The cell phone question comes up every now and again. The consensus of answers over the years is this:
1. The portal has spotty reception in some areas, but don't count on it.
2. There is basically no reception along the trail. There could be a small place or two with a weak signal, but you probably won't find them.
3. I always got a great signal from the summit on Verizon, but the last time I was there was 7 years ago. Stand near the edge so you have line of sight to Lone Pine.
