How to Get Cell Phone Service in Remote Areas

Remote areas are often without many of the utility services -- such as garbage pickup, cable TV and cell phone service -- that are taken for granted in more populous centers. In certain remote areas, cell phone service may not exist. However, with most of the U.S. covered by one provider or another, this is unlikely. To get cell phone service in a remote area, you will need to find out which providers offer service in your area.

Step 1

Log on to a cell phone coverage map directory such as the service provided by cellphones.org or Signal Map.

Step 2

Enter your zip code into the field provided. Enter your address as well to get a more specific coverage map. Press "Send" or "Enter".

Step 3

View the map of your remote area and look to see which service providers offer coverage in that area. If more than one provider offers coverage, check to see which one offers the best coverage in areas that you frequently travel to as well. Some services, like Signal Map, offer reports on the quality of the voice and data coverage in some areas. This information can help your decision process as well.

Step 4

Go to the website of the provider that offers coverage in your area and order your chosen cell phone plan.

References

• Cellphones.org: Coverage Maps

Resources

• Maps of World: US Cellular Coverage Maps
• Cellphones.org: Compare National Cell Phone Coverage Across the United States
• Signal Map: Find the best cell phone coverage in your area

About the Author

Darby Stevenson began writing in 1997 for his high-school newspaper, the "Alsea Valley Voice," which won him statewide awards for Best Feature Article and Best Personality Interview. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from the University of Oregon.

Photo Credits

• Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images