2021-05-23, 10:38 AM
It may be that the SPW staff is confused between the cell tower and the microwave comm links that go from FC to the hill a bit to the east of SPW, to SPW, and whence up to the Grapevine RS. I believe that handles telephone as well as some NPS communication, and it may be maintained by AT&T. At least, I've seen a couple of AT&T trucks parked near the hill. If you look at the hill on sat images you can see that it's got solar with backup generator.
Eric's phone is AT&T but not prepaid, so it may well play better with other networks. Me, I was quite surprised I did not connect with FC when up on the crest between Wildrose and Mahogany. I've certainly had good signal before. Eric had a good signal at the parking area for the kilns, but that may well have come from Cerro Gordo or some place. I've connected with a tower some place near Bakersfield down around the Amargosa crossing. It's all a tad random.
And in the mean time, you're a bit SOL if you break down somewhere and don't have a sat communicator. One of the reasons I like to have two way (InReach) is if my car does break down, I can hit the SOS but then communicate that it's not a matter of life/limb, but that I need a tow, and will stay with my vehicle.
Eric's phone is AT&T but not prepaid, so it may well play better with other networks. Me, I was quite surprised I did not connect with FC when up on the crest between Wildrose and Mahogany. I've certainly had good signal before. Eric had a good signal at the parking area for the kilns, but that may well have come from Cerro Gordo or some place. I've connected with a tower some place near Bakersfield down around the Amargosa crossing. It's all a tad random.
And in the mean time, you're a bit SOL if you break down somewhere and don't have a sat communicator. One of the reasons I like to have two way (InReach) is if my car does break down, I can hit the SOS but then communicate that it's not a matter of life/limb, but that I need a tow, and will stay with my vehicle.