Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Using my mobile phone in the US

This is topic Using my mobile phone in the US in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 09-24-2006, 09:13 AM:

I'm going to a conference in Anchorage next month, and for various reasons it would make my life a whole lot easier if I had the use of a mobile phone for that time. I believe that my handset will work on the US wavelengths (according to the specs, it works on GSM900, DCS1800 and DCS1900), but my existing connection is a 'pay as you go' one which doesn't permit any roaming usage outside the UK.

Does anyone know if it would be possible for me to buy a 'pay as you go' SIM card on arrival (ideally at the airport) and pop it in the phone for the duration of my stay? If not, is there anywhere you can rent a mobile phone for a short period (i.e. six days)? I've rented a mobile in The Netherlands and Germany before from places at the airport, but haven't noticed any such places at US airports - but that might be just because I wasn't looking for them. The cost of outgoing calls is not an issue (I can claim them on expenses and don't anticipate making very many, so I don't mind if the call charges are a ripoff), but the ability to receive incoming calls is essential.

Many thanks in advance.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 09-24-2006, 12:11 PM:

I don't recall ever seeing a cell phone kiosk at the (south terminal) Anchorage airport. The north terminal is where international flights arrive and it's pretty sparce there. There are terminal maps on that airport link.

There are a number of cellular places at the Dimond Center and at the 5th Avenue Mall downtown. I'd think you could get a pay-as-you-go plan to use with an existing phone.

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 09-24-2006, 12:19 PM:

Many thanks Adam. Both of those malls appear to have several phone shops in them, and I guess one of them will be able to sort me out. I'll also have a five-hour transfer wait at Minneapolis on the way out (annoyingly, just not long enough to go into town), and so I'll see if there's anywhere in that airport, too.

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 09-24-2006, 12:24 PM:

(See edit above, too.)

You might have more luck at the Minneapolis airport ... it's a very busy airport and quite large. However, be careful as I've heard that many pay-as-you-go plans limit usage to the lower 48 states. Make sure whatever you find will work in Anchorage.

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 09-25-2006, 01:48 AM:

Thanks again for the tip. Sounds like a similar situation to here, where in the more remote parts of the country (e.g. the Western Isles of Scotland), some networks have coverage but not others. If I do end up getting anything at Minneapolis I'll check that it has coverage in AK.

Posted by Michael Cunningham (Member # 210) on 09-26-2006, 11:46 AM:

Wow,

If you do end up in the Dimond Center you should pop upstairs and say "hi". I'll give you the nickel tour, not that my booth is all that special (basic Act III, now Regal design), but hey if you're bored...

- Mike

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 09-27-2006, 02:42 AM:

I'll certainly try to say hello. The reason I'm visiting Anchorage is this conference, which is happening mainly in the Egan Center, with screenings at the Bear Tooth Theater. But I'll certainly try and make it to the Dimond Center if poss.

Posted by Michael Cunningham (Member # 210) on 09-27-2006, 11:11 AM:

Nice, sounds like some interesting stuff. The Beartooth is fun, our one and only brew-pub / theater up here. Every other row of seats replaced with "bench" tables so you have someplace to set your pitcher of beer. It's a little run down, was once Regal's dollar house, but not bad.

- Mike

Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 09-27-2006, 02:16 PM:

I have a US/Cingular tri mode phone; a GSM. Worked better in Europe that it does at home! Hope this helps a little. Louis

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 09-28-2006, 03:02 AM:

quote: Michael Cunningham
The Beartooth is fun, our one and only brew-pub / theater up here. Every other row of seats replaced with "bench" tables so you have someplace to set your pitcher of beer.

Cool! No wonder the conference committee chose that place... [beer]

Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 09-28-2006, 12:36 PM:

Bear Tooth photos I took recently.