Verizon, AT&T 4G LTE coverage maps: truth comes in comparison
0. phoneArena posted on 19 Mar 2012, 07:03
4G LTE devices have been available for more than a year on Verizon Wireless, but it’s not your only LTE carrier. AT&T has rolled out the first markets covered…
This is a discussion for a news. To read the whole news, click here
1. speckledapple posted on 19 Mar 2012, 07:09 3 1
I think it is important to mention that Verizon is a CMDA operator not a HSPA+ operator. This makes availability for devices of that time useless for Verizon. Its only useful to companies like T-mobile and Att. Verizon does not apply.
17. theoak posted on 19 Mar 2012, 10:00 1 0
With that being said ... considering the "new" has a global GSM radio in it ... if you purchase the Verizon version ... you can put an AT&T SIM card in it if you are travelling where Verizon LTE does not exist.
With the Verizon version ... you can get the best of both worlds.
2. arcq12 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 07:20 6 7
I know and everyone knows that.. It just means that AT&T has more to offer than VZW.. On AT&T, if theres no LTE in your area, you have the HSPA+ option unlike in VZW, if you got no LTE in your area, good luck with 3G..
11. Ralston1983 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 08:34 0 0
Does it really matter? If you had VZW 3G previously, you're not missing 4G if you never really had it.
52. oo0tomas0oo posted on 08 Jun 2012, 21:51 0 0
Att GSM network is a 1,000 times better than Verizon CDMA is trashhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...........
39. Dr.Phil posted on 19 Mar 2012, 15:09 3 1
I love how this has turned into an AT&T vs Verizon thing when we should be on the same side by saying they both are horrible in terms of how much they charge their customers for their services. I mean is everyone on here so desensitized to the higher prices that they are fine with paying $300 for a new phone, $30+ for limited data, and all the extra fees and charges they have now? It wasn't too long ago when you could pay $30 for unlimited data and phones were less than $200. My point is that anyone on here that is arguing in favor of AT&T or Verizon needs to get real. Congratulations, you may have won the argument on who has the best 4G network but as a customer you lose every single day.
56. Fazi13 posted on 03 Aug 2012, 18:54 0 0
I pretty much win everyday with my constant lightning fast 4G LTE, nearly 4 bars wherever I go, and at only $15/month more than T-MO, a lot better deal.
3. thephoneguy92 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 07:23 7 9
With AT&T's layered network, and Verizon being forced to use both GSM and CDMA technology, it's just a matter of time before AT&T has the upper hand
12. Ralston1983 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 08:39 3 3
I'm not sure if AT&T can ever really gain the upper hand. Once VZW has laid they entire 4G LTE footprint, they'll probably start to implement speed/stability upgrades while AT&T will still be laying their LTE foundation. It maybe years before these two companies are on the same playing field.
18. bossmt_2 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 10:01 5 3
Verizon will continue it's current handset model for about 8 years or so then they'll upgrade everything to VoIP. Verizon has a 2 year head start. more spectrum, and a better LTE plan in place. There's a reason AT&T wanted to buy T-Mo and it wasn't for customers it was for precious spectrum.
42. Forsaken77 posted on 20 Mar 2012, 02:09 0 0
AT&T ended up getting spectrum from someone else after the Tmo thing. And how do you know what spectrum the individual companies have? You don't! But looking at Verizons coverage map for LTE, it doesn't look that impressive. I was under the impression Verizon had almost half its footprint covered already. Not even close.
19. drtech (banned) posted on 19 Mar 2012, 10:39 1 3
AT&T has admitted that Verizon is a couple of years ahead with LTE.
4. jsd0108 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 07:59 3 3
Funny thing is that people have been saying how much better GSM is over CDMA for years now and yet AT&T STILL doesn't have the upper hand.
Verizon plans doubling the number of markets that have 4G by the end of this year and have it's entire 3G footprint covered by 4G technology by the end of 2013. AT&T better hurry if they want that upper hand.
If you look at Verizon's 3G coverage compared to AT&T's 3G/HSPA+ then the strength of Verizon's network really becomes obvious.
9. bigdawg23 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 08:22 3 2
Everyone experience different things. I have learned a map is not always accurate. As an example T-Mo and VZW claim excellent 3G coverage in my town but it is one bar to 2G. Meanwhile ATT is full HSPA+
For me it is more critical for actual coverage and how fast is the coverage. For me ATT is better than VZW. ATT is starting to roll out LTE faster.
57. Fazi13 posted on 03 Aug 2012, 18:55 0 0
Actually.. ATT's LTE rollout has been a lot slower than Verizon.. Verizon's LTE rollout was so fast, that I didn't even know I had 4G LTE until I stopped by a store one day.
5. cellgeek82 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 08:04 4 6
Ha! AT&T sucks. Coverage is one thing quality is another. I've tried AT&T and their so-called "fastest" network was way slower that Verizon 3G. I also had countless dropped calls. Verizon has better coverage (3G/4G) and better service. Between the throttling and crap quality from AT&T I wouldn't invest in AT&T's network. AT&T won't have the upper hand because LTE is the future and Verizon is the only company pushing the upgrade at a fast pace. More people I know are dropping AT&T for Verizon mainly for network quality.
46. tjdj916 posted on 26 Apr 2012, 11:55 0 0
i have had at&t for awhile now and i have never had a dropped call!!! also to let everyone know that obviously doesnt...hspa+ is MUCH MUCH faster then EVDO anyway you look at it....to correct the uneducated person who called it 3.25g it is actually 3.75g...too bad you have no experience with it...
49. ironmarc89 posted on 26 Apr 2012, 19:06 0 0
i kno bro. Realistically, most of us will be under 3G until the LTE footprint increases to 80% of the population. AT&T's 3G is like 7.0 Mbits/sec and Verizon's 3G is like 0.600 Mbits a sec. I kno because ive had both at the same time from working for Radioshack.
50. ironmarc89 posted on 26 Apr 2012, 19:07 0 0
call quality is better on Verzion tho, But who talks on the phone anymore? Learn how to text LOL
51. jreed2560 posted on 27 Apr 2012, 06:23 0 0
Several holes in your logic here. First, how large is att's actual hspa+ footprint? Because Verizon's evdo coverage is 99% of its entire network. Nd how many lte markets does your beloved have? Because Verizon has over 200. And how many devices does your carrier have that will download and upload at the networks full capacity? Because every 4g phone Verizon has will upload and download at 4g speeds. And you're right. I have no experience with hspa+ because everyone I know in the Huntsville, AL area with att is either in no service or struck on edge in the surrounding areas
58. Fazi13 posted on 03 Aug 2012, 18:58 0 0
in most major metropolitan areas and the areas surrounding it, Verizon 4G LTE has already been implemented. There's almost no place in the Bay Area or the LA Area where I don't get constant 4 bars of 4G LTE.
Also, my uncle has AT&T and constantly complains about his poor signal quality in the LA area as well as about 20% of his calls dropping. (He's got the GSM GNex and I have the LTE GNex)
7. djg71087 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 08:17 1 2
All networks are s**tty in one area or another, and most do not make decisions based on nationwide coverage (except your traveling working type. Even your travelers are usually limited to a number of cities).
8. jreed2560 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 08:18 2 3
Love the comment Verizon is being forced to use both gsm and CDMA. Verizon only uses gsm for global phones. It uses Lte for 4g not gsm. This whole article is worded to favor AT&T. I guess they need someone to try and spin 4g for them. Hspa+ is a joke. 4g? More like 3.25g!
15. codymws posted on 19 Mar 2012, 09:16 6 0
LTE is part of the GSM standard, so Verizon is using both CDMA and GSM.
10. arcq12 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 08:33 0 0
Both networks has their own ups and downs depending on the area. Majority of cellular networks in the world are using GSM and theres a reason for that.
AT&T's network technology is better than VZW since its GSM but as a overall company, I think VZW is way better. They offer better phones, better plans and better customer service than AT&T.
13. ngo2dd posted on 19 Mar 2012, 09:06 3 2
In European country their Government told them to use only 1 standard and GSM is a European base tech. so they use GSM and not CDMA. CDMA and GSM both has it ups and downs. CDMA has better voices and less drop call, GSM has faster data.
14. cellgeek82 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 09:11 3 0
There are perks to GSM but if you research the difference in CDMA vs GSM you'll find CDMA is actually better for a voice network. I've had both Verizon and AT&T and while traveling I found Verizon was best hands down. GSM being the most used worldwide doesn't nessesarily mean it's best. GSM was developed in Europe and became their standard. CDMA was developed in America which is now our standard (most used). Verizon now supports more hybrid devices that use GSM/CDMA. But Verizon doesn't get it's reputation for nothing. Their network really is better. Look at network comparisons on Root Metrics. They also have an app. Verizon is best in my city anyway.
16. InspectorGadget80 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 09:48 0 0
AT&T is taking to long to light up LTE. Why can't they expand more markets where people with 4G phones needs it? And what's the point in have a LTE phone when AT&T didn't launch any markets. I need D.C. and NY.
23. cellgeek82 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 12:17 2 0
If you want LTE go to Verizon. The map says it all. Waiting for AT&T to have a flagship network is like waiting for world peace.
25. ironmarc89 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 12:53 2 1
why fight about speed when most ppl cant enjoy it without the data caps anyway.
40. downphoenix posted on 19 Mar 2012, 15:47 1 0
No kidding. That's like bragging about which drag racing car is faster when they are still confined to a short, straight track.
31. christony1120 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:38 2 0
Hate to break it to you but att just sucks why don't you change to VZW and I'll guarantee you'll have lte in D.c and N.y
20. spinz posted on 19 Mar 2012, 11:40 2 1
Plus Verizon is offering 4gigs for $30 unlike AT&T only 3gigs for same price.
21. Diamond posted on 19 Mar 2012, 12:06 2 1
AT&T can't compete with Verizon as everyone on saw their sad attempt by trying to buy out tmobile to gain for towers to push their LTE network HPSA+ is just a boosted 3G. Verizon has over 200 4GLTE markets compared 30. By the end of 2012 Verizon will have over 400 4GLTE markets.
24. ironmarc89 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 12:51 0 2
All that bragging about Verizon's LTE about its better than everything else, Its overrated. Yes their LTE is fast as f**k but if you arent in an LTE area, you are stuck on 3G which is what you will be on most of the time. AT&'s 3G is waaaaaaaaay faster and idk about you but anything faster than basic LAN 's1.5 Mbit/ sec is fast. I kno with Verizon 3G, i got 400 Kbits/sec and with AT&T, i got 6 Mbits/sec. Luckily the town where i'll be stationed at has both LTE for AT&T and Verizon and HSPA+ 42 Mbits for T-Mobile. Bring on the iPhone 5/ Galaxy s 3/ HTC One X!!!!!!!!!!
30. christony1120 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:33 2 0
Wow that has got to be the biggest lie i have ever hea rd.... my sisters "3g" iphone 4 is faster than her boyfriend's "4g" iphone 4s.... you att fanboys seriously have to get over yourselves and accept the fact that VZW is better
33. networkdood posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:53 1 0
Reality is that AT&T's iphone 4Ss are much faster than Verizon's. That is a fact, jack. Now, any LTE 4G Verizon device should beat both iphones, though.
43. Forsaken77 posted on 20 Mar 2012, 02:17 0 1
Also AT&T's LTE is faster than Verizons LTE, though it's still in its' beginning buildout phases. Verizon was more interested in slapping up their LTE so fast that they did a half-assed job with it. 9 tims out of 10, if you find an article comparing AT&T and Verizon LTE services... AT&T smokes Verizon, like they always have. And it's a blatant FACT that AT&T's 3G service is leagues faster than Verizons' 3G. christony1120 has his head up his ass if he thinks otherwise.
27. swenner29 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 13:31 1 4
I'm just sitting here, laughing. I've had AT&T for 10+ years. A few friends have Verizon. I've never had a dropped call (to be fair I haven't travelled the entire country but I have used it in areas where you wouldn't expect cell reception at all, period) but my Verizon friends have dropped calls and missed texts, frequently. My iPhone's download speeds are just as fast as any wi-fi I've encountered with my laptop. The boyfriend just got the iPad 3 and the Verizon 4G LTE data plan for it. He was taunting me about my iPhone's plain old 4G network - didn't I wish I had Verizon, he asked me. He's paying for a Verizon 4G LTE plan yet lives in an area where that's virtually impossible to accomplish. Meanwhile, my lowly 4G iPhone downloads everything in seconds with no problems, even at his home in the boonies. I have the unlimited data plan, so while his 2 GB plan was gone after only one day of downloads, I didn't have to worry. And his kids kept borrowing my iPhone. I'll keep my AT&T. Have fun with your Verizon. :)
29. christony1120 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:30 2 1
Oh please stop with your bulls**t accept the fact that Att is crap and probably won't be as good as Verizon until the next 3 to 4 years really just get over yourself
37. networkdood posted on 19 Mar 2012, 15:00 1 0
VZW 3G vs HSPA+ 21.0M or even 14.4 is no contest.
28. Tez31087 posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:19 3 0
Verizon is the best overall. Best service, quality, speed, reliability, and technology. At&t and other carriers always strive to be like or better than the best which is Verizon. Verizon is heavily invested in their network and care about their customers. Yes Verizon has had a few hiccups with their Lte network but that is expected since it’s new. At&t will have the same problems as well once they step their game up. How long does it take Verizon to fix network problems? Not long at all. For all the people who claim that they don’t have service where they are living, call Verizon I bet you they will do something about it before At&t will. And for all the people who claim they never experienced a drop call with At&t is a D*** lie with a capital “D”! Accept the fact that all carries will always be in Verizon’s foot prints!
55. AndresGalvan98 posted on 08 Jul 2012, 22:34 0 0
I haven't had a single dropped call on AT&T since 3G started being deployed. I am EXTREMELY pleased with the network in my area. I'm in an HSPA+ zone, and my HTC Inspire 4G REALLY takes advantage of the speeds. I get a solid 5-9mbps down and around 1-3mbps up. I can't wait to see how fast LTE will be when it comes to my area!!!
Though, I keep wondering what makes my mom's Galaxy S II Skyrocket get speeds under 3mbps down and less than 1 up. If the device is LTE, can it use HSPA+, or does it have to fall back onto HSPA? It's a big difference where I live.
32. atlvideoguy posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:52 0 0
Att's fast internet would be awesome if you didnt have a 3gb data cap on your unlimited plan.
34. networkdood posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:54 0 0
No different, except my one GB, on my 4GB plan. Stupid comment videoguy as you make zero sense. Now, for those Verizon users with unlimited data plans - that is a much better deal than those users with AT&T.
44. atlvideoguy posted on 20 Mar 2012, 08:32 0 0
I was referring to the point made by Clark Howard that AT&T's unlimited plan is no longer unlimited. Once you use that 3GB of data cap your high speed wireless broadband gets throttled to painfully slow speeds. So to make sure what I say ,aces since once you hit 3GB data, your broadband internet becomes painfully slow for the rest of your billing period. Not a comment, but a fact.
35. networkdood posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:55 1 0
I laugh at those who write about how when someone likes either company and are called fanboys. We are all fanboys of something - get over yourself.
36. networkdood posted on 19 Mar 2012, 14:57 0 0
Christony kid's parents must have had a real bad experience with AT&T. When I was with them, all was good as I dislike calling their customer care. You can call any company and get crap service over the phone. Now, that I have had accounts (and smartphones) with each company, I can say that call quality is better with VZW, but their 3G data is lacking as well as not being able to use internet while using voice, which comes in handy when talking sports, or HALO, with my cousin.
38. networkdood posted on 19 Mar 2012, 15:08 0 0
I will say that if anyone has a FAN (employee discount) on their account had better hope they never have to call customer care, as you will get business customer care - when can be horrendously worse than consumer customer care. I have had several family members leave as the result of the f'ups. Discounted plans = discounted service. LOL
41. hitechredneck posted on 19 Mar 2012, 16:42 1 1
Opinion are like aholes and everyone's got one. Enough said.
45. crysiswarmonger posted on 16 Apr 2012, 12:01 1 0
I think it is worth mentioning that even thought this is an ATT v. VZW article.... Where is Sprint? Last... No 4g with switch to LTE in any appreciable amount. Sprint deserves to go bankrupt.
47. tjdj916 posted on 26 Apr 2012, 11:58 0 0
I would rather have 2 layers of 4g spped anyday over huge drops in speed outside of LTE coverage areas...Networks dont build themselves overnight. Also LTE is a natural progression from GSM?HSPUA so even though Verizon has been deploying LTE longer than at&t..it is a much easier process for at&t to deploy LTE, therefore it will not take as long.
54. AndresGalvan98 posted on 08 Jul 2012, 22:23 0 0
About the 2 layers, AT&T doesn't just have HSPA+ over Verizon, but their 3G (HSPA) is A LOT faster than Verizon's (EV-DO).
48. tjdj916 posted on 26 Apr 2012, 12:05 0 0
UNLIMITED=UNLIMTED>>>>all networks toggle to some degree...even though your speeds may lower you still have unlimted data...if there are no overage charges on your bill then it is UNLIMITED...it doesnt take much education to figure that one out...I am a customer with unlimited data and I am happy to have it...i use WIFI when available (dont have it at home) and i have never seen slower speeds. Thank you at&t for actually providing the BEST 4g network and for taking the time to perfect your HSPA+...it has really improved my data experience.
53. AndresGalvan98 posted on 08 Jul 2012, 22:22 0 0
Well it's certainly made clear that AT&T means business. Look at how they're trying to cover Verizon's footprint with their own. Earlier this year, AT&T's LTE was growing rapidly, but since Verizon established their LTE network, it has been growing dangerously fast. AT&T has a lot of slack to pick up if they wanna get that largest network spot.
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