Have you used an iPhone in McCall, Idaho?
I’ve yet to get a new cell phone and plan since moving to McCall from Seattle in January. It’s seriously time, but there’s a hitch. The new phone needs full web browsing capabilities, and at this point in time — and especially given my current thing for Apple products, the Apple iPhone is the device I want to get if I’m going to make the investment. But here’s the thing, I’ve yet to actually run into anyone in McCall happily using an iPhone. In fact, I’ve heard nothing but terrible things about AT&T’s coverage in the McCall area. I’ve done some light research on the subject and not found anything to the contrary, so I’ve been in wait and see mode. As in “wait and see if I actually run into someone using an iPhone in McCall that says coverage and speed is solid.” Until then, I’m getting by with what I have.
Please comment if you’ve personally had experience with an iPhone in the area or know of someone who has.
Thanks!
I’ve gotten word that the iPhone is officially a non-starter here in McCall for the time being due to poor, poor local reception. Bummer.
When friends with iPhones visit, the coverage is spotty at best. Of course Sprint is horrible everywhere in Idaho unless your standing by a metal apple shed in Parma. You might need to jailbreak a iPhone and pick up Verisign as your carrier. I’ve also seen iTouch work with Skype up here, but only if your within a open wifi area. I think the Palm Pre will be a big hit around here.
@Pottsc
Thanks for the info. I’ve lightly considered the jailbreak route. I guess I should research it more, but I’m a bit nervous about ending up with a an expensive brick. Probably unfounded. But I can imagine a world where I’ve shelled-out for a jailbroken phone, something goes wrong and I’m sitting there wondering what kind of hole I’ve dug for myself. Where’s my sense of adventure!? Re: the iPod Touch. I spent a day+ trying to figure out if this just might be the way to go in McCall actually. Not that it would be a perfect solution, or hassle-free, but I guess that the prospect of not having a spendy service plan was quite alluring. Heck, a person could even drag along a small pre-paid phone for non-wifi emergencies. I guess it all comes down to what requirements I’m looking to solve for most. And the Palm Pre — definitely a sweet looking device. But it’s Sprint exclusive for the time being too, no?
The iPhone is miserable in McCall. I’ve spent 2 weeks there so far this summer. Reception spotty at best. I have the iPhone 3G on AT&T.
Sprint has by far the best reception in McCall. I would likely go the Palm Pre route with Sprint if I had to spend the majority of my time in McCall. I’m not sure an unlocked iPhone on a different carrier would be much better. Does Sprint use SIM cards? Expensive gamble to try.
Why not ask AT&T about coverage in McCall? They don’t have coverage of their own, only roaming agreements. iPhone or not, all phones don’t work in “all” areas of America. I hope you didn’t move from Seattle to McCall hoping to get the same level of service. Wireless carriers will always spend the money where they can make it back in subscriber numbers. Would you spend $3M where maybe 150 ppl spend $70 per month for service?
“Your mileage will vary” has been my experience with asking about what to expect with regards to coverage. As an aside, a few months ago I picked up a Peek to test out for fun. They roam on T-Mobile evidently. Works great is some spots and not so great in others (like where I live). Fortunately, I don’t really need it when I’m at home. I just had two friends in town with iPhones and they actually worked better than expected. I’ve made it this long without an iPhone, so figuring out this riddle isn’t top priority. And “no” I did not expect the “same level of service” from Seattle to McCall, and didn’t think I gave off that impression in my post. Also, I’m not attempting to play Product Manager for AT&T and trying to justify that they plant new towers in the ground in a remote area like McCall. That seems like it would be poor career move. Simply looking for input from people who actually have used iPhones in the area.
My iPhone doesn’t work with a sh*t in McCall, epecially in the Yacht Club, Forresters, The Mill and every other place indoors near the lake. Take a look at the coveage map online for ATT…..zoom to the second highest resolution, that tells it all.
Scott, just to clarify… You are using a Peek in McCall? When you say “works great in some spots and not so great in others” are you talking about spots in McCall? I am ready to purchase a Peek but vacation frequently in McCall, so not being able to use it there would be a deal breaker. I looked at T-Mobile’s coverage map and it looks like there is no coverage in McCall? I would love to hear otherwise!
Yes, I am using a Peek in McCall (and when I travel). As a matter of fact, I just heard it “alert” to a new message from the other room! I’ve found that in downtown McCall it works well. It works moderately well on the East side of the Payette Lake and seems to have a good signal just South of town. I’ve yet to try it up at Brundage at this point, but guess (hope) that it will also work well up there given that there are cell towers at the top. I understand that the Peek uses Tmobile’s network. I don’t know if Tmobile has its own towers around here or if they use another provider for service in this area. All-in-all, so far, so good.
We visit McCall multiple times throughout the year and have never had an issue with any of our 3g’s AND 3gS. I haven’t dropped any calls either. THE ONLY time that I didn’t have any bars was in Paul’s Market(I believe at this time I had my 2g). Not sure if it was the storm that was passing at the time or ?!
We’re moving to McCall next week and can finally call it ‘home’. Guess the iPhone will REALLY be put to the test!
Stay tuned!