Paul Thate,
The point of your post escapes me completely. Are you saying that my "facts" are wrong? If not, then what is your point, please?
1) I said up front that as a short term visitor, he would probably not be affected by the loss of coverage.
2) As adults, we know that there is no free ride. Taxes must be paid. Neither Codetel nor Tricom try to hide the true cost per minute as Orange does. It doesn't bother me because I notice such things automatically and factor it mentally into the cost - but many people don't.
3) I mentioned Mao because I experienced the blackout myself. In fact, Mao is a sizeable town and would be expected to have a tower. Remember, I said that Mao itself is covered, probably by a tower in nearby Esperanza.
4) Since YOU mention it, in my experience, there is absolutely no comparing Orange with Codetel or Tricom, neither its quality nor coverage is nearly as good.
I still used Orange (and said so) on my last trip because of the nice deal in buying the phone, so I AM NOT KNOCKING ORANGE - fact is fact. It is simply a matter of overall cost effectiveness. Furthermore, one of my friends was using Orange and we supposedly got discounts talking to each other.
The lack of coverage might even work to one's advantage - he can TRY using it as an excuse for not checking in. It didn't work for me (got in big trouble), but it might work for somebody else.
Finally, concerning Mao, if Hillbilly hasn't already castigated you, there's all kinds of reasons to be interested in Mao.
I've never heard of anyone who did not like Mao. It hasn't yet been overrun by tourists, but has conveniences that tourists can appreciate. Those who know nothing else see the giant signs for Agua Azul, a nice swimming pool (with nice girls in it - and a nice bar for you).
The biggest, newest dam in the whole country is nearby, with a gorgeous lake and good fishing.
Buses leave for Mao every 30 minutes from 2 different rotundas in Santiago, arriving an hour later.
Big buses, such as Caribe Tours, on their way to more distant places like Santiago Rodrigues, pass through Mao far into the night - a convenience not available for many destinations. Another Caribe Tours route goes to Monte Cristi, passing through Esperanza less than 10 miles away - taxicab range.
Me and my big mouth - I'll probably be trampled by tourists next time.