T-Mobile and AT&T have been bitter rivals in wireless for decades now. As two of America‘s largest carriers well into the 5G era, they continue vying aggressively for subscribers with massive networks spanning the nation. Their offerings impact millions relying on mobile connectivity for work and entertainment.
This guide will compare T-Mobile and AT&T‘s capabilities across crucial categories including availability, affordability, speed, perks and customer satisfaction. Read on for an in-depth face-off assessing which provides the best overall value as we progress through 2023!
Introduction: Industry Titans Clash
T-Mobile and AT&T command over 195 million wireless subscribers combined – far more than any competitors except Verizon. They got here through pivotal mergers and billions invested in evolving networks. Now their 5G rollouts precipitate a showdown.
AT&T formed when SBC Communications purchased the original AT&T Corp in 2005. Additional deals like buying DirecTV and Dakota Opticom expanded their television footprint alongside wireless and internet services. Lately AT&T has prioritized fiber infrastructure, 5G performance and streaming integrations like HBO Max.
Once known for budget plans, T-Mobile rebranded from VoiceStream in 2002 before entering a massive merger with Sprint in 2020. Gaining Sprint’s considerable wireless spectrum enabled T-Mobile to quickly broaden 5G availability beyond rivals. T-Mobile also emphasizes entertainment partnerships, teaming up with Netflix, Live Nation and others to enhance value.
This background sets up an intense battleground…so which carrier should you choose? Let’s explore that next through their networks, plan pricing, incentives and reputations.
Network Coverage and Availability
Carrier coverage maps paint a picture of T-Mobile and AT&T dominance blanketing much of the country in cell tower connectivity. But there are availability differences that matter depending on if you primarily need service in urban, suburban or rural areas.
As of January 2023, independent data tracking firms like Ookla and Opensignal break down their reach metrics as follows:
| Network Type | T-Mobile | AT&T |
|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE Coverage | 62% US Population | 68% US Population |
| 5G Coverage | 68.5% US Population | 55.8% US Population |
So AT&T maintains around a 6% advantage over T-Mobile for legacy 4G LTE service based largely on more rural towers. However T-Mobile’s 5G travels much farther and wider after their Sprint expansion – around 13% greater American population coverage than AT&T currently.
It’s also worth noting Verizon only trails AT&T slightly for 4G availability, but significantly lags both rivals rolling out 5G.
Now examining rural access specifically in 2023 using crowdsourced user data:
| Carrier | Coverage Score |
|---|---|
| Verizon | 86% |
| AT&T | 80% |
| T-Mobile | 77% |
Verizon still kings rural, but AT&T makes many remote regions accessible too. T-Mobile obviously prefers density. This can determine your best fit.
On balance both networks should sufficiently serve urban dwellers, while rural residents are smarter sticking with AT&T or exploring regional providers like U.S. Cellular with roaming agreements.
Plan Pricing and Affordability
Let‘s outline current monthly costs across unlimited data plan tiers each carrier offers individuals and families:
T-Mobile Plans
| Plan | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 4 Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $60 | $90 | $105 |
| Magenta | $70 | $120 | $140 |
| Magenta Max | $85 | $140 | $170 |
AT&T Plans
| Plan | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 4 Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Starter | $65 | $120 | $140 |
| Unlimited Extra | $75 | $130 | $160 |
| Unlimited Elite | $85 | $150 | $200 |
A few takeaways pop out:
- T-Mobile Essentials matches well against AT&T Starter for those wanting cheaper unlimited data entry points
- Magenta holds a $10-$20 per month advantage over AT&T Extra depending on family size
- Magenta Max and Unlimited Elite are equal prices, but T-Mobile includes 100GB more premium data before potential slowdowns
The numbers speak – T-Mobile accomplishes value leadership through cheaper rates for individuals and families alike. Saving $240/year on a 4-line Unlimited Extra versus Magenta plan adds up!
Speed and Performance Metrics
T-Mobile has also outpaced AT&T upgrading to cutting-edge network equipment and deploying additional wireless spectrum. This foundation enables T-Mobile subscribers to enjoy considerably faster real-world speeds based on rigorous testing.
Ookla figures from over 1 million consumer-initiated speed tests during December 2022 found:
| Carrier | 4G Download | 5G Download |
|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | 117 Mbps | 187 Mbps |
| AT&T | 55 Mbps | 71 Mbps |
So T-Mobile‘s advanced 5G network delivers over 2.5x faster downloads than AT&T currently! Their 4G LTE gap remains massive too at over 100% quicker performance.
T-Mobile likewise claims statistical advantages in upload speeds, lower latency responses critical for gaming, and greater reliability moving between cell sites. This all equates to a much smoother overall experience loading pages and streaming media for T-Mobile subscribers compared to AT&T.
Feature Comparison: Perks & Extras
Beyond performance and affordability, buyers also weigh free streaming services, hotspot allowances, roaming access and other perks choosing carriers. How do T-Mobile and AT&T stack up on key extras?
Video Streaming: T-Mobile offers Netflix Basic (1 SD stream) or Netflix Standard (2 HD streams) bundled with paid wireless plans. Select unlimited AT&T plans include HBO Max. Slight win T-Mobile for the most popular video service.
Mobile Hotspot Data: T-Mobile provides 5-50GB of high-speed tethering data based on your rate plan. AT&T matches at 15-50GB hotspot data. A close split decision.
International Roaming: Both carriers offer unlimited talk and text plus 2G data roaming in Canada/Mexico, with options to add high speed data bundles. You‘ll pay $5-10/day abroad elsewhere. Even footing.
Inflight Texting: T-Mobile subscribers can text free on the majority of US airline routes and internationally. AT&T leaves inflight texting unrestricted but standard pay-per-use rates apply for those lacking flight wifi. Small but meaningful edge to T-Mobile.
T-Mobile manages a slight lead delivering value through more streaming video utilities and useful travel communications flexibility.
Customer Service Experience
There‘s no winner when assessing T-Mobile and AT&T through the lens of customer support and user satisfaction unfortunately. Both carriers field ongoing complaints about long response wait times when technical issues arise and opaque billing practices. Their automated account management often proves frustrating as well. Surveys place them closely together:
| Carrier | Overall Satisfaction | Problem Resolution | Phone Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | 3.1 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| AT&T | 3.0 / 5 | 3.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
Considering their enormous combined subscriber bases close to 200 million in America alone, some growing pains are likely unavoidable. Smaller providers like Consumer Cellular rate far superior for service. But coverage and perks lag behind respectively.
For either network, utilizing social media channels like Twitter for swift public engagement helps escalate support tickets when needed. Downloading carrier apps to manage billing can also streamline avoiding surprises.
Verdict: T-Mobile Takes 2023
This head-to-head evaluation finds T-Mobile winning key categories like faster speeds, lower monthly rates for unlimited plans, broader 5G availability today, and modest edges delivering entertainment incentives. Their early merger integration success places them in pole position to lead wireless progress through 2023 and beyond.
Still many living and working in rural communities lacking robust T-Mobile signal should favor AT&T thanks to their trailing albeit broader network reach. And AT&T continues densifying mid-band 5G+ in select metro zones to stay ahead performance-wise in those cities for now.
But for a clear majority of prospective switchers prioritizing unlimited data affordability plus speedy streaming and downloads wherever crowds congregate most, T-Mobile emerges the superior overall carrier value in America currently. Their next generation network shines brightest to meet modern wireless needs of individuals and families navigating life via mobile devices.
FAQs – Additional Questions
Q: How easy is it switch carriers while keeping my phone number?
A: Both networks make transferring your existing number straightforward, taking care of canceling old service automatically. Just provide account details when you activate new SIM card.
Q: Can I use an unlocked device like last year‘s iPhone on either carrier?
A: Yes, T-Mobile and AT&T accept most unlocked phones including iPhones. Double check bands to enable best coverage.
Q: Is 5G dangerous or make phones less secure? How‘s it work?
A: No evidence suggests health or privacy risks greater than 3G/4G. 5G uses similar radio signals governed by FCC safety standards, just transmitted more precisely using additional spectrum bands to enable faster speeds.
Q: Who has the best chance to improve – T-Mobile or AT&T?
A: T-Mobile seems poised for further expansion having integrated Sprint assets well, while enjoying technical leadership today. AT&T faces more uphill battles.
