Alaska Trip

[LellenNC]

We're traveling to Alaska next week, and we will be driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Is there any possibility of our Cingular cell phones roaming there? I bet most the way is full of dead zones. Hopeless, eh? Maybe a CB radio is a better bet. And, what is a "satellite" phone? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Steve B]

Going by Cingular's map, you should have some coverage in Anchorage and Fairbanks as they are two of the main cities in Alaska. As for the in-between, the map indicates no coverage. As you probably know, maps are not a good specific indicator, it just gives you a general idea.

I don't know anything about CB radios, although, I don't think you can use them as phones. I could be wrong.

Satellite phones are phones that use satellites in orbit to connect phone calls. You can get truly world wide covage with satellite phones. However, then tend to be REALLY expensive. Good luck to you.

[Andy]

I don't know if your Cingular phones have analog backup, but I would certainly take a phone with analog backup for emergencies, even though that will probably not even work out in the middle of nowhere. If you really want to have something for emergencies, I would suggest a satellite phone, which, as SBacklin said, are quite expensive though.

[Scrumhalf]

There was a Hofo thread recently on GSM coverage in Alaska - sounded positive.

http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...ight=%2Balaska

[kilovolt]

I really wouldn't worry too much about your cell coverage up there. You'll do just fine from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Of course you will hit a couple of dead spots, but it'll be dead for all technologies- GSM/TDMA/CDMA, and yes - even analog. Hundreds of people drive that road every day and survive just fine. Take your time and enjoy the drive and be on the lookout for moose crossing the road. They're a heck of a lot bigger and heavier than any old deer

If you get the chance, stay at the roadhouse in Talkeetna. Cool place to stay and served an awesome breakfast.