What is the standard range for cell towers?

thiltonescambia · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 May 2008 Posts: 1

Hello,

I am doing webcasting, and need something that will allow me to webcast from remote locations (no DSL/cable modem options).

My service area looks like it is bounded between two Verizon EVDO A towers, according to the EVDO Map on this site. They are about 50-60 miles apart, and my work is mostly directly between these two towers. I did not see any Sprint towers in this area.

Being totally new to EVDO, I don't know what the typical range is for a Verizon tower, would a 25-30 mile distance be a problem or not (very flat terrain, no hills, valleys, etc.)? i need upload speeds of at least 200-250 KB. Any advice would be helpful.

I would prefer to purchase a Macbook Pro, with express card to do the webcast uploads, rather than a PC laptop. Thanks for any advice.

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

Just go to Verizon's coverage map and look at the area you'll need coverage. The EVDO maps here are way out of date. My area doesn't even show any Verizon towers by there maps here yet the whole area is covered.

n6gn · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject:

I would agree, go look at the coverage maps. Many cell systems are set to reject signals beyond about 20 miles. Your handset may see adequate signal but the cell site will not respond to you. The coverage maps should take this into account and tell you what to expect.

n6gn

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1754

xchpstang · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject:

I'm seeing about 10 miles max in a valley with completely flat terrain and sea level elevation. No real forests or dense wooded areas per se so very few obstructions. This range is similar both for 850Mhz and 1900Mhz signal in the area. Cell sites in urban areas would be much less range.

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

karlyn · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 am Post subject:

thiltones, in addition to the verizon coverage maps you might try looking at antennasearch.com or cellreception.com -- although these maps are not entirely accurate either. The EvDO map linked to from this site only shows user-based reports of actual service at specific locations (so get busy widgetman and populate the map with speed test information).

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 6:38 am Post subject:

widgetman,

The EVDO maps available on the forum link are generated by customers and forum readers. They are not "official" coverage maps or tower locations. Its a great service for those of us that travel and want to see "real-world" connection speeds and availability. But, its only as good as the data we put in. So...enter yours Laughing

_________________
--Sprint EVDO--

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1754

widgetman101 · EVDO User Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 51

childsj27 · EVDO User Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 35

I am 5.7 miles from a tower and Alltel advanced tech tells me I
am in a fringe aera.
He says they don.t garantee service there but they still take the money
and use a contract for it.
Joe