wtb: at&t gsm mlife mobile phone

[thelawgoddess]

if anybody has a small phone they don't use anymore that they're willing to donate or sell for cheap send me a pm. my tdma nokia's a bit outdated and i want to switch to gsm so i can take advantage of a better plan. thanks!

[gslater]

Do you take your phone along for emergency use on mountain adventures? I too am an AT&T TDMA user who has pondered a switch to GSM, but I'm reluctant to do so because there are still big remote areas of the NW where only the analog part of my old phone will get a signal. I don't have confidence in the amount of GSM coverage in the mountains (a sentiment which was basically confirmed by a friend who is an AT&T Wireless regional manager).

[dbb]

GSM coverage in the cascades, in my experience, sucks. Even with great line of sight towards towers it won't connect. Then again, if you only climb at Alpental, you'll be fine.

[robert]

If you have been with AT&T for two or more years they will give you a new phone. Just go into one of the AT&T Wireless stores and tell them that you would like to upgrade your phone. They will look at your plan and the new plan that you want and tell you which phones you can get. Some you may have to pay for, others will be free. It is just like when you sign up for new service. If it doesn't work out I am pretty sure that I have a dual band, GSM/TDMA phone at home. I will check.

[olyclimber]

I 2nd or 3rd the comment that a GSM phone is abolutely worthless in the Cascades as an emergency phone. I actually have *never* even got reception with my AT&T GSM phone on any hike or climb in the Cascades. Plan on only getting reception in cities and on the I-5 on I-90 corridors.

[b-rock]

I'll also agree that AT&T GSM is worthless as an emergency phone, and I'll add that it is mostly worthless in the greater Portland area. I barely get a reception in my house, at work, or in between ...

[thelawgoddess]

i really think verizon has the best coverage - mountains or no. right now i have two cell phones - at&t and verizon. i got verizon for my move to telluride because at&t was worthless there. the verizon service is way better ... but is also quite a bit more expensive for the type of plan i need.