BWCA Beaverhouse cell phone reception? Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
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Canoodler
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08/17/2014 08:02AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Can you get useable reception on a cell phone from the Beaverhouse area? IF cell phones can be used, the per minute charge is rather high, I believe?
 
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08/17/2014 12:38PM  
Good question. I don't know, but am interested in knowing how widespread cell coverage is and the cost to call U.S. from CA since I'll be traveling back through CA along the north side of Lake Superior on my way back from MN. Slightly different question from yours, but related.
Canoodler
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08/17/2014 01:35PM  
Boonie, CA is an interesting abbreviation for Canada. I thought it was CAN. Can be confusing since the postal abbreviation for California is CA.
08/17/2014 02:00PM  
Thanks - I'm sure I must have confused it with the .ca on a website.
Canoodler
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08/17/2014 02:43PM  
Boonie, ah... that is where the "CA" comes from. I called my cell carrier and they charge an approximate flat rate of about $1.50, depending on the plan you are on, to call the U.S. from Canada. Now can someone tell me if a call from Beaverhouse will always, or nearly always, go through?
Old Hoosier
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08/17/2014 03:01PM  
We were on Beaverhouse first week of August. I have Sprint coverage and it has never worked. Another party member had AT&T and he called ahead to get coverage assurance from AT&T. They said "no problem" but it was almost worthless. At best a weak signal, enough to register and nothing to depend on.

While a call might be possible in good conditions, I would say 25% possibility based on our experience.

Have no idea about rates.

Old Hoosier

billconner
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08/17/2014 03:33PM  
I would never rely on cell service at Beaverhouse. Most of the way from Ft Frances to Atikokan I had no service, and east I don't recall any until Thunder bay.

I added international for like a week or tend days - was not very expensive compared to previous trip and roaming charges, or charges when Rogers gets my call even though I'm in US along border.

If this is as critical as it sounds, rent a sat phone and be sure.

Canoodler
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08/17/2014 07:48PM  
Bill, no not critical but nice if the phone works. I have a solar charger and if the phone worked, there would be more of an incentive to bring the charger. Sounds like calling your carrier (mine is Verizon) to see if reception is good is iffy. Looking at their signal strength map is more theoretical than practical? My guess, Bill and Don, is that your advice not to rely on service is spot on. Thanks for the help!
BnD
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08/18/2014 04:26AM  
Sat phones worked flawlessly for us throughout the area in 2013. Not that expensive if staying in touch is important to you. Frankly, I was amazed at the service and clarity.
08/18/2014 05:35AM  
If you can get any reception,, just enough-- you can send a text and receive them. Download an app called whatsapp. my buddy and i did it when he went to brazil for the world cup and it worked awesome.
Canoodler
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08/18/2014 09:09AM  
White Wolf, not being a techy (I just got my first smart phone two months ago)I recall now that a texted message will go through easier than a verbal call. Did this "whatsapp" somehow increase the signal strength? How does it work? Didn't all the World Cup venues take place near good cell phone coverages? BTW, I envy your opportunity to see the Cup in person!
08/18/2014 02:48PM  
Canoodler-

the whatsapp does nothing for your cells reception. What it does do is goes around text fees etc for out of country (in your case-- Canada) -- ie expensive when your outside your providers coverage area.My coworker and I must have exchanged over 20 texts (some pics alsO) when he was in Brazil (he probably did 5 times that with other buddies) and we had no increase on our June phone bill. This is him I believe in Manaus-- once again-- no text fees.
OldGreyGoose
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08/18/2014 03:42PM  
I have ATT and have never had service at Beaverhouse parking lot. At the intersection of Hwy 11 and the LLC road, I think I have had service. (Very tall tower which I assume has cell equipment located near there.) --Goose
carmike
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08/19/2014 12:10AM  
Nothing at the parking lot with T-mobile, and very spotty service even between Atikokan and Fort Frances. ATT was better, but I'm skeptical you'd find reliable service in the Q. Just my .02.
Cellphone
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08/22/2014 10:48AM  
I made a cellphone call from the porch of the ranger station on beaverhouse a few years ago.
Canoodler
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08/22/2014 11:53AM  
The winds were blowing in the right direction? From what others are saying, this was a fortuitous reception for you! What carrier do you have?
billconner
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08/22/2014 02:06PM  
There is the fire watch tower - that might do it.

I took my cell phone last year - BWCA - first time in years - very good service - never again. Just shoot me if I think about it.
08/22/2014 09:45PM  
quote billconner: "There is the fire watch tower - that might do it.


I took my cell phone last year - BWCA - first time in years - very good service - never again. Just shoot me if I think about it. "


Amen, brother. Made that same mistake myself.
 
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