As a mobile technology enthusiast, I decided to dive into the details of how Verizon and AT&T wireless coverage compares these days. I‘ll examine the networks, speeds, pricing, and more to help you pick the right carrier!
Overview
Verizon and AT&T dominate the US wireless market, with over 140 million and 100 million subscribers respectively. My mission is evaluating how they differ in providing the best coverage and speeds nationwide.
I‘ll explore topics like:
- Brief histories of Verizon and AT&T
- Types of services offered (5G, LTE, family plans, etc.)
- Comparing coverage maps/availability
- Most affordable plan pricing and options
- Pros and cons of each network
- Which one leading analysts recommend
By the end, you‘ll have the knowledge to determine whether Verizon or AT&T coverage works better given your needs and budget!
Background on the Wireless Giants
Let‘s first understand how Verizon and AT&T evolved into the telecom titans seen today…
Verizon‘s Journey to Wireless Leadership
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Bell Atlantic and Vodafone merge assets to form Verizon Wireless |
| 2000 | Verizon officially launches service as the largest wireless network globally |
| 2014 | Verizon Communications buys out Vodafone‘s stake for full control |
| 2019 | Verizon rolls out early 5G coverage in 30 major cities |
"Verizon has maintained industry leadership for nearly a decade thanks
to strategic investments in next-gen infrastructure." - Mike Murphy, VP and AnalystAT&T Rises to Rival Verizon
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2000 | BellSouth and SBC form Cingular Wireless joint venture |
| 2004 | Cingular acquires AT&T Wireless Services |
| 2006 | Following additional mergers, Cingular rebrands as New AT&T |
| 2019 | AT&T begins rapid 5G network deployment ahead of competitors |
"AT&T has been on an impressive run lately thanks to early 5G
buildouts positioning them for the future." - Jeff Kagan, Wireless AnalystThis background shows Verizon and AT&T didn‘t become today‘s wireless leaders by accident. They evolved through major mergers and infrastructure investments to reach over 140M and 100M subscribers respectively.
Now let‘s analyze how they compare head-to-head…
Wireless Services Comparison
| Category | Verizon | AT&T |
|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE Coverage | 70% nationwide | 62% nationwide |
| 5G Availability | 11% nationwide | 18% nationwide |
| 3G Sunset | Shut down end of 2022 | Shut down in 2022 |
| Plan Types | Prepaid, unlimited, family plans | Prepaid, unlimited, family plans |
While Verizon and AT&T offer similar mix of plan options, we immediately notice differences in 4G and 5G reach.
Verizon has prioritized blanket 4G LTE coverage for years, while AT&T moved more aggressively into 5G network expansion. Both have discontinued old 3G CDMA technology as of 2022.
This means Verizon offers better support currently for legacy 4G LTE devices, while AT&T gives you earlier access to next-gen 5G in more areas if you have a compatible phone.
Comparing Wireless Coverage Maps
Independent testing firm RootMetrics compiled extensive testing data on Verizon and AT&T‘s coverage across the United States.
Here‘s how the carriers compare based on these thorough expert analyses:
Verizon Coverage Map Highlights
- 99.9% total coverage when including LTE roaming partners
- Ranked #1 in network accessibility in 42 states
- Tied for 1st in 3 other states
- Verizon relies heavily on blanket 4G LTE availability
AT&T Coverage Map Highlights
- 97.1% total coverage across testing area
- Won 20 state-level awards for superior 5G availability
- AT&T rapidly building out next-gen 5G network
So while Verizon still wins for overall coverage breadth coast-to-coast, AT&T continues aggressively deploying faster 5G connections in more regions.
Plan Pricing and Feature Comparison
Now let‘s explore what plan options Verizon and AT&T offer at the lowest price points:
Most Affordable Verizon Wireless Plan
| Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid | $35/month after 10 months | 15GB high-speed | No | None |
Most Affordable AT&T Wireless Plan
| Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Unlimited | $50/month | Unlimited high-speed | 10GB high-speed | None |
When it comes to 5G options:
Most Affordable Verizon 5G Plan
| Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Start | $70/month | 50GB high-speed | Included | None |
Most Affordable AT&T 5G Plan
| Plan | Price | Data | Hotspot | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Extra | $75/month | Unlimited high-speed | 50GB high-speed | None |
We notice AT&T comes in slightly higher than Verizon on starting 5G pricing, while Verizon undercuts AT&T on the affordable LTE side. Both set limits on high-speed usage or throttle speeds after certain allotments.
The ability to bundle wireless with AT&T‘s internet or TV services can provide additional savings. Verizon lacks similar bundling flexibility.
The Final Call: Who Offers Better Coverage In 2023?
When weighing all critical factors, Verizon still appears to come out on top as the wireless carrier with better coverage in 2023:
Key Advantages of Verizon Coverage
✅ Jaw-dropping 99% total coverage footprint
✅ Top-ranked, reliable 4G LTE speeds coast-to-coast
✅ More affordable rate plans, especially for 4G LTE service
✅ Perks like Disney+ streaming subscription offers
However, there are some compelling reasons you may want to choose AT&T instead:
Key Advantages of AT&T Coverage
✅ Rapidly increasing availability of next-gen 5G connections
✅ Typically unlimited high-speed data options
✅ Ability to bundle wireless with internet or TV for greater savings
So while historically Verizon‘s crown jewel has been unmatched consistency in blanket coverage access, AT&T‘s aggressively expanding 5G support offers greater future-proofing.
I suggest taking this quick checklist with you when deciding the right carrier for your needs:
🚩 Do you require unlimited full-speed wireless data?
🚩 Do you want to bundle TV/internet with wireless?
🚩 Do you travel/live in rural areas often?
🚩 Do you prioritize leading-edge 5G access?Using these personalized criteria and the details above, you can determine if Verizon or AT&T coverage works better for your situation.
I hope mapping out the wireless titans in this easy-to-digest format helps simplify your buying decision. Let me know if you have any other questions!
