NV/AZ/CA trip report

[roamer1]

I've been back from Las Vegas for a couple of days...but thought I'd report on my wireless experiences there.

VZW:

- Las Vegas metro: Amazingly good coverage (full signal virtually EVERYWHERE I went), with one exception: no coverage on the underground section of the tram to Terminal D at McCarran
- I-15 between LV and Baker, CA: Very good coverage, but calls don't hand off between SIDs 2 and 64 at Primm, which I found rather surprising given the amount of traffic along I-15
- I-15 between LV and St. George, UT: Problematic between NLV/the racetrack area and Glendale (clearly pilot pollution = full signal but difficulty making calls; analog was fine); excellent CDMA between Glendale and the Arizona line; analog roam on C1/WW (SID 1749, IIRC) in the few miles in Arizona between Mesquite and the Virgin River gorge; nothing from anyone in the gorge (no surprise); excellent CDMA in St. George
- US 93 to Kingman: fine to Hoover Dam; no service between the AZ approach to Hoover Dam and the start of the four-lane section in Arizona; decent coverage on Mohave (SID 1024, Extended Network) all the way to Kingman; good coverage from Mohave in Kingman itself. VZW apparently utterly hates Dobson -- even though I can normally roam on A-side systems since I'm from a VZW A-side market I could NOT roam on Dobson in Kingman.
- US 95 to Laughlin: surprisingly good CDMA coverage, even though it looks like there are only 2 or 3 towers to cover the 70 miles or so between Railroad Pass and the NV 168 intersection (one at the 93/95 interchange, one on the south side of Searchlight, and one somewhere NE of the NV 168 intersection) On 168 between 93 and Laughlin, kept going back and forth between Mohave digital, VZW digital, Mohave analog, and VZW analog; in Laughlin picked up Mohave on the NV side of the river and had difficulty staying on VZW
- AZ 95 from Bullhead City/Laughlin to Needles: excellent CDMA on Mohave until a mile or two from the AZ/CA state line, then switched to good coverage from VZW

T-Mobile/Cingular:

Overall pretty good, almost on par with VZW (seriously), although there are more weak/dead spots and somewhat less rural coverage; T-Mobile/Cingular being GSM doesn't suffer from problems along I-15 north of LV like VZW does.

-SC

[agentHibby]

Verizon still has a spot to 2 to fix down there! other than that it is perfect in the around the Vegas. You can thank Sprint Cellular for building a strong network there and Verizon has made it even better.

[Scrumhalf]

Great info.. thanks for posting!

[ShoresGuy]

Great info, roamer, did you actually head up into California or did you skim the stateline areas between CA & NV? Glad to see that GSM has improved to the point where it competes with CDMA .

[Airb330]

I can't beleive you were in Vegas too! Tprophet and I were both there this past weekend. I found Cingular to be excellant, and actually better than Verizon (well Verizon as of early 2004) on the strip.

Harrahs and Fiesta(offstrip)- Weak but usable Cingular PCS inside, clearly obvious there were no microcells in these casinos, though I could make calls fine.

Mandalay Bay/Luxor- Was always rough with Verizon in these two casinos, though it could have improved. Cingular was perfect in these places, even on the Luxor's 'buffet level' which is actually below the casino.

Cingular was also dead on the monorail in the airport. I was kinda agitated, since I was planning on making a call-but if Cingular and Verizon were dead there, then all carriers must be. Cingular was really weak (1 bar) at the security entrance for terminals C and D. Overall, Cingular could do better at the airport.

[budney]

Nice report roamer. I am surpised you had trouble with Verizon in Laughlin/BHC area. When I had them a couple of years ago they had solid coverage in the area. Dos Verizon really hate Dobson? I would think that since Verizon owns a good chunk of Mohave Wireless it would cost them almost nothing to roam on them. So I think that is why they ban roaming on Dobson.

[Gideon H]

^ I'm not too suprized that Verizon isn't that good over there. They suck in Arizona so I don't see that other bordering states are that much better.

[SQFreak]

Originally Posted by budney

Nice report roamer. I am surpised you had trouble with Verizon in Laughlin/BHC area. When I had them a couple of years ago they had solid coverage in the area. Dos Verizon really hate Dobson? I would think that since Verizon owns a good chunk of Mohave Wireless it would cost them almost nothing to roam on them. So I think that is why they ban roaming on Dobson.

Verizon bitterly hates Dobson. Dobson is the only carrier VZW has ever put in as a negative entry in the PRL - meaning you can't even connect to them for paid roaming; your phone will ignore the presence of a Dobson system (except for a 911 call of course). There's not a Dobson system that's FR or RM in the PRL - Dobson is either left out entirely (meaning your phone will only connect to it if it loses all other signal and it's set to the proper Automatic A or B mode) or negated. (If you look at the latest PRL interpretation, which is 50152, you'll see SID 1399 identified as Dobson, but the last FCC SID database before privatization has that SID assigned only to US Cellular - which is also reflected in the PRL; look directly below the Dobson 1399 entry to see the USCC 1399 entry.)

[budney]

Originally Posted by SQFreak

Verizon bitterly hates Dobson. Dobson is the only carrier VZW has ever put in as a negative entry in the PRL - meaning you can't even connect to them for paid roaming; your phone will ignore the presence of a Dobson system (except for a 911 call of course). There's not a Dobson system that's FR or RM in the PRL - Dobson is either left out entirely (meaning your phone will only connect to it if it loses all other signal and it's set to the proper Automatic A or B mode) or negated. (If you look at the latest PRL interpretation, which is 50152, you'll see SID 1399 identified as Dobson, but the last FCC SID database before privatization has that SID assigned only to US Cellular - which is also reflected in the PRL; look directly below the Dobson 1399 entry to see the USCC 1399 entry.)

Huh, I didn't know that. It's too bad to as Dobson has a good analog network in this area.

[dglively]

Great report romer! Having switched to Verizon since last visiting my folks in Kingman it's nice to get an idea what to expect.

[danny boi]

Originally Posted by Gideon H

^ I'm not too suprized that Verizon isn't that good over there. They suck in Arizona so I don't see that other bordering states are that much better.

You need to get out of Arizona sometime. For someone who actually uses VZW service I can tell you they are for the most part an excellent carrier I use for my travels. I wouldn't say that if I spent all my time here in Southern California and never used them elsewhere. Their service is actually pretty good if you look at things objectively and realize most people find them more reliable than AWE GSM nationwide even if they "suck" in your town.

[Rasputin]

Nice report Verizon works well for me in and around Laughlin, and is rock solid in LV at the Mandalay Bay, the Four Seasons, Luxor, The Ritz Carlton in Lake Las Vegas, the New Westin off the strip, Bellagio ( and the Bellagio shops is also very good), Ceasars Shops ( my wife shops there too much), Bally's, Paris Casino.

Now I just need not to get yelled at when I am at the Craps table trying to pickup my phone.

[Airb330]

Originally Posted by Rasputin

Nice report Verizon works well for me in and around Laughlin, and is rock solid in LV at the Mandalay Bay, the Four Seasons, Luxor, The Ritz Carlton in Lake Las Vegas, the New Westin off the strip, Bellagio ( and the Bellagio shops is also very good), Ceasars Shops ( my wife shops there too much), Bally's, Paris Casino.

Now I just need not to get yelled at when I am at the Craps table trying to pickup my phone.

Wow, so is Cingular! Lol! Good to see that Verizon works in the Luxor now, it didn't work well last time I was there.

Yourdaddy, Gideon has traveled outside of AZ, your post (to me) had a nasty connotation to it. Yeah Verizon is good nationwide, but honestly, they really aren't good outside of Phoenix, and Gideon never said "Verizon sucks", he said they stink in AZ, which they really do overall. It'd say it's a weak market for them just like Delaware is. I've traveled a lot this summer and haven't had major problems with Cingular just like you don't with Verizon. By all means, we should all use what works for us, but I bet if Verizon users tried another carrier, 50% of them would be happy with Sprint, Cingular, etc. Verizon isn't that much better anymore IMO.

[ZaphodB]

T-Mo is really the Cingular network, which is the old Baby Bell (Nevada Bell) network... they were in there before anybody thought to challenge cell towers, so it's not so surprising. Of course, once you get out of the Valley and off the 15 you are pretty much screwed out in the desert...

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Airb330

Yourdaddy, Gideon has traveled outside of AZ, your post (to me) had a nasty connotation to it. Yeah Verizon is good nationwide, but honestly, they really aren't good outside of Phoenix, and Gideon never said "Verizon sucks", he said they stink in AZ, which they really do overall. .

God forbid someone say something bad about Verizon, when in fact it's the truth.

[TNDan21]

I'd have to agree that Verizon is WAY overhyped. Overall I'll admit they do have the best wireless network in the country coverage wise. Verizon really isn't all that much better then other companies and they have there weak markets just like everybody else. Considering the rate plans are much higher, lack of a good phone selection, and the overall arrougance of Verizon I really don't see them as anything special.

If you live in a rural area it might make a difference. Since Verizon does have some pretty good rural coverage in certain areas. I think if you live in a larger metro area though I see no reason why to sign up with Verizon when other carriers are just as good and have better rate plans.

[danny boi]

Originally Posted by Airb330

Wow, so is Cingular! Lol! Good to see that Verizon works in the Luxor now, it didn't work well last time I was there.

Yourdaddy, Gideon has traveled outside of AZ, your post (to me) had a nasty connotation to it. Yeah Verizon is good nationwide, but honestly, they really aren't good outside of Phoenix, and Gideon never said "Verizon sucks", he said they stink in AZ, which they really do overall. It'd say it's a weak market for them just like Delaware is. I've traveled a lot this summer and haven't had major problems with Cingular just like you don't with Verizon. By all means, we should all use what works for us, but I bet if Verizon users tried another carrier, 50% of them would be happy with Sprint, Cingular, etc. Verizon isn't that much better anymore IMO.

I'd like to say on behalf of myself that I do respond to comments when they seem to always have the same "ring" to it. People come here for advice. Imagine if you asked me for advice for a particular county in Florida but I kept coming back with comments how they suck in LA so they must suck everywhere. Some posters continually bash and bash one carrier over the other due to some personal bad experience (billing, Motorola T-720) and will always give the same review over and over. Some users will keep giving advice based on their experience five years ago and for them it still holds weight. I could say xxx carrier does not work at my house or place of employment, but I would not say that that carrier is horrible or awful all over my state unless I:

A) Know it to be fact B) Travel all over the state in question enough times to give a honest report C) Realistic enough to realize wireless tech. sometimes is prone to the elements and I may just happen to be in an area where a site may of gone offline or is under repair. D) Keep in mind that sometimes it's the people (local govt.) in my town who prevent sites from going up.

I remember activating a former Cingular customer and that same day VZW sites by their house and surrounding areas went down. Imagine their opinion based soley on that one day of poor service. He cancelled both lines with me. I would imagine if that guy is like most people his opinion of VZW is the same.

Would it be fair to say Cingular's Nationwide network is awful just because they had network issues three years ago in California or because I claimed my Nokia 3390 had a strong buzzing noise when I used it? No it wouldn't. Would I say VZW's Nationwide network is overhyped because some very opinionated users in NYC complain of capacity issues even though not everyone has experienced any problems? No I wouldn't.

I keep it real. I post my comments based on fact and experience. Most of my travels are for business and not leisure. I'd rather stay home on my days off. We all can come back with a hat full of areas xxx carrier does not work well. But I have no problem saying xxx carrier will work better overall for the MAJORITY of people in my situation thus I stand behind my original comments. If I needed a cell phone, never left my house (ever), and the smallest, cheapest carrier worked well where I lived, then I might want to pay less and get more. There are those with less money to spend too. Those who are in the situation I just mentioned may choose a carrier based on their personal situation and for them VZW might appear to be overhyped and overpriced because in their mind they could not comprehend needing a phone for anything else. It's funny my mom thought I was being "vain" when I was 20 yrs old and got contact lenses. There was no way I was getting glasses when my doc. said I needed them. Now she just got lazik where before she felt she'd be wasting her money. Anything, including wireless service can be attributed to a waste of money if you nikel and dime everything. If it means enough to you personally, you'd pay whatever the cost to have it and in your mind you are not wasting your money or overpaying for anything.

What amazes me is how one guy will swear xxx carrier is the worst ever and his neighbor will say the same carrier is the best ever. Both may travel to similar locations and frequent similar roadways. What affects our perception of a carrier goes beyond the scope of coverage. A nasty customer service rep., billing error unfixed, or broken phone can give us a sour opinion and we can become so involved with our personal issue we give advice tainted with our personal problem. Throw into the mix a person who is a habitual complainer or simply dissatisfied with life in general and you will have somebody with something always negative to say.

Testimonials I present may not be always personal but my advice usually is. I will not say carrier xxx sucks because my friends cousin's aunt says she can't hear me or my uncle's dad's illegitimate daughter says her phone never works. I will never say xxx carrier is overhyped just because it doesn't work in my Nashville, Tennessee karaoke bar or my friend says it doesn't work at the bowling alley next to his house. I especially will never say that if I don't use the carrier I am talking so negative about. You won't hear me saying Sprint, T-mobile or AWE works great or poor in South Carolina because I don't use them and that wouldn't be fair. I will however comment on my experience with VZW and Cingular as I use them.

I'm not trying to win a popularity contest, but want others to know I will help them out as fair as possible and to the best of my ability when it comes to wireless reviews. If there are any rumors I can dispell I will. If I think someone is exaggerating their claim I will call it like I see it.

[danny boi]

Originally Posted by TNDan21

I'd have to agree that Verizon is WAY overhyped. Considering the rate plans are much higher, lack of a good phone selection, and the overall arrougance of Verizon I really don't see them as anything special.

Current Cingular and VZW pricing plans are very close to about 50 anytime minutes. Depending on who most of your friends/family/coworkers have, one may prove to be more affordable due to unlimited M2M plans they both have. Check out their websites. Want cheap, check out T-mobile.

Good phone selection is an opinion not hard fact.

Some people love me, others may think I'm a jerk. Saying VZW is arrogant seems to imply you are very close knit with company executives or it could be you are judging them by others experiences that are not your own. Every carrier has their "haters."

I could judge you also by your life choices saying you are living wrong, but it would be my opinion and not necessarily a fact shared by all.

[Airb330]

Gideon never said Verizon sucks totally, but yes they really do in Delaware and Arizona. I haven't had problems with them anywhere else. Good nationwide, yes, but not the best choice in Delaware or Arizona. I personally think Verizon's phones are getting better and the prices are OK (on 2 years anyway...cheaper than Cingular's or Sprint's website for similar phones).

[bobolito]

So, how is AT&T Wireless in these areas? Since everyone seems to give Cingular high ratings in these areas, I am just thinking with the acquisition of AWS, if Cingular coverage become worse since they are selling their network to T-Mobile and switching their customers to the AT&T Wireless network.