Internet Signal Strength in Alaskan Ports?

[pangyal]

I’m wondering whether anyone has had experience with getting any network signal when docked in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway? I will need to work, but definitely don’t want to be spending oodles of money on the onboard internet if possible. Thanks in advance for any experiences!

 

[Dug720]

I have Sprint and had virtually no service unless I happened on free wifi...and even that was weak.

 

[pangyal]

I have Sprint and had virtually no service unless I happened on free wifi...and even that was weak.

Thanks for the quick reply! It’s complicated by the fact that I will need to use roaming partners and it looks like our carrier uses T-Mobile and AT&T. I wonder if they’re just all as bad as you describe, though. Do all ships dock in the same spot in these ports?

 

[Dug720]

Thanks for the quick reply! It’s complicated by the fact that I will need to use roaming partners and it looks like our carrier uses T-Mobile and AT&T. I wonder if they’re just all as bad as you describe, though. Do all ships dock in the same spot in these ports?

The same general area. But even in town it was spotty. Most of the locals I met said they are still pretty much tied to landlines.

Alaska is one of those places that if I worked somewhere that wouldn't allow me a true vacation, I'd make them pay for shipernet.

 

[dcassetta]

My experience is different than Dug's. Last summer had good service on AT&T in Ketchikan and excellent service in Juneau until we left town and went out to Mendenhall. We also had good service in Sitka, but that doesn't help in this situation. I don't have any knowledge about Skagway.

 

[woody64]

Last August we had no problems that I can remember in any of the ports. We are on Verizon...and I had a 22 yr old and 19 yr old along so I would have known.

 

[gatordoc]

My experience is different than Dug's. Last summer had good service on AT&T in Ketchikan and excellent service in Juneau until we left town and went out to Mendenhall. We also had good service in Sitka, but that doesn't help in this situation. I don't have any knowledge about Skagway.

Same experience with AT&T last summer in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway - good service throughout.

 

[pangyal]

Oh, I’m regaining hope now! Thanks all!

Did you actually get carrier service on the ship while it was docked or just in the actual ports, if I may ask? I’m realizing that I might not have phrased my question clearly.

 

[woody64]

Both, on the docked ship and in ports walking around.

 

[beckicnm]

Oh, I’m regaining hope now! Thanks all!

Did you actually get carrier service on the ship while it was docked or just in the actual ports, if I may ask? I’m realizing that I might not have phrased my question clearly.

Verizon - I had service while docked and maybe 20-30 minutes before and after docking

 

[SteveMouse]

Be very careful about using cells aboard ship- you need to be connected to the right network, or you could be in for a shock.

 

[TestingH2O]

At&T had great service the entire time we were in towns. Or Skagway excursion went further afield, so I lost signal with that, but overall I was really pleased.

Now, I needed to be on deck to get signal, but that's just a matter of the ship blocking the signal in my room.

 

[Pens Fan]

With Verizon we had very good service as long as were in or near the port towns. Once we got out of town on excursions, it was very hit or miss.

 

[ACQUADUCK]

I had excellent coverage everywhere bar the high sides going up to Tracey Arm, where it faded, but at the top was good. Ship internet good but again lost in the high sides on transit up down Tracy Arm.

 

[cruiser21]

I have sprint. Cell service was fine for texting, and not so fine for internet. DCL wifi was very spotty.

 

[RAD]

No problems with AT&T while in and near towns. Sometimes while on the inner passage I'd see a small town off in the distance and was able to get a cellular signal for 10 to 20 minutes.