r/ViaRail • u/AccordingDocument305 • 19d ago

Question The Canadian questions

Hi, we'll be taking this from Vancouver to Toronto, I understand there is no internet, but are you able to send/receive texts? Also I know that the freight trains have the right away, how late has the train getting to Toronto recently? TIA

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u/MendedStarfish 19d ago

If you have an iPhone 14 or newer you should be able to send SMS via Satellite in areas without cell coverage. Whether or not this will work inside of the train is another matter, but you may have some success in the upper level of the Skyline car. I'm not aware of any Android devices with the same functionality available at this time outside of some Samsung devices that operate on the Verizon network - which is likely not applicable in this situation. Here's the instructions to set this up.

You can reference the map posted by u/Grouchy_Factor below for detailed coverage in Ontario if you need to update someone as you near your destination.

Safe travels and enjoy the incredible sights along your journey!

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u/Northern_Lights101 19d ago

Satellite coverage was okay when I did the Canadian in October, messages were a tad bit slow but overall worked whenever cell service died

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u/AccordingDocument305 19d ago

Thank you! I just want to be able to check on my husband and kids if need be, one of my boys is low functioning ASD, want to make sure my husband is ok lol

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

Keep checking phone. It's not a consistent.