FCC Cell Coverage Map

Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,340
Location
Eastern Oregon
Anyone ever use this to determine whether you might have service for a cellular camera in a particular spot? Wondering if it's reasonably reliable. Based on some previous spots I've checked for service it seems to agree, both in terms of spots the cameras have worked and spots they haven't.

 
Joined
Apr 30, 2022
Messages
23
Location
Idaho
I just looked at the FCC map and compared it to the current ATNT map in an area I hunt. The FCC map is accurate as to where I have usable service, which makes sense since the map requirements are "Voice: 90% cell edge probability, 50% cell loading factor, maximum resolution of 100 meters. Data: 5/1 Mbps, 90% cell edge probability, 50% cell loading factor, maximum resolution of 100 meters."

I only found one spot where in the past I have had cell service with my cellphone and cell camera but the cell camera struggled to send photos (even with a long-range antenna) ended up moving that camera up the hill a little bit and it worked fine.

Great resource if you ask me, only downside is that the data is from 2021 and provided directly by the cell providers so they could "fudge" with it I would assume. The FCC map is probably the most accurate and up-to-date resource you could use unless you start digging through county/city/state permits to see where new cell towers are going up and then wandering out there to test service for yourself.
 
OP
SteveAndTheCrigBoys
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,340
Location
Eastern Oregon
It was accurate for the spot where I wanted to set a camera. Had a brief hiccup with connectivity but it's been sending consistently on 2 of 4 bars.

Blacktail season overlaps my muzzy elk tag by two days, so this guy or his buddy are on the menu!
 

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Joined
May 6, 2018
Messages
9,605
Location
Shenandoah Valley
I use an app called open signal. It will tell you how strong your signal is in a certain spot, direction to tower. It's helpful setting a camera. I think you can use it to check an area beforehand, but I'm not good enough with it to know how to. I just check in areas I'm looking at using a camera before I put it up to find out later it's not getting enough service. It's weird how much difference a few yards can make in different areas.
 
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