BajaNomad

Mexican Cellular Service

jeans - 11-6-2003 at 06:38 PM

I've read so much on the boards about cell coverage and which service works down there and all that. Most seem to say that AT&T has the best coverage (but there are a lot of factors). I'm assuming they were only wanting to call home, not Mexican phone numbers.

I do not have a need for monthly cell service at home and have saved a lot with the pre-pay service. Regardless of the fact that my AT&T rep said my prepay service would work down there, it does not.

Perhaps I missed it, but I have never read on the board about getting Mexican Cell service for your existing phone. It can be done...I just did it! The two services can share one phone.

I went to TelCel (they are everywhere) and got a prepaid service for my existing phone. I now have two services and all I have to do is a couple of menu selections to switch between the two. Right after I got signed up I called La Paz...worked like a charm. If I needed to call home, it would be an international call. (If my AT&T service worked, it would just be a roaming charge).

This was so easy to do. It cost me 99 pesos to sign up and another 120 pesos for airtime at 3.48 pesos per minute (local)and that is good for 3 months!!

All I wanted it for was in case of an emergency, and that most likely means calling local numbers as well as calling home. Now I'm covered.

Peace of mind is good.:yes:

[Edited on 11-7-2003 by jeans]

Go figure

Ski Baja - 11-6-2003 at 08:43 PM

Getting a Mexican Cell service for use in Mexico. What a concept. Almost as good as being a member of Baja Search and Rescue. Now that you have phone service, who ya gonna call when you have a problem? Check it out at http:groups.msn.com/TheBajasBestGuidesPhotoAlbum

Thank you....

jeans - 11-6-2003 at 08:58 PM

But that is a little too steep for me. I don't need it, anyway.

Prices

Ski Baja - 11-6-2003 at 09:02 PM

Actually, we are still working on the prices but as far as you not needing it, you will.

Anonymous - 11-6-2003 at 09:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ski Baja
Actually, we are still working on the prices but as far as you not needing it, you will.


Pushy, pushy, pushy... I hope you are giving Doug a cut of the action for using his board to promote this "service" at every opportunity.

Nameless people

Ski Baja - 11-6-2003 at 10:55 PM

As I said, we are still working on the prices. If Doug wants a cut of something, I am sure he is capable of asking. On the other hand, this is a service offered from a Mexican Organization run by an American that is fed up with Capitalism and what it turns you into. You would be a prime example.
If you can believe this, we are actually in this to help travelers. Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, Europeans, everybody. Even you.
If it makes me some $$, great. In the mean time, I will continue to help all of you novice, unprepared travelers from the U.S. that I encounter every time I go down there. For free. Same as the Mexicans.
As far as promoting something that benefits everyone including you, perhaps I should quit wasting my time. Good thing the people that live here are interested. And they are Humans!
I was just curious as to the input from the Gringos. The service is active and in use. Whether any of the Norte Americanos are interested at this time is insignificant. Despite the fact that they are the ones that usually need it. Stay as COOL as you are hombre sin nombre.

TelCell

Phil S - 11-7-2003 at 04:48 AM

TelCell works great for us when we are here in Loreto. Before we got our house line, we found it to be very reasonable. However, if it is inactive for three months, you lose the number, and when you return, you have to start all over again with new number. That may change, or maybe has already. That was only frustrating part of ownership.

JR - I would want to talk about an "insurance"

capt. mike - 11-7-2003 at 05:24 AM

policy for a proposed moto tour down the peeeeninsula. What do you think? in case my bike takes a crap and needs to be picked up, parts brought down - whatever, like my starter going south - which happens a lot! Please tell me more.

And Jeans, good info - am going to explore it asap!!

PS - both your CD's are on the way.

[Edited on 11-7-2003 by capt. mike]

JR, frankly I can't use a prepaid service

capt. mike - 11-7-2003 at 05:32 AM

for a set time frame - I fly south 12 or more times yearly and only drive a local zone. But i like your concept - and its probably cheap insurance for the roadie types, assuming the underwriting entity stays as a going concern. But, if you could provide quotes for shorter terms and for specific services during a term, i'd be interested - like a single touring trip by moto to cover towing, short term storage, bike rescue-retrieval, parts delivery, mechanic services, etc.

do you go to a telcel outlet in baja?

capt. mike - 11-7-2003 at 11:43 AM

or do they have offices in states?

Don't count on it.

Keri - 11-7-2003 at 02:10 PM

Hi Jeans, I just got back from a 2 week trip traveling the whole baja. Most of the time I couldn't get a signal even with my mexican telcel phone. I could get one in Loreto and La Paz and Cabo in other words the bigger towns but if you are counting on it in case you get stuck somewhere out in the middle ,you will be out of luck. I was down there the week after the hurricane and I know some of the poles were down and that may have made some difference but I don't think it made a difference in the remote areas. Check it out before you use it as a lifeline.k :yes:

jeans - 11-7-2003 at 05:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Keri
Hi Jeans, I just got back from a 2 week trip traveling the whole baja. Most of the time I couldn't get a signal even with my mexican telcel phone. I could get one in Loreto and La Paz and Cabo in other words the bigger towns but if you are counting on it in case you get stuck somewhere out in the middle ,you will be out of luck. I was down there the week after the hurricane and I know some of the poles were down and that may have made some difference but I don't think it made a difference in the remote areas. Check it out before you use it as a lifeline.k :yes:


Hi Keri,

I'm aware that any cell service will not be available in central Baja...that's a given, but I had never heard of anyone's experience in arranging Telcel on their existing phone. That was the reason for my post. Maybe Santa will bring me a Sat. phone!

Capt. Mike....I was in Tijuana yesterday, that is where I arranged this. (Digital Planet, in the Sam Club shopping center one block past La Espada?a. Juan Carlos speaks excellent English). To my knowledge, there are no offices in the US. I asked if I could add air time via the web and was told that I could buy minutes at any corner market.

Telcel availability

Ski Baja - 11-7-2003 at 06:19 PM

Mike, yes, it's the Mexican Telcel service. I apparently had a little better luck than Keri and Mike although I am sure we were in different areas.
As far as where they don't get reception, we have a check in system set up and contacts through land lines, cell phones and radio contact specifically for that reason.
Baja Search and Rescue is only a medium for communications to whatever services necessary throughout the peninsula. We supply a list of contacts but we expect you to call us directly for the fastest service. We can call a number of people to assist immediately no matter where you are.
A lot of thought and time was put into setting this up. We have contacts in the remotest of areas. It has already been used and it works. It also works for boaters.
I have been having serious comp. problems so please forgive my delayed responses.
Keri, I missed you by one day at Serenidad. Maybe next time. Dang!

Jeans

Debra - 11-7-2003 at 07:58 PM

I've heard (never done it) that you can rent a Sat phone from Discover Baja short term. As too 'who y a gona call' NEAL JOHNS! A true Baja nut, that will use any excuse for a trip, even if it entails rescuing ladies in distress! If you can only get to a regular phone, there are any number of Amigo's that will come to your aid (as I'm sure you know) I never worry traveling with just Brendan and I, I've never had a problem, but I know if I sent up a flare I could name a dozen people that would part the Seas if need be to get to me and help. I learned that when I broke my back, I was scared to death since I was there with Brendan, but, I was well taken care of....and learned that I had nothing to worry about. Thanks guys and Gal, you know who you are.

hahahahaha

Ski Baja - 11-7-2003 at 08:12 PM

Call somebody in America when you have problems in Baja, what a hoot.:lol:

[Edited on 11-8-2003 by Ski Baja]

Ski......

Debra - 11-7-2003 at 08:28 PM

I think what we were talking about is, people we know, not that we wouldn't get help from Mexico....as with everything, when you see a face you know, you feel safer. especially when you are hurt, scared and in pain. I think (as I stated when you first posted the idea) it's a great idea for a 'Baja Search and Rescue' and a great comfort to 'newbies' I think you should go ahead with the progect.....they is a need.

jeans - 11-7-2003 at 09:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ski Baja
Call somebody in America when you have problems in Baja, what a hoot.:lol:

[Edited on 11-8-2003 by Ski Baja]


I don't understand your need to ridicule and belittle anyone who doesn't want to buy your service. It isn't a very effective sales strategy.

I'm with Debra when she says "I could name a dozen people that would part the Seas if need be to get to me and help". Also, my parents have been full-time baja residents for almost 20 years. They know a few people.

Medical assistance is the only important issue and with my own health insurance covering air evacuation (it is also included should my injury be auto accident related) and my $30 membership to Binational Emergency Medical Care Committe, I'm in good hands.

Should my truck break down, heck...that is just another adventure and isn't that what we go to Mexico for? Been there, done that... once about 25 miles from pavement. Lived through it and it's another fun story to tell.

So JR... go to someone else's post to try to sell your services...there's no sale here.:P

Amigos to the Rescue!

David K - 11-7-2003 at 09:38 PM

Calling America (or anywhere) for help:

Even though 'Baja Nomad' is our new home, we are still Baja Amigos... Baja Bernie had some shirts made for the Pyramid Resort Book party that say "Amigos de Baja: Friends Helping Friends"

The best example of that theory: Have a look at the following link and see what could have been a terrible if not for a satellite phone (the only way to make a call from most of Baja, specially central Baja) and friends who could bring help!

Thankfully Neal Johns, the lovable aridologist, was rescued from his breakdown south of El Marmol. Great photos of the rescue start at http://davidksbaja.com/neal2/page6.html

[Edited on 11-8-2003 by David K]

I'm not sure that sales was the reason for the post

Debra - 11-7-2003 at 10:00 PM

here.......I'm thinking it was for feed back......on an idea, from all the 'experts' here........(the same as I asked when I was wanting a good Baja rig) Thanks Guys! ( I 'mucked' up the Amigo's borad accourting to some) with my questions.

Ski, as I stated before, I think there is a need for this service.(and market for it) you do (must) realize that this would be for 'newbies' which many Baja buffs would hope to keep out (private play-ground contorvercy) IMHO, just put it out there and let the people decide.

Jim - 11-7-2003 at 10:06 PM

I don't know anything about "Amigos" whatever, but having cellular service in Baja has been a no brainer for us.
We have Telcel. Works fine. We use AT&T in the U.S. and Telcel in Baja.
I hope the simplicity of that solution doesn't confuse anyone.

David K - 11-7-2003 at 10:41 PM

Jim, please tell us how far into the peninsula you can make a cell call from. Many may want to go south of San Quintin or beyond eyesight of Highway One.

I know sooner or later there might be cell towers the entire peninsula, but how about today?

Bait

Ski Baja - 11-8-2003 at 04:53 AM

Well, now that it is way late, and I have been out playing, in Baja, which you probably aren't, let me just say this, Yall must think you have something to do with Baja besides your vacations and making earthtone home projects. Because ya been here since whenever, on occasion.
I am not particularly trying to sell anything. What I have done is start something that will help a lot of people. I do that anyways. Mostly the ones that actually use the Carretera on a regular basis and the people that live here.

There are actually some people here besides you "Baja Aficionados" believe it or not.
And if you guys think that you have much if anything to do with Baja besides this message board and vacationing here when you are lucky enough, I think you are as COOL as you do. I bet your friends that are afraid to come here think you are as awesome as I do. Wow.
I will start a new post on here regarding such. You mean, you actually aren't afraid of going to Baja? Wow, what an adventurer you must be.
Perhaps, I was pushy, obnoxious and the usual jerk that I tend to be regarding Baja Search and Rescue. On the other hand, it was a test. For "Baja Aficionados"
The good part is that the people on these boards are such an insignificant part of Baja or anywhere for that matter, I will probably still stop to help even you when your wheel bearings or any of the usual dung that I see on the road from unprepared Gringos happens. Without asking for money. Same as the Humans do.
Have any of you Baja Aficionados stopped to help a Mexican in your rush to get to your vacation spots ? I bet they have for you.
But wait, your "group"will save you. You don't need no stinking "outsiders" do you ? Viva AAA and insurance companies
This was a test. And yall are awesome!
Go figger!

Ski - JR......you didn't answer my Q....

capt. mike - 11-8-2003 at 07:58 AM

To be honest, the first person(s) i'm going to call ARE in the states - 'cause i know i can RELY on them as carefully selected pros. How do/would we reach you and/or BS&R when you're not home for the day, traveling yourself - off for a week etc??
Me thinks the logistics of operating a true assistance concept like AAA et al requires more than a "kitchen table" enterprise, and needs mega capitalization. Is that what your $250 fee goes for? A start up salting?

Don't get me wrong - I'm still interested, but frankly would need more specificity before I plunked down green (or are pesos brown?)

That's why i asked about short term policies. I think you're attempting to do the right thing here, hope it comes together, but feel you need a lot of subscribers to make it work the way it must. The first time someone in dire need can't get through in a timely manner they'll be out for blood re: the $$'s outlayed for nada.

[Edited on 11-8-2003 by capt. mike]

David K - 11-8-2003 at 09:27 AM

JR, did you read the u2u I sent you before my last post? I am offering to help you with this project. You are the one who (above) laughed at the idea that calling Americans for help would work (an insult to many), so I provided photos that prove it does work (at least if you have a Sat. phone and good amigos).

Because many (most?) who come to these message boards do not have a satellite phone or good amigos, your service could be very benificial!

I am not sure why you keep 'biting the hand' of your amigos here, but perhaps there is something else bugging you? Anyway, do read your u2u and I will gladly do that to assist your project or do something else that I can, if you wish.

PS, Yes, I do stop and help Mexicans broken down... I am both American and human.

Skeet/Loreto - 11-8-2003 at 09:32 AM

J. R. It is time for you to go to the Woodshed with me!!!
In one of your Posts you stated that Capitalism"look what it turns you into"
J. R. You have your head in your Brass!!!
Look what it turned me into!
"A God loving 72 year old Man who will help,anyone in need. especially Children"

A Hard working Man who saved his money,worked 17 hours a day then made some investments for the future. One of those investments was "Rancho Sonrisa"Which helped out much poorer people who wanted to better themselves

I lived dirt poor until graduating from Hi school and finally into the Service to Fight a War that may have saved your Father and Mothers Brass..

I am proud to be an American involved in Capitalism and gives anyone a chance to better themselves.

What in the Hell do you think would happen to those millions of Legal and illegals working in the Good ole USA if I did not pay my Taxes? Whether I like the way they are spent or not!!!!

Your short essay on the type of Govt. you think would be better. smell of :"If it Feels good ,Do it' even if it gives you Aids!!

You and I are going to have to set down over a Carte Blanc and have a little discussion about what Capitalism has turned me into.I will look forward to stopping by and setting you straight in Life.

I happen to think that you are worth saving!!

God Bless America
God Bless all the working folks and all the entrupeners{Sp} who invest their money or their Pappys money to provide jobs for all my Mexicano Friends and all other people!!!

Skeet/Loreto

Amazing.....

jeans - 11-8-2003 at 09:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ski Baja
.....There are actually some people here besides you "Baja Aficionados" believe it or not.
And if you guys think that you have much if anything to do with Baja besides this message board and vacationing here when you are lucky enough, I think you are as COOL as you do. I bet your friends that are afraid to come here think you are as awesome as I do. Wow.....
.....You mean, you actually aren't afraid of going to Baja? Wow, what an adventurer you must be.....


You just insulted everyone on this board. But from a business standpoint you're going to have to lose the condecending, antagonistic attitude aimed at your target market.

I suggest letting someone else be your spokesperson. The concept has possiblities, but your salesmanship might be it's biggest liability.

U2U's

Ski Baja - 11-8-2003 at 11:26 AM

OOOOhhh, my aching head ! David, for some reason my U2U's won't open so I can't see your message. I will keep trying in between throbs.

Read your posts

Ski Baja - 11-8-2003 at 12:14 PM

I am sure that I tend to P off a bunch of you folks out there with my political/regional beliefs. And I mean what I say and am not afraid to back them up. You don't see me signing in as Hombre sin nombre do you ?
I do find it interesting that the people probably the least deserving of my statements are the ones that reply to my babble. And there aren't very many replies.
I betcha what I say truly hits home with a number of people though. Perhaps they will at least think about what I am saying.
Skeet, thank you for your kind words. And how did you know I like Carta Blanca ?
I'm really not that bad of a person and I do help a lot of people whether they think the same as me or not. That's part of being Human.
Mike, we are working on how to establish fair and affordable prices for everyone. All you need to do is stop by and we will help you out. Although it may be from my kitchen table or bathtub for that matter.
As far as calling for help, there are a few #s to call when I am gone. Plus, I have a phone with me when I'm traveling. I am working with the locals here in Rosarito trying to make this whole deal as easy and efficient as possible for everyone. There may even be an easier stop than Rosarito if all goes as planned. Would yall prefer a fish or carne asada taco stand to sign up for Baja Search and Rescue ? This is Mexico after all.

ok JR - keep on it, i want it to succeed....

capt. mike - 11-8-2003 at 05:27 PM

i will buy your help short term if you can come up with a plan.....

you may want to get some advice re: marketing though!!!.....just kidding amigo, after all, who gives a rat's arse on these boards after all!!! not me!

Rat's arses

Ski Baja - 11-8-2003 at 06:47 PM

Mike, you are too funny! I have all the contacts set up but am just working on artwork, legalities and hopefully some help from some major Dudes down here.
I would like this to be an almost free type service but without some corporate sponsorship which is in the works, it will be impossible.
Anyone going down that would be interested in this type assistance, let me know and I will work something out as far as pricing to get you on the road with Baja Search and Rescue as your invisible traveling companion.

Jim - 11-10-2003 at 05:14 PM

from DavidK
Quote:

Jim, please tell us how far into the peninsula you can make a cell call from. Many may want to go south of San Quintin or beyond eyesight of Highway One.

We've used AT&T all over but the roaming charges are steep. Telcel we have used only in the Mexicali/San Felipe or Tijuana/El Rosario areas. Friends have used their Telcel phones all the way to the cape but I think they had some roaming charges as well.
The charges don't bother me because I use our phone only for brief, important communications, not for chit-chat.

Sat Phone Deal

Family Guy - 11-10-2003 at 05:33 PM

Been doing a bit of research on renting a Satellite phone for coverage in central Baja.

Satellitediscountstore.com offers a great deal for the iridium 9500--only $80 for two weeks and 1.75 a minute. They even offer a 3 day grace period for return. I found Discover Baja, which someone mentioned in an earlier thread, to be a bit pricey--twice the price for both minutes and phone rental and you would be on Globalstar not the Iridium system.

JR, I like the concept of BSR. There is certainly a need for a system like this in baja. Good luck!