Extended enhanced service = ????? Tell me I don't have to go with AT&T...Please

[D-G-W]

Hello all, new to forum. Looking for a little help.

Here is my question, I am moving to Wrangell Alaska. Don't laugh,I have Sprint at the moment, plan is up on the 21st. They have zero data coverage up there. I have found that Verizon has Extended Enhanced Service there but that Verizon does not have a tower in the area. Unfortunately AT&T does. They have been very helpful with my questions and have true 3G coverage in most of Alaska, well, where people actually live that is.

That's all great but they have the worst droid phones out there and I really want the X. Would rather go with Verizon as I don't particularly care for Apple and the best AT&T's got is the iphone 4.

I need to know what extended enhanced service really means. Will I be able to get the most out of a Droid X? Will I have 3G coverage? Will I get huge bills if I do?

I have tried to get some answers from Verizon stores, but they are salespeople. Trying to sell something. I don't trust sales people to be honest. Or knowledgeable about an area so far from here. San Jose, CA.

I hope I have given enough info.

Oh and I thought of calling a store up there but, yeah. Not a single Verizon store in Alaska. None.

I screwed huh? Jobs has got me by the you know whats.

[Wildman]

The Extended Enhanced Service Coverage Area include networks ran by other carriers, this means this is not directly Verizons network but companies that are part of a partner group that allows the user to still have service on the Verizon network through 3rd party towers.

[gerio]

I would say that you should check with the locals there to see what they are using. Nothing sucks worse than having a phone that is no good on whatever local network is available.

Well, there are a few things that suck worse, but hopefully, you get the 3D idea.

Geri O

[Wildman]

I agree, you might want to contact CS instead of asking the store sells people to get more reliable information.

[PacoX]

Just speculating but doesnt VZW have nationwide roaming? If your phone can find a carriers preferred tower it uses on from another carry as long as its, in your case, CDMA. I never read anything offical on this but if am not mistaken, Verizon and Sprint share towers for roaming purposes.

[crb79]

---

PacoX wrote:
Just speculating but doesnt VZW have nationwide roaming? If your phone can find a carriers preferred tower it uses on from another carry as long as its, in your case, CDMA. I never read anything offical on this but if am not mistaken, Verizon and Sprint share towers for roaming purposes.

---

I think the catch would be that the Nationwide Roaming is based on the 48 States.  I would definitely contact VZW and find out if the Nationwide roaming covers the area you intend to have service.  

[Leslie1]

Hi my name is Leslie vzw employee. Extended enhanced service is where you use other companies towers due to Verizon does not have towers in that area (Alaska). Will need to activate phone in a location where there is Verizon coverage before going to Alaska. Also when setting up account can not use your Alaska address will need to have a alternative address where Verizon coverage is available. If you do decide to go with Verizon and purchase a Droid X will need to make sure phone is set to "Data Roaming". Also when in Alaska can not do a *228 PRL (Preferred Roaming List) to update due to there are no towers in Alaska for Verizon; #MIN; #DATA; #PMT or *611 for customer care will need to call 1-800-922-0204 if making payment or needing information on account or register to view account online www.vzw.com. If a PRL is needed on phone will need to visit a location where there are Verizon towers.