Cell phone service at West Point?

amurtha

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2011
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3
DD visited WP last month and discovered her cell phone couldn't get a good signal in the dorms. Since the dorms are the only place they're allowed to use their cell phones, she'd like to be sure she has a phone and service provider that will work while she's there. (after beast, of course). she's overdue for a new phone, so this will be a good time to get it right.
Any recommendations on phones and/or service providers?
thanks.
 
I'm not sure what the best provider is, but I stayed overnight in Persching Barracks with T-Mobile and I didn't have service. You can probably eliminate T-Mobile from your choices lol
 
We have Sprint, I wasn't in the dorm but it was so, so in the library there. The admissions officers I was with said At&t isn't good either, but there was another mom that had it (iphone) that had better luck than I did. My son isn't switching providers, he's just going to have to deal with it for now. It seemed like everyone was having issues, I was with a large group of parents.
 
DD visited WP last month and discovered her cell phone couldn't get a good signal in the dorms. Since the dorms are the only place they're allowed to use their cell phones, she'd like to be sure she has a phone and service provider that will work while she's there. (after beast, of course). she's overdue for a new phone, so this will be a good time to get it right.
Any recommendations on phones and/or service providers?
thanks.

Unless you live on the top floors you won't get much (if any) signal in the baracks. Although the rules say you can only use your cell phone in smoking areas and inside your room from experience it is okay for people to go outside the cadet area and talk on their phones outside at night. I have T-Mobile and I get 4G service outside of the baracks. When she is in her room she could just use the room phone.
 
My cadet has Verizon which is supposed to have better service than some of the other providers, but he still doesn't get a good signal is some areas. I think a lot depends on what barracks you are in. Each cadet will have his/her own landline phone with long distance provided so my son uses that phone most of the time. Also, they have the same landline phone number all 4 years, regardless of what room they are in.
 
When my son did his overnight visit he mentioned one of the cadets he spoke with had an iphone. Are plebes allowed to have iphones? And, if so, can they use the phone to connect to the wifi in their barracks for the phone apps or only thru cellular coverage? Thank you in advance for any input on this.
 
I know this is different because I'm conversant in AF, not WP, but there at least no one can access the Wifi network with anything other than the government issued computer/tablet. My son brought back a computer of his own and has been working since around October to get it "cleared" to be on the network. I know for sure he can't use the wifi on his phone because of security issues, and would have to believe WP would be the same.

As far as reception issues, coverage apparently isn't a whole lot better there. But what he and many others do is use bluetooth, which allows them to position the phone itself in the window where they may get a (better) signal but then still be able to move around the room while talking. We also use Skype a lot so then you don't have to worry about the signal. Doesn't WP have landline phones in every room though? So you could always call him (and he could text you if he needed you to). In any case, he's had his iphone since he was allowed to have the phone back (some time in early October).
 
I know this is different because I'm conversant in AF, not WP, but there at least no one can access the Wifi network with anything other than the government issued computer/tablet. My son brought back a computer of his own and has been working since around October to get it "cleared" to be on the network. I know for sure he can't use the wifi on his phone because of security issues, and would have to believe WP would be the same.

As far as reception issues, coverage apparently isn't a whole lot better there. But what he and many others do is use bluetooth, which allows them to position the phone itself in the window where they may get a (better) signal but then still be able to move around the room while talking. We also use Skype a lot so then you don't have to worry about the signal. Doesn't WP have landline phones in every room though? So you could always call him (and he could text you if he needed you to). In any case, he's had his iphone since he was allowed to have the phone back (some time in early October).

I thought Skype wasn't allowed on USMA laptops?

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=17025&highlight=skype
 
How does the landline phone work in the barracks? So long distance is provided and all, but do you need to pay for your own minutes?
 

I believe she was talking about her experiences with AF. Skype is not allowed at USMA but oovoo works just as well and is allowed.

How does the landline phone work in the barracks? So long distance is provided and all, but do you need to pay for your own minutes?

The phone and minutes are provided at no cost.
 
After A-Day, plebes can have cell phones, including iPhones.

No WiFi access for personal computers or smartphones and similar devices at WP. The issued laptop computers can access the secure WiFi network as well as the wired network, but it requires use of the CAC card for security.

My son has a iPhone, and reception varies. Not bad around Grant Circle, and Sherman and Lee Barracks. AT&T.
 
Also, as far as Wifi goes, you're allowed to have a wireless router in your room that will allow you to use an iPhone/computer wireless in your room.

The only thing with that is that you won't be able to access secure sites with it. So you won't have access to the USMA internal network, but you'll still have access to the internet.
 
How does the landline phone work in the barracks? So long distance is provided and all, but do you need to pay for your own minutes?

Each cadet has a landline at his or her desk. There is no charge ..repeat.. no additional charge for long distance calls anywhere within the continental US.... I am not sure about AK or HI, you will have to check. There is a monthly fee for the phone, which is taken out of the cadets pay. My son uses it almost exclusively and calls with his cell phone when he is away from West Point.
 
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