[pct-l] Cell phones

[AsABat at 4Jeffrey.Net (AsABat)]

Two providers have the best coverage in the backcountry. Verizon has the
largest network. AT&T is another choice. Each will have places where the
other won't work. AT&T is losing customers fast right now, unfortunately.
The other providers are digital only and don't work in a lot of remote
areas. (IMO)

There will be lots of dead zones, especially in the Sierra. Sometimes
farther away from civilization works better than near the road. For example,
my Verizon did not work at Sonora Pass, but did work on the ridge just a few
miles south of there.

911 is the standard emergency number. There is no other standard emergency
number, but note that 911 from a cell phone in California always goes to the
California Highway Patrol (CHP), who will transfer you to who they think can
help you. If you have a direct number to the local sheriff department it
might help, but sometimes those numbers aren't answered 24/7. Just be
prepared to explain where you are and who you need when you call 911 from a
cell phone. Search and rescue is dispatched by the local sheriff department.

AsABat