yes, i am one of those womyn who would like to use my cell somewhere near my site...i have a 90 year old at home who loves to hear from her daughter....so, has anyone heard if cell phone reception is any different from years past? still a dead zone until the gate? any info is appreciated..mary-ellen

I don't know of anything different this year, but in past years, I've gotten a signal I could use for my AT&T phone in the parking area near the landline phone "booths".
Hope that helps. . .

I get service by the phones and all in the front area.... not really any service any where else.

I have Verizon and I get service in RV just before the phones, and I've occasionally gotten a text while somewhere on the land, but that's just a fluke. Also, if going in and out of service kills your battery, be prepared for that. I found that trying to use my phone for a clock or alarm didn't work great either.

Put your phone on airplane mode and it will save your battery to use as an alarm clock or camera. Airplane mode (iphone) means it won't drain your battery looking for a signal. Shut it off unless you are using it and your phone will last a while. I have an external charger from iTrent that will keep my phone charged all week at home.

I have only gotten lucky out by the phones with one bar. Enough to send a text or to get a text, but iffy on the calling part. I have AT&T.

thanks CountryGeek~ I didn't know that about airplaine mode. :-)

You can always get a pre-paid phone card either before you leave home (Target, etc. ) or I think they sell them on the Land. I call home regularly using the landline phones and a calling card.

This really is the best solution. Buy a card with more minutes than you anticipate needing, though, because the per-call minute "charge" is insanely high.

I use my iphone as a note/number taker, alarm clock, camera, video camera and audio recorder at fest. But I don't really use it as a phone at fest. If I want I can send out a text near the parking lot. Last year I charged my phone with a small external battery. I also charged it in my car for an hour by turning the car key on accessory and turning the radio off to charge it. I don't recommend it if you have battery issues. Some cars you can use your car charger without turning the key on. Those usually have a battery symbol on the plug cover. This year I splurged and got an external charger from Trent that will last me for about 6 whole charges and is roughly 4 inch by 4 inch by 1 inch. I will just charge it up before I leave and use my iphone conservatively on airplane mode during fest. Should last all week and then some. Plus I can use the charger at home if we have power outages an such.

The only other electronics device I bring is a little wind up/solar emergency radio with the weather band. I use it to listen to the weather forecast quietly in my tent before I go to bed, so I can be prepared for the next day. Yes I am a Geek.

I love it, CG! I hope cell phones nevernevernever work on the land.

nefarious~ I agree. I like having the peace.

I don't know if they'll be selling the same kind this year, but last year the Cuntry Store had awesome phonecards--no connection fee!

I find the cards sold at fest to be the most cost-efficient.

Honestly, the year I used the fest phone cards, it was easier than trying to get and KEEP a cell signal when it was important (my mom was in surgery in New York). So, I would definately go that route again if I had a NEED. Two years ago, although I could get a signal and make calls from my cell at the phones, it wasn't until I went into town that a ton of messages showed up.

I also agree with Nef-I like the peace of the no phones working. It also takes a burden off ME, I can legitimately really be unavailable. It's my vacation, after all.