The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its 4G and 5G coverage maps last month, giving a decisive say on which Big Three carrier — AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon — is the best. The change was first spotted by The Hill.
Predictable results
AT&T vs T-Mobile vs Verizon 4G and 5G coverage. | Image Credit - FCC
Verizon's 4G LTE signal blankets 60 percent of the US, putting it slightly ahead of AT&T (57 percent) and making it a much better option than T-Mobile (45 percent).
The reverse is true when it comes to 5G, where T-Mobile leads both coverage tiers. For faster 35 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds, T-Mobile provides coverage of 27 percent, with AT&T not too far behind (22 percent) and Verizon at a distant third (12 percent).
When comparing the 7/1 Mbps tier, T-Mobile covers 38 percent of the country, AT&T signals reach 32 percent of the US, and Verizon covers only 18 percent of the country.
Coverage drops across the board when someone is in a moving vehicle.
Is the debate settled now?
Not really. While a broad overview shows which carrier covers the most areas nationally, the 'best' national carrier may still be no good for you if it doesn't serve your specific area. That's why it's suggested that you use the FCC National Broadband Map to get a snapshot of the connectivity situation in your area.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have all been highlighting favorable results from connectivity firms such as Ookla and RootMetrics to assert superiority.
If we look at the coverage maps, T-Mobile provides the strongest 5G coverage, and Verizon dominates LTE. AT&T, however, sits squarely in the middle across all wireless technologies. Because it doesn't trail its rivals by a wide margin in any category, it could arguably be the best overall network.
Does the updated coverage map change your perception of the carriers?
Yes, I respect AT&T more now.
66.67%
Yes, it has shifted my opinion.
0%
No, this was expected.
33.33%
But who wins?
That's the cardinal question, isn't it?
When you consider all the technologies, AT&T seems to be the most reliable carrier. However, if you frequently find yourself outside of cities, Verizon is a solid option. For the fastest speeds and the smoothest experience, T-Mobile is your carrier.
Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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