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We are new to the area and are checking what cell providers work well in the Hawaiian Beaches area? We use Sprint now and while good in Hilo and Pahoa Town it is borderline about halfway down Kahakai so looking for maybe ATT or Verizon if they are better as our contract is almost up. I think I heard Verizon was better generally in the area but curious on current opinions.
Our priority in cell is usable for calling. All the data speed stuff is secondary.
Thx
Verizon is best now, however ATT is putting in a tower up on Honu street, don't know how soon though.
“Setting a good example is a far better way to spread ideals than through force of arms.”
-Ron Paul
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Technology fundamentals: CDMA (Verizon, Sprint) works better in low-density rural areas, while GSM (ATT, T-Mobile) works better in high-density urban areas.
Verizon has "local historical advantage", it was once part of GTE, which used to own the local wireline service; GTE was (one of) the first commercial cell carriers.
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http://opensignal.com Here is a way to get a general idea of signal strength in the area.
I've mapped a lot of this myself in my travels around Puna.
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"Up Canyon" we use these - I am able to hit a cell tower six miles away - well enough to get cell and internet in my very remote off grid location vacation cabin (mainland / verizon)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilson-BD800AM-Vehicle-Cellphone-Signal-Booster-37-dB-Repeater-Amplifier-/111012204403?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item19d8d7cf73
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Should have mentioned that one:
If you invest in any kind of repeater/amplifier hardware, WILSON. EVERY. TIME.
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Mahalo folks for the great responses.[
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Actually it's going to be installed on Malolo street in the shores sub by the park land that is next to the forest.
http://hawaiianshores.org/docs/Hawaiian_..._21_12.pdf
150' tower. I wish it was a virizon or spint tower. Altho, ATT panels will be install at the top, other carrier's panels will be install on the bottom portion of the tower.
This is all good news as you can see here...
http://hawaiianshores.org/docs/Propagati..._AFTER.JPG
This is going to give 4G to the entire area of parks, shores and beaches subs. Now we'll have another choice to besides road runner in favor of intels clear wire.