Cell phones in Alaska

Cell phone reception here in Alaska is sporadic, at best, and never something we count on having in any particular place. Although Cellular One shows it provides continuous service from Homer up to Fairbanks along the main highway, there are large sections that we have not been able to get reception. We live 30 miles east of Homer, and have not been able to get a good signal here. However, some people have been able to get a signal in strange places. For example, we saw a guy standing on top of his car a half mile from here, talking on his cell phone. Others will mention very specific places where they can make calls from, sometimes. We've given up using our cell phone at home, and drive 10 miles towards town if we want to use the cell. McNeil Canyon School, where the kids will go to school, is the closest spot we get a good signal.