Lucky for us we have Alltel. We had full coverage from Cherokee through most of the Smokies (with the exception of a few areas as we wound through the mtns. Even coverage at the center of the park. My family members had Cingular (AT&T) and the other T-Mobile (which roams on ATT there) and they had zero coverage in the whole town. I read another poster who said AT&T would work eventually by end of 2008. If you have Alltel you should be all set. Four to Five bars throughout town and at Harrahs Casino. Works in Maggie Valley also all through town. We stayed at River Rock Chalet (nice vacation rental there) and had service as well... better than Cingular at least.

Called AT&T was told a tower is scheduled for installation in late 2008. If you are going to Harrahs Casino and no not have Verizon - take walkie talkies to stay in tough with family members.

below average to poor in this area

Verizon is the best service you can have in this area. It also works amlost everywhere else.