Mobile phones in the US...

Hi guys,

I'm travelling to Idaho for the 2008 Masters World Cup in McCall early
next year. I have an ancient mobile phone on a prepaid account that
won't support global roaming.

Might seem an odd question but can a visitor to the US (i.e. an Aussie
like me) walk in and buy a pre-paid phone without a US address? It would
probably be easier/cheaper than forking out for an expensive phone and
even more expensive global roaming charges at home before I leave.

Cheers,
Chris

telemark at tpg.com.au

On Dec 19, 6:57 am, Chris Cole wrote:
Hi guys,

I'm travelling to Idaho for the 2008 Masters World Cup in McCall early
next year. I have an ancient mobile phone on a prepaid account that
won't support global roaming.

Might seem an odd question but can a visitor to the US (i.e. an Aussie
like me) walk in and buy a pre-paid phone without a US address? It would
probably be easier/cheaper than forking out for an expensive phone and
even more expensive global roaming charges at home before I leave.

Cheers,
Chris

telemark at tpg.com.au

Dear Chris:

Gee, I don't really know. My guess is that they are available at
large international airports. You might want to check with some of
our large national cell companies, such as Verizon, AT&T/cingular,
Sprint/Nextel, or T-Mobile.

Unlike most of the rest of the civilized world, there are several
different technologies out there that are not compatable with each
other. Since McCall is a relatively small town in a large,
mountainous, sparsely populated state, cell service coverage is not
likely to be available everywhere. I'd urge you to contact the World
Masters folks in McCall and ask them which compay has the best
service. I've met several of the people on the organizing commitee,
and I'm sure they'd be helpful if at all possible.

In any case, come for a great time!

See you there,

Randy Bladel

On Dec 19, 3:57 am, Chris Cole wrote:
Hi guys,

I'm travelling to Idaho for the 2008 Masters World Cup in McCall early
next year. I have an ancient mobile phone on a prepaid account that
won't support global roaming.

Might seem an odd question but can a visitor to the US (i.e. an Aussie
like me) walk in and buy a pre-paid phone without a US address? It would
probably be easier/cheaper than forking out for an expensive phone and
even more expensive global roaming charges at home before I leave.

Cheers,
Chris

telemark at tpg.com.au

Chris,

As Randy notes, cell/mobile coverage can be poor to non-existant in
more remote areas of the US.

One low-cost "pay as you go" (if you don't make many calls) is Virgin
Mobile which uses the Sprint network.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/home.do

Looking at the "check coverage" page for Vergin Mobile, it looks like
they have coverage in the McCall, Idaho area.

You can get a basic phone and phone card at a Radio Shack (specialty
retailer) or Target department store when you get to Boise.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=ut...ck+boise+idaho
Radio Shack (208) 343-4897 - 2735 S Broadway Ave, Boise, ID (near
airport)

See you there. Try not to run me over. I'll be on a B course.

Edgar

You might check if a (pay-as-you-go) TracFone works in McCall. You
could get one from Target in McCall (or maybe even Boise), purchase any
additional minutes needed and then return it before leaving.

Roger

wrote:

On Dec 19, 3:57 am, Chris Cole wrote:
Hi guys,

I'm travelling to Idaho for the 2008 Masters World Cup in McCall
early next year. I have an ancient mobile phone on a prepaid account
that won't support global roaming.

Might seem an odd question but can a visitor to the US (i.e. an
Aussie like me) walk in and buy a pre-paid phone without a US
address? It would probably be easier/cheaper than forking out for an
expensive phone and even more expensive global roaming charges at
home before I leave.

Cheers,
Chris

telemark at tpg.com.au

Chris,

As Randy notes, cell/mobile coverage can be poor to non-existant in
more remote areas of the US.

One low-cost "pay as you go" (if you don't make many calls) is Virgin
Mobile which uses the Sprint network.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/home.do

Looking at the "check coverage" page for Vergin Mobile, it looks like
they have coverage in the McCall, Idaho area.

You can get a basic phone and phone card at a Radio Shack (specialty
retailer) or Target department store when you get to Boise.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=ut...ck+boise+idaho
Radio Shack (208) 343-4897 - 2735 S Broadway Ave, Boise, ID (near
airport)

See you there. Try not to run me over. I'll be on a B course.

Edgar