Expert: Denny Adams - 1/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am thinking of switching cell phone providers to achieve better coverage in my remote home location in Rio Rico, AZ. The coverage maps are not detailed enough to show my coverage. There are no street reference on the coverage maps for my remote area. Is there a device that I can purchase/rent or borrow that I can take out to my parcel to access on my own for AT&T's coverage? I don't want to enter into a contract onlt to have to return in three days if the coverage is not adeqaute. The few people out in this ranch area don't have AT&T so I can't ask anyone to assess for me

ANSWER: Len, on att's website....www.att.com/wireless, it shows nice coverage for Rio Rico. on that same coverage map, it allows you to put your full address in and zoom down further for more detail.  Please let me know if you get the information you need. I can be of further assistance but that would require me getting your address, which I feel would be out of place.  I did put my address into the coverage viewer on att, and was able to zoom to street level.  I would venture to guess that your location is much more remote then mine. what you can do if it cannot find your address is zoom down to street level on just the city Rio Rico and then click on the little blue triangles on the side of the map and that will move the map slowly in that direction.  You should be able to slowly move it to where you are located and get a better answer.  Hope this helps.

Denny

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is like a patch quilt when I scan over the remote mountain area. Our road is a graded road so not found. We have no mail delivery in this remote area. If I could see an address on Morning Star Drive in Rio Rico (just below us) that would be close enough.
I guess I will have to sign up under a 30 day trail to find out for sure

Answer
Len, i tried searching morning star drive as well and no address will populate a map. The 30 day trial may be best.  Here's a couple of things to remember.  If you buy the phone and service and it works for you...great.  If not and you return it within 3 days, you will only be responsible for the service for those days.  the activation fee (36 bucks) will only need to be paid by you if you return it after 3 days.  Also, if you return the phone, you may have a 20 dollar restocking fee, but ask the rep you deal with about that.  Make sure you go to a corporate store,  not a dealer. I looked on their store locator and it seems the closest one to you is 48 miles....wow, would love to hear the peace and quiet you got at your house.....Best of luck to you Len, i hope it works out for you.  

Denny