I'm in the midst of planning my next section (my wife uses a different term, somewhat derogatory, indicating I might need medication). How is service between those two end points. I'd assume that as long as there's line of site to I-40, I'd have service, but what happens when I'm in the "shadow" of Snowbird Mountain? I've read Hot Springs has no service (although there are land lines available). How about through the Southern Balds? Camp Creek Bald fire tower is an antenna farm, I've read, so maybe acceptable service? And as you approach I-26 and parallel it up to Erwin, I should be OK.
My wife doesn't hike, and I'd like to be able to check in with her periodically. If she knows ahead of time there will be "dead spots", she'll be fine, she says. Even if she doesn't hear from me unexpectedly, we have a routine for that worked out, which culminates with me calling her as soon as I can while she waits anxiously by the phone and calls the rangers out for me.
Just kidding, of course, but it seems polite to let her know if there will be times I can't call on schedule.