Determining the Best Plans for Arizona Residents
When selecting the best cell phone plans available for Arizona residents, several key factors were prioritized in our assessment:
- Coverage percentages based on recent rootMetrics, FCC and carrier testing data
- Average 4G LTE and 5G speeds offered within Arizona‘s major population hubs
- Monthly pricing and long-term costs for individuals through family plans
- Quality of customer service and satisfaction ratings
- Availability of key features like mobile hotspot data, streaming perks, roaming etc.
Based on these criteria and extensive research into each provider‘s offerings, we are recommending a selection of top-tier postpaid unlimited data plans along with cost-effective prepaid options ideal for individuals.
Let‘s dig deeper into how the major carriers and select MVNOs stack up across Arizona:
Statewide Coverage Comparison
All of the major providers offer excellent overall LTE coverage across the state of Arizona according to recent reports:
- Verizon 4G LTE covering 99% of Arizona‘s population
- AT&T with 98% LTE availability statewide
- T-Mobile at 99% 4G LTE statewide
Though overall LTE coverage is broadly accessible, 5G support is still limited primarily to metro regions:
- Verizon 5G in Select Cities (~50% of AZ population)
- AT&T 5G in Select Cities (~25%)
- T-Mobile 5G covering over 80% of state
So while 4G support meets the daily needs of most Arizona subscribers statewide, T-Mobile is out ahead on next-generation 5G network deployment. This gives them a technology advantage for 5G-capable devices.
Comparing Metro Network Speeds
In Arizona‘s main population centers, average network speeds on premium LTE and 5G indicate T-Mobile and Verizon outpacing AT&T (source: Ookla Speedtest Intelligence):
-
Phoenix 5G Average Speeds:
- T-Mobile: 193 Mbps
- Verizon: 165 Mbps
- AT&T: 97 Mbps
-
Tucson LTE Average Speeds
- T-Mobile: 44 Mbps
- Verizon: 42 Mbps
- AT&T: 29 Mbps
T-Mobile strikes the right balance of coverage depth AND network speeds to consistently satisfy Arizona subscriber needs – both today on LTE and in the 5G future.
Key Differences: Prepaid vs Postpaid
Deciding between prepaid and postpaid cell phone plans depends largely on your data requirements:
Prepaid Plans
Best for Light Users:
- Data options typically capped at a few GB
- Monthly rates as low as $15
- No contract required
- Same coverage as major carriers
- Speeds may be slower in congested areas
Postpaid Plans
Ideal for Heavy Data Users:
- Priority access with unthrottled data speeds
- Monthly rates start around $65
- Often require credit check
- Perks like free streaming services
- Best unlimited data options
So prepaid plans allow you to save money each month if you don‘t use much high-speed data. But postpaid brings better network performance for data-hungry users.
Leading Unlimited Data Plans Compared
| T-Mobile | Verizon | AT&T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $70 | $90 | $75 |
| Premium Data | 100GB | 50GB | 50GB |
| Mobile Hotspot | 5GB | 25GB | 15GB |
| Video Resolution | 480p | 720p | 1080p |
| Streaming Perks | Netflix | Disney+/ESPN+ | HBO Max |
Best Prepaid Carriers
To maximize savings as an individual user, top prepaid picks include:
Mint Mobile
- Started at $15/month for 4GB
- Uses T-Mobile network
- Bring your own phone
- Best for light users
Visible
- $30/month unlimited plan
- Leverages Verizon‘s coverage/speeds
- All taxes and fees included
- Video capped at 480p
Rural Arizona Expectations
Residents in remote counties of Arizona are most likely to get solid cell coverage with Verizon based on county-level FCC testing statistics:
- Apache County – Verizon (85% coverage)
- Navajo County – Verizon (89%)
- La Paz County – Verizon (93%)
- Greenlee County – AT&T (66%)
- Santa Cruz County – Verizon/AT&T (94%/93%)
Verizon clearly has the rural coverage advantage owed to their network investments in remote parts of the state. Always check zoning maps to confirm best carrier options for your area.
Carrier Recommendations By User Type
| Individuals | Families | Business/Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Affordable | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Verizon Do More |
| Best Value | Visible | Verizon Play More | T-Mobile Magenta Max |
| Unlimited Priority Data | Verizon Prepaid | AT&T Unlimited Extra | Verizon Get More |
Tips for Picking Your Plan
Choosing your next cell plan in Arizona depends on a combination of factors we‘ve covered in this guide. Keep the following in mind:
-
Data Usage Habits: Do you absolutely need unlimited data or can you manage on a few GB per month? Be realistic about your needs.
-
Network Priorities: Weigh coverage depth, overall speeds, and congestion history in your frequented locales.
-
Family Discounts: Most carriers offer reduced rates when bundling multiple lines – saving $15-30 per month is possible.
I always recommend doubling back to carrier coverage maps and latest RootMetrics/Ookla speed reports to confirm performance in your neighborhoods, workplaces and travel routes before committing.
Leverage the plan comparison guidance throughout this guide to zone in the right plan fit based on your unique preferences. Reach out anytime via comments or DM if you still have questions!
