Technology Tips
We interviewed the RAGBRAI Mason City Communications Committee for advice on how our phones and internet might be affected during RAGBAI.
Q: Will my smartphone work on RAGBRAI? Will I be able to call and text?
A: “MAYBE!” The large crowds of RAGBRAI could cause a potential “cellular jam.” You may experience times where texts, photos and video streams take forever or just simply can’t get through.
You might see bars on your phone showing there’s a signal available, yet nothing’s getting through. That happens because the phone’s failing to get “associated” (or communicate) to the network. Please remember to be patient and follow the tips and tricks below.
Q: Will my internet be down?
A: It is better to be prepared for the answer “yes!” Know that this is one of the first things to stop working.
Lots of phones are competing for the attention of a cellular network’s antennas. Networks are further strained because these are times when people are apt to use data-heavy applications such as photo and video sharing. One clue you might have to indicate a Cellular Jam is beginning to happen (or is already occurring) is that the “LTE” letters fail to show up next to the bars on your phone.
We are working to have multiple options for wireless internet available in the downtown festival area. Everyone is encouraged to use the WIFI instead of their cell phone data. This helps release the strain on all of us, helping to avoid a cellular jam.
If you have friends or family in the area, ask to use their WIFI when you’re visiting them, and even for those us that live here and plan to just stay home, it will be “best practice” during RAGBRAI to try WIFI first! Even if you have an unlimited data plan, use your home WIFI for the day.
Q: Any communication tips and tricks you'd have for the big day?
A: Pay attention to your surroundings. Know that your phone may not work like normal. There are uniformed officers, volunteers, medical stations, and other people that could help in an emergency. Try going old school and just walk (or run safely) over to one of these people and report the emergency.
There might be pockets of a venue where service is stronger than in others — most likely these are areas in which there’s little interference between your device and the nearest cell tower. Look for trees, terrain tight clusters of people, or other impediments that may get in the way of a signal. This also might mean venturing out away from the crowd and trying again!
Text messages tend to work slightly better than a phone call, so send the important information to a friend in a text message. Be sure to give clear instructions to your friend on what you would like them to do with that information.
You might also try toggling airplane mode on and off. When your device first tries to establish a connection (after being turned on or switched off airplane mode, for instance, it has the most accurate cell signal based upon the nearest tower. So, toggling airplane mode on and off periodically is one tactic for sending through critical messages in a scenario where the signal is coming in and out.
Keeping your device in airplane mode can also save precious battery life when you’re in a crowded venue. Your device likely blows through battery power in these situations, as it’s constantly searching for a signal and competing for bandwidth. And, when your battery gets low, your device reduces the priority of searching for cell service, which can lead to further connectivity issues. For a battery-saving hack, try typing out messages or taking photos or videos in your social apps while still in airplane mode — your device should automatically send or share the content as soon as it reestablishes connection.
Also consider turning on the time stamp feature in your messages, or type the current time as part of your text message when sending important information. This will let people you’re trying to contact know exactly when you were trying to reach them.
If you live in the area, or have family or friends in the area, your landline phone should still work so try using that when possible. (Please note that companies like US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and similar carriers also offer “home phone” setups that while they are hardwired with a cord to the home phone, may still get their signal into the home using cell data. In these cases, sorry, but you might be affected too.) If you live in the area and don’t have a landline, you could also try stepping outside and eliminating more walls between you and the cell phone tower sites.
If that important text message needs to be sent, not to sound too old-fashioned, but sometimes the classic move of holding your phone high in the air and walking around could help you find a signal will still help!
Q: What does RAGBRAI do to help out with the stress on communication networks?
A: The Masons City RAGBRAI folks on the communications committee have tried their best to do everything we can to prevent cellular jams.
Mason City RAGBRAI has contacted all the major phone carriers in our area and received responses from all indicating that they are making attempts to boost up the service during RAGBRAI. Companies like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile also are able to bring in temporary cell sites, called “Cell on Wheels,” or “COWS,” to cover events. Know that we are also are working with the phone companies to set up at least one (if not more) “COW” or mobile cell site near the downtown RAGBRAI festival area.
As we mentioned above, we have brought in temporary Wi-Fi systems. We encourage you to use them!
All the people that are “working” RAGBRAI and have some responsibilities during the event, such as the people helping to run the stage show and even the people making sure we don’t run out of cold beverages for you, all have a handheld radio that is set up to allow them to communicate with each other without the need for their own cell phones.
(Are you a rider reading this? There is a cell phone charging station downtown in the First Citizens Bank parking lot that you are encouraged to use if you need it.)