Mobile phone coverage on the road.

I'm hanging out for a while yet, since CDMA doesn't close till early next year.
The only pre-paids Telstra are offering at the moment are the first-release model phones, some with fault issues.
Those on more expensive plans get the latest models.
Gerry

NextG has better coverage in outlaying areas, than GSM.

Its similar to a comparison between CDMA and GSM. CDMA is being replaced by NextG. You will need to change over to NextG by early next year. The original date was February, but I am led to believe Telstra is trying to bring this date forward.

You might like to consider a NextG pre-paid phone to start with. I think the lowest monthly pre-paid NextG account is $23.

The chances are, NextG may be good enough to completely replace your GSM phone, but only you can determine that by trial and error.

Nokia are due to release their NextG compatible phone sometime this month I hope, (model 6120) and I am waiting with baited breath to snap one up. I will be able to use this phone with my existing car kit.

One problem that will remain with NextG phones is that all of them have built-in cameras and that is no good for people like me who work in high security areas, where cameras are not allowed.

So I will have to maintain both a GSM phone (no camera) for general use and the NextG phone for country travel, in place of the current CDMA phone.

Hi EV700
As Sandman says, CDMA has better coverage in outlying areas. GSM technology is limited to an absolute 35km limit, regardless of the signal propagation conditions.
The other issue (and I have an Optus GSM prepaid as well as a Telstra CDMA, so I've borne this out) is that Optus only seems to have base stations in larger towns. Once you leave those areas, it's zilch coverage. Even Telstra's GSM has better coverage than Optus in the country (I used to have a Telstra GSM as well).
Gerry

To the Sand Man and Gerry

Thanks for taking the tiem to set me straight. Appreciated.

EV700

Doug,

Gee your "full on" sometimes mate.
In your circumstances and use, you may have determined you don't need an external aerial, but the use of one has to improve reception in marginal areas.

My experience with the CDMA phone has proven that an external aerial improves reception. I can see the signal strength increase as soon as I put the phone in the vehicle cradle and as NextG uses the same frequency as CDMA, I can't see this changing.

In my case the cost of including an external aerial connection will be the cost of the cradle to suit the new phone. I already have the rest of the equipment in use with the GSM and CDMA phones and I know that a better aerial works.

I will confirm this (or otherwise) when I have the NextG handset.

Doug,
Wouldn't the external antenna help secure the next g broadband while you are on the road???
like, you do need that don't you.........
ha ha
NickR

Nick

NO......NO.......NO

Hi doug,
If your phone works fine in all areas which you use it in, then there's obviously no need to get an external antenna.
But an external gain antenna will always work better than the inbuilt antenna on the phone. So if your reception is marginal, then an external antenna is the go. Users' choice.
Cheers
Gerry

Gerry
You just can't grasp it can you, In one line you say there's obviously no need to get an external antenna. In the next line you say (an external gain antenna will always work better than the inbuilt antenna ) but why would I need an external antenna when I get a service that is quite satisfactory from the inbuilt, Tell me this , If I had an antenna outside the car , [and this is taken from my experience in the Mt Isa area using CDMA ] how much further am I going to get service at the point where the inbuilt loses service to the point where an External loses service, In the Ranges East of Mt Isa before the service was upgraded to give service near Fountain Springs I lost service using an External 2klm past the Lake Julius turn off , regained again for 300m on top of a hill before nearing the Leichhardt River East, On the same section of road using the inbuilt antenna I would lose service about 10klm out , the difference is another 11klm , how long does it take to do 11klm , was the expense worth it for 11klm , I say NO, using Next G here in WA I find I have service in most areas, why should I fork out over a $100 + for an antenna that will give me an extra 12 minutes of service after I depart a major town ie as the likes of Meekatharra, After you leave that town heading toward Newman your going to lose service anyhow , no matter how good the antenna is . Like I said before forget the IFs and look at the IS .

Doug

Doug, I think you've answered your own question; you get further distance with an external antenna. It's up to you then if you consider the cost of the external antenna worth it.
QED

Gerry
No I hav'nt answered my own question, thats a silly statement , The whole point I am trying get through is that in my opinion it not worth the cost, to gain 12 minutes , and actually I wouldn't spend a $100 plus to get an extra 40klm , what the hell do we have a message bank for ,

If you have alook at Telstra's CDMA or NextG coverage maps you can see quite clearly how much extra coverage you will get with an external antenna.

You can then decide if you need this extra coverage.

how long would it take to walk the 11km to get back into phone range?

Duck for cover!!

Is that 11km walk -

- with or without an injury ?
- with or without a heart condition ?
- through floodwaters ?

And more to the point, How warm will your beers get after an 11km walk, phone conversation, and 11km return walk!!! And how many do you recomend I should take. And whats better, cans or stubbies!!!!!
Or should I have stayed with the esky and sent the Mrs.???

Hi Doug - I have waited until my post is 'old' - the saga about the lack of phone coverage did have an unfortunate impact.
My Sister/Bro in law continued on the Bitumen from Barkley Homestead. We took the Tableland Highway then Savannah Way via Cape Crawford to Lorella Springs; Town River, Rope bar etc, but our van rolled on a corner, of very corrugated gravel, with bull dust in a large rut/pot hole. Total loss - and no phone coverage. Tregg hitch worked as designed, and car not damaged.
A passing Station owner saved the day, and now we are in the middle of sorting it out.
We have some insurance, so that will help.
First time in 20 years on outback driving, with a camper or van in tow.....Keith

Mate,

I don't want to get into an argument with you and agree that "freedom of choice" is good for all.

However, the difference with many of your replies Doug is somewhat on the aggressive side and you can lose credibility if you reply in that context, regardless how sound your points may be.

I read your replies with interest Doug, but sometimes mate, they need dipped in cold water first.

Sandman
The man who hides behind a Nick. Feelin's mutual about reading replies, I too like yours , I am me , I don't pretend to be what I'm not, I take an intense interest in what I use and stand by it, I have been ripped off to mant times from buying crap that won't go the distance, and I also know only too well that when I retire I too will not be able to afford all the good gear I use today, But I will not buy Chinese , or I won't buy at all.
Oh and your answer to main question was a good one ,

See ya

I have been camped in the sand hills for a week and can only get Next G signal with an aerial. No aerial, No signal, No Broadband
End of argument
Greg

Greg
You mean you can't do without all the goodies when you go camping , whats the world coming too , When I head for the sand hills I like to leave it all behind .

1 I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my PAPER newspaper like I used to, before the Web.

2 I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing.

3 I will get dressed before noon.

4 I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking of the Web.

5 I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are Web-deprived.

6 I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the Web.

7 I will read a book... if I still remember how.

8 I will listen to those around me about their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear the music on the Web.

9 I will not be tempted during TV commercials to check for email.

10 I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not.

11 I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy on the Web.

12 Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime... and the Web will always be there tomorrow!

Is the difference between the 2 the same as using a walkie talkie with the quarter wave antenna and using a walkie talkie using an external 4 or 6db gain antenna, what will get out further. As far as i know the external antenna uses 3 or more db gain which in theory boots more power out.

Maybe I'm not thinking straight, I've just have a few drinks :-) hic up

The difference between no antenna and a 7db antenna is huge. Where I am camped now 2 bars signal without antenna, 5 bars signal with antenna.
Greg

Greg
5 bars can turn into no bars very quick,
Now then I'm totally sick of this stupid discussion, been out on a Veratile Tractor all day and again tomorrow,

Doug