Mobile phone coverage. Interesting but probably of no real use.

[braveduck]

In the 60s we tried hand held radios one outside and one inside Inglebourgh Cave and got the impression that the signals were following major joints and Faults for the signals to get through .

 

[pwhole]

I recently bought my first smartphone (I'm always a late adopter with phones), which claims to be almost indestructible (Nokia XR20), so I took it down the lower parts of Odin Mine the other day to check - not that I dropped it. It got dusty but not muddy, and was absolutely fine. It's also got a lanyard hole built into the frame, so I can use it for rope-access with confidence. The camera's not fantastic, but more than good enough for exploration and recording features - like this one

 

[Oceanrower]

Not caving related but regularly, when climbing on Portland, I get a “Welcome to France” message from my service provider…

 

[Robert Scott]

Not caving related but regularly, when climbing on Portland, I get a “Welcome to France” message from my service provider…

I'm surprised that no Yorkshire (and GSG) cavers have not yet pointed out that they get "Welcome to France" whenever they get anywhere south of Coventry.

 

[Steve Clark]

Manx Telecom whilst stood on Napes Needle.

 

[HardenClimber3]

And phones are useful for taking photos of surveys for navigation underground (cheaper and easier than buying paper copies and laminating them). And the risk of damage isn't that great when they're in a Daren drum/pelicase.

It's when you get them out to use them the problems start...

 

[HardenClimber3]

Today I managed to make a mobile phone call (and had 3g) from an iPhone whilst stood on the “bridge” half way down Alum Pot.
Unfortunately the Pizza company don’t cover that post code !!
(I was using the phone as a camera and got a surprise message through).

Ian,
As you have discovered electron ladders make quite good aerials.