There is a new Verizon cell tower between Ashford and Kernahan Rd about ⅓ the way to the park. My wife was able to call me from the Paradise Parking Lot on her Verizon dumb-cell flip-phone. I think one of the recommendations following the Ranger's murder was improved communications within the Park--different agencies couldn't talk to one another. If the park gets good coverage I'll get my 1st cell phone as a safety measure because I tour alone 50+% of the time.
BTW, gate openings have been pretty consistent at 9 a.m. w/o significant snow and 10 a.m. with; however as the winter goes on and the snow level lowers to 2,000 ft asl one might expect later openings after a heavy snowfall. In any case people should be able to get cell coverage between Elbe and Ashford for planning breakast.
There is a park radio station too, but i have no idea if they update it re gate openings. Many local merchants etc. (Whittaker et al.) track the Twitter, as I do, on the internet and there are some wifi hotspots in the area.
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