Cell Phone Info Please

[Deepwater II]

While in the Abacos, what type of cell phone is required to make and receive calls from the US?

[Sinclair]

This is off the old Board but still is the best I know:

http://coconuttelegraph.net/savedposts/cellphones.html

[wbruce95]

As of this spring you can call out on Verizon but not receive calls. Allledgely Singular works both ways. Batelco prepaid phones work calling out using an AT&T access number. You can also receive calls on this Batelco phone. If the price hasn't change the prepaid cards were .40 per minute between 7:00AM and &:00 PM .20 per minute thereafter.

[Kimberly]

Hey, miracle of all miracles ... my U.S.-based Cingular cell now allows me to check voice mail and receive messages, which I figured out completely by chance while on Harbour Island just last week. That being said, I still can't call out, but hey ... we're getting there. [Yes, I did check the phone in with the local Batelco outlet to get the correct codes ... not a lengthy process at all, and easier than waiting for QuikCell time on my old Nokia to kick in.]

[new2abaco]

KIm: was your Cingular a digital or a newer GSM phone? Also, what do you mean by the codes from BaTelco.



Thanks

[dp]

Just because someone reported a phone worked, does not mean yours will. I have tried AT&T, Bell South, Verizon, and Cingular over the years, as various reports indicated each worked. None did. Your best solution is to adjust your life to a point that you do not need a cell phone while here. Also, as of now...the Batelco cell service doesn't work even with Batelco phones, much of the time. Suggestion: Bring a laptop and use the Coconuttelegraph wireless internet service...its almost fully up!

[dive guana]

I do know that as of a couple weeks ago they stopped selling the Quikcellphones. It used to be you could walk into Batelco or even some grocery stores and buy a cell phone with a number and $40 airtime for $200. Then you just bought prepaid phones and charged them up. No bill no fuss. But they stopped doing this supposedly because they are moving towards the new GSM phones.

I know they had se a date for changeover but it probably is backed up now as they are still repairing lines that were damaged by the hurricanes,

Speaking of phones, some of the phones here on Guana work great for calling out but they are not ringing when someone calls in . If you happen to pick up the phone while someone is calling in you can talk to them but otherwise since it does not ring you have no idea if a call is coming in ( unless you are psychic ):confused: So send us an email if you are trying to contact us

troy

[Island Notes]

If you can call out but not call in (directly) then in order to receive calls the caller has to dial the ROAM number 1-242-359-ROAM (7626). At the tone, enter the cell phone number you are calling.

It should work.







As of this spring you can call out on Verizon but not receive calls. Allledgely Singular works both ways. Batelco prepaid phones work calling out using an AT&T access number. You can also receive calls on this Batelco phone. If the price hasn't change the prepaid cards were .40 per minute between 7:00AM and &:00 PM .20 per minute thereafter.

[biggy]

Cingular tri-mode GAIT phone works perfect,receives calls,and voice mail.It is what I have been using there for the past 2 years,always works

[Abacoed]

Seems like the best phones that have worked consistently through all the hurricanes, here on Abaco, with the strongest signal and best range etc., is the old Nokia 5100 series TDMA phones. Strongest signal, no sissy folding face and features and a robust antenna, rugged, simple and bulletproof.
The new GSM standard is operational on New Providence and Grand Bahama Islands.....not yet operational on Abaco.....when change over occurs, supposed to be backwards compatible to include both the TDMA and GSM systems.
It is very hit and miss with vistors bringing activated phones, from various providers from the states and trying to roam on the Batelco system at present.

See www.btcbahamas.com (http://www.btcbahamas.com)
and go products /cellular phones

[Kimberly]

while Batelco has GSM in place for Nassau and Freeport, the rest of the islands are on the TDMA format.

[brock]

Both tourists and business travellers alike will find that telecommunications services on The Islands Of The Bahamas are current with service in the U.S. and Canada. BaTelCo (Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation) serves The Abaco Islands with a 100% digital switching system that lets you call over 100 countries. During your stay, access to fax machines and switchboards is available at most hotels -- keeping you connected with anyone in the world.

BaTelCo also provides a variety of other services beyond phone service -- faxing, telex, cellular, private line services, satellite and radio leasing and an improved VHF-FM radio telephone service that allows you to contact ships at sea. And you can save money on your long distance calls by purchasing a phone card with great rates at all BaTelCo locations -- which can be found in Treasure Cay, Fox Town, Sandy Point, Hope Town, Avana Bay, Man-O-War Cay and on Moore’s Island.

[Abacoparrott]

I guess everything IS relative, isn't it Roger? Looks one of dem dare Advertising copywriters had their hand in dat statement. Da most reliable communication in Abaco is still da VHF radio......ken

[Trawler37]

For the Cingular & Verizon users who were able to use their cell phones in the Bahamas what were the charges?

[brock]

On our Verizon Cell we usually get hit for .99 cents a minute. But we us it sparingly when we are in the Abacos. It's nice to have to check on things at home when needed.

[dbowman]

Cingular whacked me in August for 2.97/minute. Used Alltel in April and they charged 1.07/minute

[new2abaco]

Did your Verizon phone work? If so, when. I tried to use mine last APril form Marsh Harbour with no luck.

Thanks

[Tai Tai]

If you can call out but not call in (directly) then in order to receive calls the caller has to dial the ROAM number 1-242-359-ROAM (7626). At the tone, enter the cell phone number you are calling.

It should work.
Could you clarify your message? "Call Out" means call out from the Bahamas? Call IN means call into the Bahamas from outside the Bahamas?