Cell Phone Coverage

[Parrothd]

I have the Cingular "Preferred Nation" Plan (still last year's plan) with a Nokia 5100 series phone (5165 to be exact).

I'm just wondering what kind of signal should I expect in the parks. Trying to decide if the wife and I should take both of our phones and simply use them in the parks when we separate to take the kids in different directions OR if we need to buy some of those "family radios" (I've heard some bad things about those too -- finding channels not in use because everyone else is using them).

Does anyone else have any experience with the Cingular "Preferred Nation" Plan with a Nokia 5100 series phone in the parks? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rangebob]

I have the same phone. It varies in the park as to what the service will be. I normally have about 2 bars in most locations. When you are inside a building you will be totally dead but when you are outdoor you will be fine.

 

[Parrothd]

Originally posted by Robert Walker
I have the same phone. It varies in the park as to what the service will be. I normally have about 2 bars in most locations. When you are inside a building you will be totally dead but when you are outdoor you will be fine.

Thanx a bunch. That's the answer I was hoping for. We'll be able to make-do with "2 bars". And using them outside will be more than adequate for us.
We won't need them most of the time......probably just a few times @ Disney Studios and maybe once or twice in the Magic Kingdom.

Again, thanx for the info.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by Parrothd
I have the Cingular "Preferred Nation" Plan (still last year's plan) with a Nokia 5100 series phone (5165 to be exact).

I have the same phone - same plan. I've never had problems with a signal at WDW! (Now Arizona - different story!)

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I have a Virgin Mobile phone (which I *think* uses the Sprint sytems) Should that work outside at WDW?

It worked okay at DL except it would roam inside the attractions killin the battery (wouldnt have been otay except I didnt bring the charger)

 

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

I had a Sprint phone the last time we were at WDW. I was able to use it at all the parks with no problems. I had to go out on the balcony at AKL to call home, otherwise it was great! We now have Alltel...we'll have to see how well it does...unless someone can answer for me? I know it worked at USO/IOA. We also have radios we could use, but the phone is the easiest way to go, I think.

 

[gallaj0]

FYI, Cingular and AT&T wireless are merging into one company, and I believe they will be sharing equipment for graeter coverage.
In our area, we are already seeing our phones pick up signals listed as AT&T, so that may add to the coverage.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

THANKS! for the info-

I figured it would work decently- and yes I plan on bringing the charger this time... Its soo much easier to touch base via cell than trying to a lets meet here and hope we are all available Esp when ya dont have specific times when people will appear-


-em

 

[Terry S]

I think the "Preferred Nation" plan was the TDMS technology. We used them last year with that technology and it worked fine. We upgraded this year to their new technolgoy the GSM technology, which is also what AT&T uses so once the integrate the Cingular with the AT&T those who have the GSM technology should have really good coverage, those with the TDMS won't change.