Data coverage along the coast (Pismo Beach, Fort Bragg: hotels, living in, cost)

[hannah1492]

I am looking into relocating along the central or northern coast of California, or maybe into Oregon. I'm planning a 3 month trip, so I can check out the towns. I will need to work remotely some, with access to the internet, and I will not have wifi in many areas. How is data service along the California coast, and what company is best? I'm looking at areas between Pismo Beach up to Fort Bragg. I know some remote areas won't have any coverage. I've looked at coverage maps for different companies, but I know reality is often different. I'll be getting a new phone soon, so I need to pick a company.

I tried to post this in the Oregon thread as well, since I figured people living in California aren't familiar with cell coverage in Oregon, but it was deleted for being too much like this post. If anyone has info on data coverage along the Oregon coast as well, I would appreciate it.

[Ruth4Truth]

One possible resource would be the public libraries in towns along the way. They usually have computers and internet connection for public use. You could even call some, to ask, as part of your research. If you'll be staying in hotels, you can go on their websites to find out about their internet service.

[PNW-type-gal]

In Oregon, at least, the coverage is okay in the small coastal cities and minimal to nonexistent outside the cities. In Oregon, your best bets off the I5 corridor are Verizon and US Cellular. Sprint and T-Mobile are pretty poor in non-metro-area coverage.

Somewhat like the northern California coast, in Oregon the coastal cities are very small towns strung along 101 with not much in between.

[Mr5150]

One word: Verizon. And no I don’t work for them. They also partner with US Cellular, who has a strong network in the area you are interested in. I liked US cellular when I lived in Mendocino county. But Verizon has the best general overall coverage. US Cellular is not a provider where I live, but I can roam on their towers as a Verizon customer when I visit the North Coast of CA

[Snort]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

One word: Verizon. And no I don’t work for them. They also partner with US Cellular, who has a strong network in the area you are interested in.

I think this is correct.
I can tell you T-Mobile is not the way to go when talking about access along the coast. At least, it hasn't been for me.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by Snort

I think this is correct.
I can tell you T-Mobile is not the way to go when talking about access along the coast. At least, it hasn't been for me.

T-Mobile and Sprint are fine until you leave urban areas. Att is ok, but not as good as Verizon.

[hannah1492]

I had a feeling I was going to need Verizon, but I wanted to check before I made the switch since they are more expensive. Thank you very much for the feedback.

[Snort]

Originally Posted by hannah1492

I had a feeling I was going to need Verizon, but I wanted to check before I made the switch since they are more expensive. Thank you very much for the feedback.

Well, you might be able to find a smaller provider that piggybacks on Verizon and charges a lot less.

to 5150, I do get service in Fort Bragg, but the town (village?) of Mendocino is really spotty. Forget the rural coast....zippo there.

[Mr5150]

Originally Posted by Snort

Well, you might be able to find a smaller provider that piggybacks on Verizon and charges a lot less.

to 5150, I do get service in Fort Bragg, but the town (village?) of Mendocino is really spotty. Forget the rural coast....zippo there.

I have good reception there with VZ/US Cellullar. And truth be told those piggyback companies save you $10 or $15 a month, which all things considered, is not that much.. I value data speed and coverage. Two things you sacrifice with the discount companies. I am a bit of a geek when it comes to these matters. Yes you will have the same phone coverage mostly, (roaming may not work) data speed not so much, but 5megs is ok, but guess who gets bumped to slower speeds in heavy use areas? Not people on a Verizon or att plan. I get between 15 to 60 megs on my Verizon plan.

Just some info regarding the cost saving cheopo plans, which is fine for some people. As they say-you get what you pay for.

[hannah1492]

Awesome, thanks for all the info!