BajaNomad

ATT cell coverage/tower sharing question

vgabndo - 12-5-2008 at 02:20 PM

For a couple of reasons I'm more concerned than usual about cell communications on our upcoming trip. It'll just be a few weeks after cancer surgery, and ATT recently bought out the cell company I've been using and I'm wondering what you folks know about the degree of ATT coverage I might expect along the way. Are there any bargains on pre-paid Mexican cell phones? Any need?

Sunman - 12-5-2008 at 03:07 PM

Worked fine for me in September, good coverage most everywhere.

woody with a view - 12-5-2008 at 04:16 PM

my att switches to telcel network RIGHT at the border. have coverage in every town and its about $.80/minute to "roam" on the telcel network. fine with me as i only use it to "check in" on the way home.

edit: congrats on being "free"!:cool:

[Edited on 12-5-2008 by woody in ob]

elizabeth - 12-5-2008 at 06:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
my att switches to telcel network RIGHT at the border. have coverage in every town and its about $.80/minute to "roam" on the telcel network. fine with me as i only use it to "check in" on the way home.

edit: congrats on being "free"!:cool:

[Edited on 12-5-2008 by woody in ob]


Mine (ATT/Telcel) is .59 a minute...Mexico only.

BajaWarrior - 12-5-2008 at 06:12 PM

I've had Cingular (now AT&T) and since the switch there has been no changes in my service, and yes it roams on Tel Cel. We have been as far as Bahia Asuncion with no problems but are San Felipe area regulars.

Make sure you call AT&T and tell them you need roaming for Mexico to be sure.

elizabeth - 12-5-2008 at 07:30 PM

I should have added what Bajawarrior said...you need to activate your phone for Mexico coverage. Here's the plan I have. I copied and pasted from the ATT site:

AT&T Mexico $4.99 per month
With AT&T Mexico, get competitive rates that allow you to stay in touch, no matter where in Mexico you call or go.*
Call 1-800-331-0500 to sign up now.
59¢ per minute while roaming in Mexico
9¢ per minute when calling from the U.S. to a Mexican wireline
25¢ per minute when calling from the U.S. to a Mexican wireless device
*Outside this destination, standard rates apply.

Riom - 12-5-2008 at 07:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo... about the degree of ATT coverage I might expect along the way. Are there any bargains on pre-paid Mexican cell phones? Any need?


Assuming you have roaming enabled (if you need to - do check), you'll get slightly more coverage with AT&T (or T-Mobile) than either Mexican network directly. This is because AT&T will roam on the towers of either Telcel and Movistar, whichever is within range, although it can be expensive.

The only real reason to get a local pre-paid phone would be to reduce costs.

Sur2baja - 12-5-2008 at 08:34 PM

I finally have something to brag about. I did one smart thing years ago and signed up for the coveted "North America Share Plan" with Cingular. Baja to the USA and USA to Baja is no extra charge.:tumble:

BajaWarrior - 12-5-2008 at 09:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sur2baja
I finally have something to brag about. I did one smart thing years ago and signed up for the coveted "North America Share Plan" with Cingular. Baja to the USA and USA to Baja is no extra charge.:tumble:


I have that too, 550 minutes anytime plus rollover minutes (not that I can use them) for about $62 a month, never giving it up if I can help it!

Mango - 12-5-2008 at 09:20 PM

FYI - You can always drive to within a block or two of the border an park if you are on AT&T. Well.. at least this works for me in Mexicali.

Otherwise, your on Tel Cel like others have said.

Frank - 12-5-2008 at 11:58 PM

Ive had roaming charges in the US running near the border because TelCel's coverage "drifts" into the US. Make sure you look at your phone to who your connected to.

Cingular/AT&T worked for us all the way down to Cabo in the larger towns.