Cell phone service in Yellowstone?
 

My daughter has a summer job in Yellowstone. Is there any cell phone reception there? We have a TMobile plan now, but will be able to change by that time.

If you go this URL

www.t-mobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx

you can see what T-Mobile says about its coverage in that area. Doesn't look too good in Yellowstone NP (which is fine with me). For other service plans, do a search with the term

"service plan I'm interested in" coverage

A couple of years ago the only service that coverage in quite a few areas of the park was Verizon. We received coverage from AT&T in the Old Faithful area only. You might try asking the question on the yellowstone.net/forums -- people who respond there work in the parks and/or visit frequently.

Oh, thanks, PaulRabe and maj.

Normally I'd want the park uninfested with cell phoners, but it would be nice to reach her in an emergency. She'll be at Canyon. I'll try that forum, maj.

Great link, maj, thank you.

Maj gave you a great suggestion about the YS forums. When we were there in Feb. '09 several of the employees we dealt with told us they practically "live" on those forum pages, especially in the colder months when they can't get out as much.

Another thought is the possibility of using SKYPE if she has a computer (may even work with some of these new, high-tech cell phones). Internet service is available to the employees at some locations. It wouldn't do in an emergency, but would be a great way to "visit" and it's free.

Yes, Floridafran, skype sounds like the way to go. Thanks!

We have Verizon and was able to make calls from the Canyon area and Old Faithful area. I never had T-mobile.

utahtea, good to "see" you here :-)
I'm headed back to Yellowstone this summer. Hope we get to stay at Old Faithful again.

Thanks, utahtea. Verizon it is.

stokebailey,

I just remembered we also received a call while in Mammoth Hot Springs campground on my Verizon phone. My Verizon Aircard for my computer also worked in Mammoth and Old Faithful areas. We didn't have any service at the Madison Campground or Fishing Bridge Campground.

Starrs,

I'm trying to talk DH into going to the Canadian Rockies with maybe a pass though of Yellowstone. My older son, his wife and grandson will be there this summer.

Utahtea

Hey Utahtea, I'm headed that way this summer. Yellowstone, GTNP, staying at a couple of places in Montana. I'm hoping we get back into Banff and area, but I'm riding shotgun on this trip. It's been about 10 years since I've been up there. We got snowed in during the last week of May at Chateau Lake Louise...which is a pretty fine place to get snowed in. If you're traveling in June, we may get a chance to wave at one another :-)
Starrs

Good service around Old Faithful area and Lake Butte area with ATT.

Last summer we entered YNP through the NE entrance and stayed at Roosevelt Lodge for a night. I hadn't noticed cell phone reception, but my daughter had. I"ll never forget our first night of checking in to Roosevelt Lodge - we climbed up a hill behind our cabin. My daughter was ahead of me and as I reached the top of the hill, she was standing on a tall rock, her arms outstretched the sky, cell phone in hand, exclaiming "I have bars!" Meaning- she finally had some cell phone coverage.

Funny!

I can only speak to Verizon's service, as it's the one company I've used. I've been all around Yellowstone, and Verizon has worked for me everywhere in the park.

Blueslipper, cute story!