Can someone explain this ......
I sit high in section TT.
I have an iPhone with Verizon.
Pregame, texting, email, internet, phone works great.....5 bars.
As soon as the game starts my phone is useless except for telling time, and remains useless until the end the quarter.... when my phone goes from "searching....." to two bars.
As soon as the next quarter begins..."searching..."
It's like someone flips a switch.
Wifey has an iPhone w/ AT&T......no problem.
I know AT&T is a Cal "Partner"......

But WTF?

Network saturation from too many phones in the same area at once.

I have ATT and get service during the game. Seat mates use Verizon and have issues as described.

pingpong2;841982587 said:

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Network saturation from too many phones in the same area at once.

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Wouldn't that be the same for ATT service as well?

Are you suggesting that more Verizon people are using their phones during the game opposed to between quarters?

I'm not sure I buy that.....but duly noted.

AT&T installed four temporary towers around CMS this year. August 15 press release:

To improve the gameday wireless experience for Golden Bear fans during the 2012 football season, Cal has contracted with AT&T to install four temporary Cell Sites on Wheels (COWs) around Memorial Stadium that will enhance voice and data services in and around the facility.

Which subscribers will benefit from the service?
The COWs will strengthen coverage for voice and data service of AT&T subscribers. Permanent network upgrades are scheduled to be completed during the 2013 season and will be capable of supporting other mobile operators, such as Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.
For the 2012 season only, non-AT&T subscribers will be dependent on their existing network capabilities, but the size of the crowd will likely limit the viability of the signal.

Oddly, Sprint kind of worked today for the first time this season.

yea, ATT service at the stadium during games has vastly improved.

I have a Verizon Android (older 3G) and don't usually get signal (phone or data) during games. Something changed yesterday and I had no problems getting/making calls and the data connection was not too bad either.

AT&T service had always been terrible until this year. My Verizon and Sprint friends had trouble with texting and data though.

I sit lower than you in the same section-iphone, verizon-and it doesn't work at all.

Saturation. Same thing happens at AT&T (using AT&T). Good until stadium fills, then slower than Moses!

Towers, towers, more towers! But the neighbors fight the towers in our area. They prefer to use their cell/smart phones in the driveway, in a parka, rain pouring down. Such is progress.

Ditto for my Verizon. How am I supposed to read BI when I am at the game??

My friend who took me to the game yesterday was involved in the AT&T deal at the stadium. He said there is an incredible amount of bureaucracy/red tape/litigation involved in putting up towers... especially in Berkeley. Site specific installs are easier, but still a PITA. Glad my phone/data works well at the game now! It might be awhile before other carriers have service there.

On a side note, I believe Verizon is the only carrier that works when you are in the belly of the course at Tilden Park.