Do cell phones get "service" ???; if our Boat leaves Dana Point Marina going to San Clemente Island?

Question

Do cell phones get reception (Service) on the water headed south leaving out of Dana Point Marina?

I have been told that "service" stops about 7 miles out of the marina and never returns until that 7 mile point returning to Dana Point Marina....

I have also been told that "Service" is uninterupted and works perfectly from the marina all the way south into mexican waters and beyond???

Who is right?

Answer 1

Yeah !

Answer 2

Depends on your service provider.  Depends on cell phone model you have.  Typically a cell phone works from 3-5 miles from the front of the antenna array on the cell tower.  sometime a lot more sometimes a lot less.  Since the water is not occupied most of the time, providers do not have a financial incentive to provide coverage.

My antique dinosaur of a phone has had coverage where my wife new one did not.(same plan)  also had friends with different providers work where mine could not get a signal.

Answer 3

Cell phones are UNRELIABLE on the water, a V.H.F. Radio is needed, use cell phone for back up, I would have a hand held VHF for back up, the cell phone would be a 3rd back up.

Answer 4

It's hard to give a definite answer. Cell phone service is spotty at best out to sea. If you are near a repeater tower, than yes, you get service, the farther away you get, just like on land, you get dead spots until you near another tower. For guaranteed phone service you need a satellite phone. Or, a good marine radio!!