Cell Phone Reception

Last year, I remember being able to get half-decent cell phone reception at the park (Verizon iPhone 4S 32GB with an Otterbox Defender, if you must know). I don't know if it is crowding or Verizon, but this year, I am usually unable to get internet, despite five-bar reception usually. To add insult to injury, the Donut Time Wi-Fi doesn't work for me any more on my iPhone and the computers there have not been set back up. What carriers have the best reception and has anybody noticed an issue this year?

iPhone 4S is the problem (That sounds blunt, but IDK how else to put it). You are stuck on Verizon's 3G network which is old, slow, and overcrowded. LTE is much better (handles more users per spectrum carrier) and works even on the most crowded days (Like last saturday). I have the Galaxy Note 2 which might skew my results a little with its huge internal antenna.

Vette is correct, Verizon LTE is great at the park.

I have an iPhone 4s with Sprint and reception is seriously non-existent.

Vette said:
iPhone 4S is the problem (That sounds blunt, but IDK how else to put it). You are stuck on Verizon's 3G network which is old, slow, and overcrowded. LTE is much better (handles more users per spectrum carrier) and works even on the most crowded days (Like last saturday). I have the Galaxy Note 2 which might skew my results a little with its huge internal antenna.

Why was my reception really good last year? Crowding this year?

The backhaul (fiber or microwave) to the panels might be limited and Verizon prioritizes LTE data. Or a software update might have changed the modem software in your phone which can change reception. Or it could be more people on a network that was already overloaded (I know people who bought the iPhone 4 on Verizon just recently because it is free on contract) - look at the amount of people using smartphones while in line this year. There are many possibilities, and I am not a network engineer, I just follow the industry a little.

As for Sprint, Network Vision hasn't reached Ohio yet :( They are literally ripping out their entire network and installing brand new equipment on EVERY tower they own. Their network will actually leapfrog the others if they can get customers to hang on.

I have Sprint and it has been awful this year. I have an Iphone 4. Typically I have been able to send texts, and most times make calls, but trying to access internet or any apps is painful if not impossible. I didn't have any problems though accessing the wifi at donut time last Saturday.

I have an IPhone 4s on verizon (work phone, not my choice). I get decent cell coverage and can text but no internet access at all. I do get wifi at Donut Time though. Then again, most of the time I don't even take my phone in the park.

The last few posts reminds me of an old joke: How do you know if someone has an iphone? Don't worry, they'll let you know. lol

I have an iPhone 5 AT&T LTE and its great service in the park

When I went on a busy Saturday a few weeks ago I had 4 or 5 bars but couldn't access the internet. But on less crowded days I have no problem.

I have an iPhone 4s, AT&T and the network doesn't work if its packed. If it isn't too packed I have no problem.

I have an Evo 4G LTE with Sprint and have never had a problem with phone service.

The data on AT&T or Verizon over LTE sucks, regardless of your phone, when the park is crowded. They just don't have the pipes to handle it there.

AT&T iPhone 5 and iPad with data...neither work in the park on a crowded day...but generally okay. Sandusky mall area much worse, very little service around the mall and the movie theater...and it actually switche back to Edge service!!

Simply put, CP needs to install park-wide wireless. It's simply necessary in this day and age to appease the customer. Hell, Friday I didn't know what storms were going to hit me because I couldn't ever bring up a map. I had to rely on the park-announcements, which are too general and were way too late.

Yes, it's a massive effort to install wireless, perhaps millions in expenditure, but there are ways to throttle individual users and support such a venue with many thousands in close proximity.

I'd rather have that than a new coaster for a year imho.

^ With 802.11ac out, I agree that we should get full park wireless.

Don't quote the entire previous post. We can read it just fine above yours.

Oops, I try to always remember to avoid that here. Fixed

Probably in the minority here, but leave your phone in the room or car and enjoy the park! All emergencies aside of course.