Best Cell Service?

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ProudDad2022

5-Year Member
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May 24, 2017
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We have been ATT for years and the reception at our place is dismal. So, we are looking to change. However, if all goes well, our DS will be going from Foundation to USNA in June. I'd hate to change to something that will be poor for him. Anything would be better would for us.

So, what's the best cell service company for Annapolis?

(by the way, I did a search for this topic before I posted and I think I finally found a topic that's never been discussed in this forum. It's a big day for me.)
 
This is a good topic which does come up regularly, but perhaps the discussions have been buried in other threads, so a dedicated thread is a good thing! More easily searched.

I’ve used AT&T in the Annapolis area for over 20 years, with good connectivity. USNA can be challenging because of those thick walls.
 
Also keep in mind that cell companies constantly update. So even a year old info from here may be inaccurate. I read on Facebook parent pages that there were upgrades recently. We are ATT (actually, Cricket which uses ATT towers. 5 lines unlimited fast data for $120/mo, including fees. Plus $10 for a hotspot for DS @USNA) and have had no issues either. I believe most have good coverage at USNA. Those thick interior cement walls may be problematic at times for some but DS and his buddies have not had problems overall. I also believe the type of phone (or maybe the strength of battery?) can be a part of reception issues.

It looks like you are changing companies BC of coverage issues in your area. I tell anyone that listens to look into non-contract. Can’t beat the 5 lines for $120, all included! And there are several different non-contract carriers! Another thing to consider is military discounts, should you do contract. I just checked our parent page, and T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint all offer military discounts. And all were said to have good service.

If you must change now, what about going non-contract until your appointment, and your Mid qualifies for a military discount?
 
Re: attached thread....the watch info is out of date. Watch du jour is an Apple Watch. Which can be purchased for a bit of a discount from the Naval PX (help...what’s it called??) across the water from the yard [emoji23]
 
Our Mid was super excited to take us there parents weekend. He had only heard stories of the glorious place it was during plebe summer! It was a neat experience with him in uniform. First stop we made with him as a Mid!
 
My DS has no issues at all with his AT&T service in Bancroft, on The Yard, In DTA and up and down the Eastern seaboard.
I have Verizon, and I haven't had a problem with it outside on The Yard or in DTA - but inside Mother B - not so much.
 
Honestly cell service in Bancroft can vary. Some of the older threads posted will show what works for one wing and floor doesn’t work for another. Sort of have to roll the dice. Bancroft is one giant solid stone building. Mids figure it out and know where service works best.
 
I have Verizon and it is the best in most areas inside Bancroft. Signal is bad inside Alumni Hall for all carriers and no one gets any signal inside Luce Hall.
 
We switched to Cricket, which uses ATT 's network. When we were there for CVW a few weeks ago, neither one of us had issues.
 
So I believe the answer to your question, OP, is to do what’s best for you for your area. That the Mids will be fine with whatever they have. Too many variables to have ONE single best carrier at USNA. It also depends on what phone you have. The Mids figure out where reception may be hampered and adjust accordingly. And all carriers have some issues in some places.
 
AT&T and VZ have service almost everywhere on the yard. T-Mobile does not yet have service in the academic buildings but is fine everywhere else.
 
AT&T offers Cell phone service? They use cans-n-string out here in the great PNW (horrible, almost as bad as Sprint).

Wouldn't you just keep your mid on whatever family plan you have now? I would think it's cheaper than having a separate account, and there are plenty of other opportunities to build credit, independence, Etc. during a plebe year.

Verizon worked really well for DD at USNA, DW switched us to T-Mobile family plan for international bennies and DD complains about T-Mobile whenever she is asked, but its cheaper less restrictive on contracts/hardware and seems to work well enough.

Re: apple watch: I have one, wife has one, we both really like em. Great for a Mid I think, but a little fragile (w/0 a case) . DD has gone "rouge/counter-culture" re cell connections in general and refuses a wearable. In her platoon/brigade rolls and social stuff she says many of her conversations begin "you wanna put your cell phone away?"
 
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