short term coverage in national park

[rasz]

I AM GOING TO DO A FIELD STUDY OUTSIDE OF WENATACHEE, WASH FOR 2 MONTHS (JULY AND AUGUST).
I AM LOOKING FOR A PHONE THAT MAY AFFORD ME COVERAGE TO CALL FROM THAT AREA BACK TO HOME
IN COLORADO AND MY PARENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA. I AM LOOKING FOR COVERAGE IN THE PARK AS WELL AS FREE LONG DISTANCE. THE ZIP CODE FOR WENATACHEE IS 98801. WHO CAN HELP ME
THANKS
RASZ

[Andy]

So you are basically looking for a cellular provider to have coverage in zip code 98801...So are you going to purchase you phone over there in Washington or in Colorado??? You can't just have a cellphone for 2 months, you have to sign a one year contract. And so the question is not only, whether or not the phone works in Washington, but also back home in Colorado, right?? Please correct me if I'm wrong. But let's see how I can help you:
1.Sprint has coverage in that zip code(check out www.sprintpcs.com). Their plans include Free Nationwide Long Distance.
2.Verizon has coverage for that area. Their America's Choice Calling Plans also include Free Long Distance and remember, they cover more areas than any other provider.

I tried to look up information on Nextel, AT&T Wireless, Cingular and T-Mobile, but they don't cover that area you mentioned. So you have two providers to choose from.
Please tell me, if I misunderstood you or if you need more information.

[Chinasaur]

Cingular DOES cover Wenatchee now ... just too recent and not on their maps yet. I called from there two weeks ago even tho the latest map says "planned coverage". Once near Rock Island and another near the old bridge. I wouldn't recommend them tho as I'm sure they don't reach out into the mountainous areas you'll be in [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[Andy]

IF you are planning on using your phone in mountainous areas, then a provider with analog would certainly be better for you. Verizon has an analog networks included in their America's Choice Plans. Why don't you contact them and ask them about the area you are describing. Or you can go with Sprint's Free &Clear America Plan which also includes roaming for free(just check out their coverage maps).

[Rasputin]

I was in that general area a year ago, doing some communication site work for a utilities company out there. I had pretty good coverage in the mountains with Verizon, and so so coverage with ATT. Normally the further in a National Park you go the more you are SOL. Analog 800MHz normally will work the best in the mountains or at least that is the signal you will get. Most likely stay away from the PCS carries for coverage in and around the National park. Just my opinion though

[rasz]

I AM LOOKING FOR AT GETTING A PHONE WITH A COLORADO PHONE NUMBER, SO IT WOULD NOT BE A TOLL CALL FOR MY GIRLFRIEND. I UNDERSTAND THAT VERIZON HAS A PLAN WHERE YOU BUY AS YOU GO CARD FOR $30 OR $50 OF CALLS AND YOU BUY THE PHONE FOR $49. THIS WAY THERE IS NO YEARLY OBLIGATION. THIS ALSO INCLUDES THE FREE AND CLEAR NETWORK I BELIEVE - THE MAIN CONCERN IS
IF I AM 25 MILES INTO THE MOUNTAINS DOING MY FIELD STUDY AM I GOING TO HAVE ANY RECEPTION?

[TProphet]

If he needs coverage inside the national forest and/or North Cascades National Park, then Verizon or Cellular One (RCC Wireless) will be the only reasonable options. Yes, Sprint, Cingular, et. al have coverage in Wenatchee, but that's just in town (Wenatchee lies in a river valley surrounded by hills and is relatively easy to cover). Outside of town, if you get far off of Hwy 2, you're in analog country--a 3 watt bag phone is best. Cellular One, in my opinion, has the most comprehensive coverage in this area.

Short answer: just because coverage is offered in some part of some ZIP code for a general area of the Pacific Northwest, does not mean that it's available where you need it! This is a very challenging geographic area to cover, and sparsely populated. Shop wisely.

[jmyeosf]

Sprint has an option for no contract for only $10 more a month. And you can sign up for the Free & Clear America Plan and still qualify for new customer rebates.