Owens Valley Cell Provider? Was: Trouble Reaching...

For soaring (and crewing) in the Owens' Valley, what is the best cell
service provider (or recommended provider)?

Years ago, I picked AT&T since they reported had the best coverage in
the Owens' (back then). My old cell phones are now battered and in
need of replacement, and that usually means a new contract. So I'm
considering getting that "new contract" with a different provider,
mainly to get better service in the lowlands and on travel (Chicago,
D.C., Seattle, Moses Lake, Glasgow (MT), Vegas, Parhump, Parowan,
Aguila, etc.).

Consumer Reports did a survey and found that Verizon has the best
coverage in most urban areas, but alas, it doesn't look like they
surveyed the Owens Valley (from Mojave, Lone Pine, Bishop, Bridgeport
and on up into Reno...). Not that I'd call the Owens' urban...
Consumer Reports got really ticked off at Cingular and AT&T since the
AT&T victims really suffered service degradation (unless they upgraded
equipment -- and renewed the contract, of course).

My AT&T/Cingular phone usually worked well on the ramp at Cal City, for
what it's worth. My Sprint (work) cell phone didn't get beans for
reception there... The only time I had poor reception with AT&T was
when I landed out at Olancha...

I'd be particularly interested in what the Crystal Squadron has to
recommend, since they're usually just driving through...

Any recommendations on cell phone hardware would be appreciated,
especially hardware to avoid. I'd like to get a phone withOUT a
camera, since those aren't allowed at work...

Thanks,

-Pete
#309