pm

I use Alltel, used to be pretty good then they "made" me which to a Digital phone, which s**ks...
But what I am looking at doing and a friend of mine has is getting a 3 watt bag phone and put an external antenna up on the hard top.
We have actually received calls out around S-tower, with this set up...
Sure it is an extra line, but I like the security feeling.... but I would not replace my VHF with it.. gotta have a radio.

Post by **rx fisher** » August 14th, 2002, 9:13 pm

radio is the way to go, $100 24/7 weather and no monthly fee...

garookie · Post by **garookie** » August 15th, 2002, 8:35 am

I use AT&T, went out of PCB about 3 weeks ago, no reception one mile out of St Andrews Pass. Might just be that area, but I doubt it.

Post by **tin can** » August 16th, 2002, 6:44 am

None of the local providers can offer cell coverage on the gulf. There is a cellular provider in Louisiana that has exclusive rights to cellular coverage over the gulf. They managed a contract with the oil companies to provide cellular service to the oil rigs. If you talk to any local provider they will tell you they have no coverage over the water. I have Alltel and get coverage out 10 miles most of the time. I have had occasions out of Carrabelle when I was hit with a roaming charge because the signal bounced through a Panama City tower to get to Tallahassee. VHF is your safest means of communications out there. If you have to make a phone call you can go through a marine operator through your radio. The commercial guys do this quite often. Of course.......there is always sattellite telephone communication......