Alaska Cell Phone Coverage

[thompj7188]

Will I be able to use my cell phone in Alaska when we are in port without incurring roaming charges? Mostly wondering for using it as an opportunity to send pictures to family. We use AT&T of that matters.

 

[erionm]

Any Canadian ports will be international roaming unless your plan includes Canada.

Alaska is a US State, so you will be on your domestic plan in any ports that are in the state.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

I have Verizon and the CSR's are worthless. I asked and they said, "It shows we have coverage in Anchorage. Not sure about the cities you're referencing." Literally useless (as they are with every issue I have). I took my chances and incurred no extra charges and service worked just fine. But of course this is Verizon - can't speak for AT&T. While we were in Canada, I turned my phone on airplane mode and was able to catch some wi-fi every so often. While I had wi-fi I was able to text message using the message+ app on my Galaxy. Again, incurred no extra charges.

 

[apathetic]

I lived in Alaska and you will not get roaming charges. AT&T is probably the most popular national brand, second to GCI. You will get coverage in cities/towns, but probably not much outside of those areas.

 

[anricat]

You'll be fine in the major ports with cell coverage for all major cell carriers. We have Consumer Cellular, which uses AT&T's network and we had great coverage in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Between ports, you'll want to turn on airplane mode so as not to incur roaming charges. In Vancouver, unless you have an international calling plan, you'll also want to use airplane mode. There are lots of wi-fi hot spots in Vancouver. We never felt like we were out of touch while there.

 

[Drusilla99]

We have at&t and used it during our Alaskan cruise last summer. We did add on Canada, their "North America" bundle is, I think, what they call it. There was no extra charge for it. We had service in all the ports.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Verizon worked great for us while in port in Alaska.

 

[xlxo]

yep.... Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway will work great when docked or on shore. Tracy Arm not so much.

Roaming coverage is available in the Canadian inside passage and Prince Rupert. Works best if you have an outside cabin facing land or standing on the top deck. Just make sure you are not on auto carrier selection where you lock onto the stronger Cellular at sea service.