Cell phones may or may not work while you're there....ours didn't last year, no matter where we were, and neither did a lot of other folks' phones. I post this bit of info so that folks can leave land line (hotel/motel/etc)numbers in case of emergencies at home. I strongly suggest that you do not rely on your cell phones....they're rendered pretty useless by the mountains.

_________________
if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention

 

i find this to be one of the nice features of the Smokey's
work can't get a hold of me

 

I don't believe it.... but both AT&T Wireless and Cingular's coverage maps show that they have coverage in the area...

If it's true, that means that T-Mobile should work as well, but Sprint and Verizon customers may be out of luck as they use a different system...

 

I know it's very hard for you with cell phones do get thrugh the day without the daily dose of phone fix, but just leave them at home and enjoy the weekend.

 

^^^^ sndwave, let them think that they have the magical super reception cell phone

 

My ole' AT&T tri-band didn't work anywhere near Deals Gap last year. The only local place it worked was Robbinsville, and it was flaky at best and in analog mode

 

I had ZERO reception with my Verizon cell last year, and look forward to same this week! Bwahahahahahah!!

 

I went out and got a cell phone this weekend just to take it where it won't work.

 

Who needs a cell phone anyway.... We're bring a BULLHORN!!! WITH A SIREN!!!

Gonna chase those RV's right off the road!!!

 

This may be a blessing in disguise. With the twisty roads up there, I know I wouldnt want some idiot yapping on a cell phone driving behind me! :smile:

 

Hey watch who you're calling an idiot.... I won't even have a cell phone over there..................

 

By the way, does an FSR count................

 

Any confirmation of wheather Cingular will or won't work?

 

It isn't the coverage area that's the problem, the mountians block the towers signal so pretty much nobody is going to have service unless you use a satalite phone. I had an at&t phone last year got now service, I don't mean roaming but NO service what so ever.

 

none

 

I have been able to get a very weak analog signal for Verizon at the overlook at the top of the Dragon. It's hit or miss though. Your best chance to make a call is going to be on a longer drive that passes through some more populated areas.

 

I'll be bringing along a handful of FRS radios to loan to those who don't have one. I'll also have a CB in my car for those who use those, as well as to tell the truckers where to get off.

 

Yes Greatbear! It will be great to have you there to tell the truckers exactly where to go!

I would suggest telling them to take a hard right turn down the side of the mountain and take the underwater route to Fontana Dam!

 

>>Yes Greatbear! It will be great to have you there to tell the truckers exactly where to go!
>>
>>I would suggest telling them to take a hard right turn down the side of the mountain and take the underwater route to Fontana Dam!

All they'll need is their water wings.

 

We could hope that with the increased police presence in the area that maybe they will catch the truckers before they have a chance to get into trouble...

 

>>We could hope that with the increased police presence in the area that maybe they will catch the truckers before they have a chance to get into trouble...
>>

like this guy

 

I think they had to MINI things on the Dragon to worry about the truckers this last weekend..