[Geysers] cell phone/old Faithful functionality question

[Kevin & Sherri Leany]

Although I was unable to make the park this year I did have two cell phones 
last year.  I had my State of Nevada Verizon phone and did have problems 
with incoming calls most of the time.  I would usually have to place a call 
back to the person who called and the return call seemed to work fine for 
the most part.

My wife had a Tracfone (pay as you go plan).  This is a fine phone for 
someone who does not use the cell phone a great deal or for teenagers who 
cannot sign a contract (my daughter has one now).  I was very impressed with 
the reception of the Tracfone.  Unlike my Verizon, it had reception almost 
all the way to and in the park with the exception of some of the loop road 
between West and Old Faithful and a little bit in Montana.  (The Verizon has 
many spots that I cannot get reception in the area within 10 miles of Las 
Vegas.  My wife had car problems near Glendale Nevada and both Tracfones 
worked - the Verizon her freind had did not have service.)  I do not recall 
if the Tracfone was in digital or analog mode at the park, but I must admit, 
I was impressed with it.

I may also note that NDOT also uses AT&T and the people who have those say 
the Verizon works in more areas.

Kevin Leany
ksleany at cox.net