Phone reception on Similan liveaboard?

[StanleyCup]

I am headed on a Similan liveaboard and am wondering about staying in contact via mobile phone? Not really much I need to do on the phone, but I would like to be able to tell people approx when I might check voice-mail and possibly return calls.

Here is the itin:
DAY 1 - Diving Island #5, Island #7, Island #9
DAY 2 - Diving Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Koh Surin
DAY 3 - Diving Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, Island #9, Island #5
DAY 4 - Diving Island #8, Island #7, Island #4

I know I will get reception near Phuket, but what about day/night during the trip? Anyone have any experiences (like "for sure you'll get reception -here-" or "no way you'll get reception -here-").

By the way, the phone is a Thailand AIS 1-2-call SIM card, someone told me that AIS is much better than DTAC or True in the Similans. Is this true?

Thanks in advance.

 

[andshand]

looking at your itinery you will get reception everyday less day 2.

 

[stevenl]

You won't get reception at Richelieu, Bon and Tachai. As far as the Similans goe: sometimes you will, and sometimes you won't. Sometimes even being on the other side of the island from the mast will mean no reception.