I have Verizon, cell service can be spotty in places and nonexistent in much of Maine. Your best bet is to not depend on it to much. Several paddlers use a SPOT or bring and EPIRB for emergencies.
John – Cell coverage has improved a lot over the northern tier of New York and New England over the last few years. Verizon has had the best coverage and probably remains the most popular service for residents up here. I recall service being pretty spotty in places we were camping and eating during the 90-Miler race in the Adirondacks last year. Cell coverage is better along the Missisquoi River (though you might need to climb a hill) in Vermont than it is further east in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, where you’ll still find service at least occasionally. Finding cell coverage will be increasingly rare as you move through Maine. – K.
Thank you, Chris. I have DeLorme inReach for satellite texting and SOS, so have constant communications capability. I don’t plan to be at all dependent upon my phone, I’d just like to have the best cell coverage possible for sending images and chatting with family. Thanks! -John
Thank you, Kalmia! I’ve heard that Verizon is the best coverage overall and you help to confirm that. I have AT&T and as an adventuring Mainer, I must say that their coverage is generally horrible. It is time to switch before I hit the trail. Thank you! -John
