Las Vegas - AT&T Cellular Service

Someone told me that he heard, that in several of the big Vegas hotels, there is little to no AT&T or T-Mobile cellular service. But he didn't know which hotels they supposedly were. I'll be staying at the Venetian in a few weeks. I'm wondering if anyone with an AT&T cell phone has had any problems in this hotel. I don't travel with a laptop and count on my iPhone for email and Internet. I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks.

I've had no issues with my iphone @ Palazzo/Venetian, or anywhere in Vegas. Though, I do switch to E (Edge) sometimes, as I'm not convinced the 3G service is all that robust in Vegas (and to also conserve some battery).

Edit to add : I don't use the internet that much on my iphone, because even in the best service areas I still find it too slow (3G, E etc.). I'm even not thrilled about the WiFi access, and much prefer to jump on my laptop for anything more than email, minor web access, and a few web based apps. So, I might not be the 'best' to gauge service standards....

In the absolute bowels of MGM, I get no signal at all for AT&T/TMo. I haven't experienced a complete loss of service in any of the other casino/hotels (although I've had weak signals).

As baccarat_king said, AT&T cell service is fine at Venetian. What I do find :mad::rolleyes: is that mobile broadband service frequently drops off or I get disconnected all together especially when the service goes from 3G to edge and back.

Additionally, I have not had any significant issues with cell service at Wynn, Fashion Show Mall, TI, Mirage, Bellagio, Harrahs, Caesars, Planet Hollywood, or Paris (all walking around the casino/main floors).

I really appreciate the comments! It sounds like I don't have to worry much about getting a signal. Thanks again!!

Not the Venetian but at Mandalay Bay, no problems with AT&T 3G data in the Hotel room on 8th floor but in conference room on low floor at The Hotel, I could only get Edge on my phone so had to take out the sim and use an expresscard 3G adapter for which I have an external antenna and move the antenna around to get 3G.

My cell phone conversation (Iphone) got cut off quite a few times when i was statying at the Encore resort rooms. It was a bit better at the Wynn Panaoramic room, but it still got cut off. AT&T service was great at TI. I didn't have AT&T service when I last stayed at Venetian so I can't tell you.

I've generally had good reception with TMO in Vegas. Exceptions would be deep in a property - elevator, hallways on higher floors, etc. I've usually been OK in the room (1 or 2 bars, but functional). In the common areas I've usually had excellent reception.

Someone told me that he heard, that in several of the big Vegas hotels, there is little to no AT&T or T-Mobile cellular service. But he didn't know which hotels they supposedly were. I'll be staying at the Venetian in a few weeks. I'm wondering if anyone with an AT&T cell phone has had any problems in this hotel. I don't travel with a laptop and count on my iPhone for email and Internet. I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks.

I checked out of the Venetian this morning, and during my stay had terrific signals in my room, friends' rooms, the casino, mall area, pool area, and a couple of the restaurants. I was actually very impressed with the way ATT and/or the hotel have deployed cells for good coverage.

The only place I ran into any problems was at the Riviera, but I think that's MUCH more likely due to folks playing games during DefCon, not any actual problem with the cellular coverage.

Bob

I think the properties are pretty good about installing repeaters. For example, Bellagio used to have two or three big dead spots for both VZ and ATT service, and when I complained about it I was told they were working on installing repeaters. It took a while, but now I have usable service anywhere I go in the casino. If you still find dead spots in heavily-traveled areas, report them. That's the only way they'll get fixed.

I checked out of the Venetian this morning, and during my stay had terrific signals in my room, friends' rooms, the casino, mall area, pool area, and a couple of the restaurants. I was actually very impressed with the way ATT and/or the hotel have deployed cells for good coverage.


Used to be you would get no signal in the lower level conference halls but when I ventured down there a couple weeks ago I had full bars.

The only place I ran into any problems was at the Riviera, but I think that's MUCH more likely due to folks playing games during DefCon, not any actual problem with the cellular coverage.
Your phone got pwned at Defcon? Tell us more

I was just in Vegas last week. Whenever I was in a more populated area of the Strip the Internet service was very much touch & go. Sure the signal strength showed a full 3G signal on my iPhone, but when I'd go to use it, I'd get lots of time-outs. I stayed at Bellagio, and the worst seemed to be in the pool area. The same thing happened at the airport; my flight out was delayed. The same problem persisted while I waited in NYNY for Zumanity to start.

I did a couple of re-boots, even a hard re-boot, and nothing seemed to help. After being off-strip and not having these problems (ate off-strip, went to the Atomic Missile Museum, and the Ethel M Chocolate factory), I'd conclude it is due to the over-volume of people using cell phones in the Strip area. And of course, as soon as my flight landed at PHX, all has been normal.

I was just in Vegas last week. Whenever I was in a more populated area of the Strip the Internet service was very much touch & go. Sure the signal strength showed a full 3G signal on my iPhone, but when I'd go to use it, I'd get lots of time-outs. I stayed at Bellagio, and the worst seemed to be in the pool area. The same thing happened at the airport; my flight out was delayed. The same problem persisted while I waited in NYNY for Zumanity to start.

I did a couple of re-boots, even a hard re-boot, and nothing seemed to help. After being off-strip and not having these problems (ate off-strip, went to the Atomic Missile Museum, and the Ethel M Chocolate factory), I'd conclude it is due to the over-volume of people using cell phones in the Strip area. And of course, as soon as my flight landed at PHX, all has been normal.

This is consistent with my prior post and experience with mobile broadband in Vegas. Very spotty.

I've had great signals with my iPhone, however like everyone has said, there are some dead spots. Another thing to consider is that if you find yourself in one of these dead spots for an extended period of time, your phone's battery could drain faster than normal as it spends its energy searching for a signal.

I always carry a portable charger with me. It has come in handy a couple times in Vegas late in the evening after a day of dropping in and out of coverage. I use this: http://us.kensington.com/html/15462.html

I was just in Vegas last week. Whenever I was in a more populated area of the Strip the Internet service was very much touch & go. Sure the signal strength showed a full 3G signal on my iPhone, but when I'd go to use it, I'd get lots of time-outs. I stayed at Bellagio, and the worst seemed to be in the pool area. The same thing happened at the airport; my flight out was delayed. The same problem persisted while I waited in NYNY for Zumanity to start.

I did a couple of re-boots, even a hard re-boot, and nothing seemed to help. After being off-strip and not having these problems (ate off-strip, went to the Atomic Missile Museum, and the Ethel M Chocolate factory), I'd conclude it is due to the over-volume of people using cell phones in the Strip area. And of course, as soon as my flight landed at PHX, all has been normal.

Same exact experience on an iPhone at the Wynn/Encore last week. It's weird because I hadn't noticed this on previous trips there in June/April/January. Had no problem at all while I was at Palms Place.

Using my mobile broadband right now. Online for about 30 mins and it has gone from 3G to Edge and back at least 5 times now :rolleyes: