Cell Phone Coverage Today, Tueday

Hubby and I have been having problems since Earl went through. Don't know if it is our new I phones or ATT. So frustrating.

We've had ATT since we moved here 7 years ago and the coverage and service have been fine -- until now. And you're right, it was right around the time Earl came through. Juanita, if you read this, please call Haylee and let her know that I'm here and waiting for her. Sorry she didn't get an answer when she called.

OK. So I Skyped my daughter in Louisville, Kentucky and had her call her father, who is at the Buccaneer, maybe 10 miles from me. She got through to him on his cell. My cleaning crew had a flat tire and had already called him twice, apologizing that they are late and telling him my phone is going right to VM!!!

If you can't laugh when you read this, you don't need to live in the Virgin Islands!!

Edited to add: I am mid 60's and all I want out of technology is for it to work. I want my car to start when I turn the key. I want TV when I turn it on. I want to be able to make a call when I want to. I want the lights to go on when I flip the switch. I don't want to understand the technology, or to invest my time and energy in researching options and buying equipment. I don't need fancy, or high-tech or the latest and greatest..just for it to WORK.

I have had so many on and off again issues with AT&T since the first storm that hit a few weeks ago. I called Customer Service, and it appeared to help, until Earl. Now, here we go again. I live on the West Side of the island.

I'm at Estate Orange Grove, just above Pueblo facing the sea. My AT&T phone is working well this morning.

I was on a conference call last night out East and kept getting dropped. It got better after 8 PM. No trouble today, so far.

I am on the phone with AT&T as I type....oops...was....another dropped call. 4 times on 611 so far. I think they may just get the idea that something is not working!

I've not had a problem with AT&T cell service for the last several weeks. I have service bars most everywhere except the usual dead zones. I live on the North Shore in Cane Bay and get 2-3 bars across the road from Off The Wall & 5 bars when I get to the top of Mon Bijou heading toward Le Reine.

Jumbie -STX

I always have 5 bars where I live.....doesn't seem to matter. I am still having dropped calls, constantly. Even my voice messages get cut off!
The last call to 611, Marcia (AT&T rep) even called me back only to have that call dropped. I am pretty sure they recognize my problem.

Had 4 dropped calls in a 15 minute phone call just now. Having to do all my work via computer this morning. I will be calling ATT as well as soon as I can get my phone to work. lol.

Sprint and AT&T (from what I understand) started having problems after the lightening storms a few weeks before Earl. Sprint is finally back to its normal lousy self I think.

Linda, if you have Skype just buy some credit and you can then make calls to landlines that way! Put $10 on the account and you can make lots of calls. You can also get an inbound number for like $20 for 3 months or something. May be a good backup!

Sean

That's what my daughter said, I'm going to have to look into it.

Linda,

I don't know if this will help you, but you might want to chat with AT&T about it. We recently purchased an AT&T 3G MicroCell. We are using it in our NYC apt--we live in an apt that is all brick, so it's difficult to get a good cell signal. This little device is making a huge difference. Two things you need--Internet service and the MicroCell needs to be able to see the GPS (we set it up and left it on the window sill). I think it cost $150. We haven't tried it in St. Croix yet, but will bring it with us when we come back to the island. I'd ask the AT&T folks whether it would help with the issues you are experiencing--I'd hate for you to buy it and then not have it work. Regards, Kim

Here are a couple of Q & As from the AT&T website ( http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/faq.jsp#start):

Q. What exactly is an AT&T 3G MicroCell device? How does it work?

A. The AT&T 3G MicroCell device acts like a mini cell tower in your home, and connects to your existing broadband Internet service. You receive improved cell signal performance for both voice calls and cellular data applications like picture messaging and Web surfing. Special Unlimited MicroCell calling features are also available.

Q. How do I install and set up my AT&T 3G MicroCell device?

A. Please see your Getting Started Guide for the most common installation methods. See the User Manual for alternative installation instructions. Other helpful information:

•Installation near a window is strongly recommended to ensure access to Global Positioning System (GPS) signal. A GPS link is needed to verify the device location during initial startup.
•You'll need to connect your device to broadband Internet service over DSL or cable.
•Before your device can be activated and is ready to use, you'll need to go to www.att.com/3GMicroCell to register your device and complete the online activation process.

2G Service was off Wed morning and 3G came and went a few times. Supposedly AT&T has a tech on the island trying to resolve the problems.

Jim

I've actually noticed my ATT cell service getting better as far as where I get signal. Dropped calls are still an issue but locations than had no signal in the past now seem to have signal. HMMM

I recently read in a tech magazine about something called the "Cellphone Grip of Death" --which describes how SOME phones are more susceptible to lost signal depending on how you hold them in your hand, -- iphones being one of the most finicky with that respect.

As well.. HAZE like we had Tuesday reduces signal strengths, which increases the likelihood of droppage. And increased traffic on a particular tower can cause droppage.

My husband and I both have AT&T. He has been having problems lately with his Blackberry dropping calls and getting reception at our house for the past few weeks. I have an Iphone and no issues... I thought it was because we just got an antennae installed for the security system on the side of the house...