You’re Being Lied To About 5G: Hype vs. Reality

Detecting Phantom Coverage: How Starlink Can Win Over Frustrated Mobile Users

Phantom coverage occurs when a carrier’s map shows service in a location but users still experience weak signal, slow data, or dropped calls. This guide explores how Starlink can identify and solve these gaps to win over dissatisfied mobile customers.

What Is “Phantom Coverage”?

Comparison of Coverage: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Dish, & US Cellular

In the rapidly evolving world of mobile connectivity, choosing the right network provider can be daunting. With giants like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Dish, and US Cellular vying for your attention, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. This article offers an in-depth comparison of these top providers' network coverage, drawing insights from CoverageMap.com and encouraging users to validate these findings with the SpeedSmart app.

What State Has the Worst Cell Phone Coverage? A Comprehensive Analysis

In today's digital age, staying connected through our cell phones has become a necessity. Whether for work, social interactions, or emergencies, reliable cell phone coverage is crucial. However, not all states in the United States offer the same level of service. In this article and video, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis to identify the state with the worst cell phone coverage, exploring the factors contributing to its challenges and offering insights for users in that region.

Why Cell Phone Coverage in National Parks Can Be Bad & How to Improve Reception Problems

There are several reasons why cell phone coverage in national parks can be bad:

Sprint Service Plans and Coverage Review

Coverage: Sprint, which is now part of T-Mobile, was a major wireless service provider in the United States. While the Sprint brand has been phased out, customers are now under the T-Mobile network and plans. Here is a review of T-Mobile's service plans and coverage, which now encompass former Sprint customers:

Plans: T-Mobile offers a range of postpaid and prepaid plans to suit different needs. These plans typically include unlimited talk, text, and data, with varying data speeds and data allowances. Customers can choose from different plan options based on their usage requirements and budget.

Coverage: T-Mobile's network coverage has expanded significantly after the merger with Sprint. They provide nationwide coverage across the United States, with improved coverage in rural areas and expanded 5G coverage in select cities. T-Mobile utilizes a combination of low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum to offer wide coverage and fast data speeds.

Unlimited Plans: T-Mobile offers several unlimited plans that provide unlimited talk, text, and data usage. These plans may have different data deprioritization thresholds, meaning that after a certain threshold of data usage, speeds may be temporarily reduced during times of network congestion.

Family Plans: T-Mobile provides family plans that allow multiple lines to share a data pool. This can be a cost-effective option for families or groups with multiple lines.

5G Network: T-Mobile has invested in the deployment of 5G technology and offers 5G coverage in various areas. Their 5G network encompasses both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies, providing improved speed and capacity in supported locations.

Device Selection: T-Mobile offers a wide selection of smartphones and other devices for purchase. Customers can choose from flagship devices, mid-range options, and budget-friendly devices. They also support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, allowing customers to use their own compatible devices on the network.

Customer Service: T-Mobile has customer service channels available, including phone support, online chat, and in-store assistance at T-Mobile retail locations.

It's important to note that the information provided reflects the combined offerings of T-Mobile and Sprint following their merger. It's recommended to visit T-Mobile's official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on their current plans, pricing, and coverage in your specific area.

Finding the best cell phone coverage just got easier by comparing cell phone coverage reports from other customers. Which wireless carrier has the worst cell phone coverage?

Other Reviews: 

• T-Mobile Service Plans and Coverage Review
• Verizon Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review
• AT&T Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review

Feedback is always welcome. Please submit your comments below.

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AT&T Service Plans and Coverage Review

AT&T is one of the largest wireless service providers in the United States, offering a variety of service plans and extensive coverage across the country. Here is a review of AT&T's service plans and coverage:

Plans: AT&T offers a range of postpaid (contract) and prepaid plans to suit different needs. These plans typically include unlimited talk and text, with varying data allowances and speeds. Customers can choose from different plan options based on their usage requirements and budget.

Coverage: AT&T provides nationwide coverage across the United States, including both urban and rural areas. Their network covers a significant portion of the country, offering reliable connectivity in many locations.  AT&T operates on a combination of 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks, with 5G being the latest generation of wireless technology. The coverage and speeds offered by AT&T's networks have improved over the years, but they can still vary depending on factors such as signal strength, network congestion, and the type of device you're using.  

5G Network: AT&T has been investing in the deployment of 5G technology. They offer 5G coverage in select cities and continue to expand their network. It's important to note that 5G coverage may vary depending on your location and device compatibility.  AT&T's 5G network utilizes both low-band and high-band frequencies to provide broad coverage and faster speeds. AT&T's low-band 5G, also known as 5G Evolution, operates on sub-6 GHz frequencies, offering enhanced coverage compared to higher-frequency bands. This enables better penetration through buildings and obstacles. However, the speeds of low-band 5G may not be significantly faster than 4G LTE in some cases.

AT&T's network covers about 68% of the United States. This is 2% less than Verizon and 6% more than T-Mobile. AT&T has solid coverage in major cities, but not in rural areas. AT&T has the second-most 4G LTE coverage and the second-most 5G coverage of the major carriers. AT&T has the best latency. 

AT&T also deploys high-band 5G, commonly referred to as mmWave, in select areas. mmWave technology delivers extremely high speeds and low latency but has a shorter range and is more susceptible to obstructions like buildings and trees. Consequently, its coverage is typically limited to densely populated urban areas. In urban and suburban areas, AT&T generally offers good coverage and fast data speeds. 

The 5G network rollout is an ongoing process, and coverage availability and speeds may vary depending on your location. For the most up-to-date information on AT&T's 5G network and its coverage in your area, it is recommended to visit AT&T's official website or contact their customer support.

Unlimited Plans: AT&T offers unlimited data plans that provide unlimited talk, text, and data usage. These plans may have different data deprioritization thresholds, meaning that after a certain threshold of data usage, speeds may be temporarily reduced during times of network congestion.

Shared Data Plans: AT&T provides shared data plans, where multiple lines can share a pool of data. This can be a cost-effective option for families or groups with multiple lines.

Device Selection: AT&T offers a wide selection of smartphones and other devices for purchase. Customers can choose from flagship devices, mid-range options, and budget-friendly devices. They also support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, allowing customers to use their own compatible devices on the network.

Customer Service: AT&T has customer service channels available, including phone support, online chat, and in-store assistance at AT&T retail locations.

How to check your signal strength: You can check your AT&T signal strength by navigating to http://att.manager or http://192.168.1.1 from a connected device. The LTE icon will be displayed in the top right corner of the AT&T manager site when connected to 4G LTE. The Signal Bars display the connection strength. 

Other Reviews:

• T-Mobile Service Plans and Coverage Review
• Verizon Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review
  
• Sprint Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review

Feedback is always welcome. Please submit your comments below.

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Verizon Wireless Plans and Coverage Review

Verizon Wireless is one of the largest wireless service providers in the United States, offering a wide range of mobile plans and extensive coverage across the country. Here is a review of Verizon Wireless plans and coverage:

Coverage: Verizon Wireless has a reputation for providing excellent coverage nationwide. Their network coverage extends to both urban areas and rural regions, making it a popular choice for customers who value reliable connectivity in various locations. Verizon operates on a combination of 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks, with 5G being the latest generation of wireless technology. The coverage and speeds offered by Verizon's networks have generally been highly regarded and widely available.

5G Network: Verizon Wireless has been at the forefront of 5G network deployment. They offer 5G coverage in select cities and continue to expand their 5G network across the country. It's important to note that 5G coverage may vary depending on your location and device compatibility.

Verizon 5G Nationwide utilizes low-band frequencies (sub-6 GHz) to provide broader coverage across the country. This type of 5G offers improved speeds and capacity compared to 4G LTE but may not deliver the ultra-fast speeds associated with higher-frequency bands. Verizon's 5G Nationwide network aims to provide a foundation of coverage, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

Verizon's LTE network covers over 99% of the US population. Verizon's 4G LTE network covers 71% of the US, making it the number one carrier in the nation. Verizon offers 5G access in 12.77% of the country. You can find Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network in parts of many major cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Miami, and Philadelphia.

Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, on the other hand, operates on high-frequency mmWave bands. This technology provides extremely high speeds and low latency, making it ideal for densely populated urban areas. However, the mmWave signals have a limited range and can be easily blocked by obstacles like buildings or even foliage.

Verizon has been actively expanding its 5G Ultra Wideband coverage in select cities, focusing on high-traffic areas such as stadiums, airports, and downtown areas. This allows users in these locations to experience the full potential of ultra-fast 5G speeds.

Plan Options: Verizon Wireless offers a diverse selection of plans to suit different needs. They provide both postpaid (contract) and prepaid options. Their plans typically include unlimited talk and text, and data allowances vary depending on the plan. Customers can choose from plans with different data caps or go for unlimited data options.  In rural or remote areas, Verizon's coverage is generally more extensive compared to other carriers. 

Unlimited Plans: Verizon Wireless offers several unlimited plans that provide unlimited data usage. These plans may have different speed tiers, with the highest speeds available on the premium unlimited plan. It's worth noting that after a certain threshold of data usage (usually around 22GB per month), speeds may be temporarily reduced during times of network congestion.

Shared Data Plans: Verizon Wireless also offers shared data plans, where multiple lines share a pool of data. This can be a cost-effective option for families or individuals with multiple devices.

Device Selection: Verizon Wireless provides a wide range of smartphones and other devices for purchase, including popular flagship devices and budget-friendly options. They also support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, allowing customers to use their own compatible devices on the network.

Customer Service: Verizon Wireless has a reputation for good customer service and offers multiple channels for support, including online chat, phone support, and in-store assistance.

The cost of Verizon Wireless plans tends to be relatively higher compared to some other wireless service providers. However, the extensive coverage, reliable network, and available plan features make it an attractive option for customers who prioritize connectivity and need reliable service in various locations.

Plans:   Compare Verizon shared data plans. 

Finding the best cell phone coverage just got easier by comparing cell phone coverage reports from other customers. Which wireless carrier has the worst cell phone coverage?

Other Reviews:

• T-Mobile Service Plans and Coverage Review
• AT&T Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review
• Sprint Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review

Feedback is always welcome. Please submit your comments below.

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Ranking of Worst Cell Phone Coverage Cities

Which City Gets The Most Cell Phone Coverage Complaints? 

Cell Coverage in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California, is known for its stunning natural beauty and attracts a large number of visitors each year. However, due to the park's remote and rugged terrain, cellular coverage can be limited or unavailable in certain areas. Here's some information regarding cell coverage in Yosemite National Park:

Cell Coverage in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming but extending into Montana and Idaho, is a vast and geographically diverse wilderness area known for its natural wonders, geysers, and wildlife. However, due to its remote location and rugged terrain, cellular coverage in Yellowstone National Park can be limited or unreliable. Here's some information regarding cell coverage in Yellowstone National Park:

Why Are The FCC Cell Phone Coverage Maps Gone?

 

When did the FCC shut down these maps and why?  (Please comment below)

You were able to use the map to see how well cell phone service is in your area. They told you if you were able to see areas that have good reception and bad reception.

You could tell if a cell phone carrier has coverage in an area if you know the extent of their network. The FCC doesn't know where each carrier's towers are. Because of this, you won't be able to compare two different carrier's coverage on the map.

The data for the map is generated by testing cell phones over a period of time and seeing what signals they get. This means that it will not predict how well future devices will work. There could be new towers that were built after the data was collected, or there could be more people using data than usual which causes phones to have trouble connecting to towers nearby. Also, radio waves travel poorly through buildings so there may not be as much signal indoors as you would think based on the outdoor measurements shown on the map.

You use to be able to find an address or zip code that you want information about using the search bar at https://www.fcc.gov/general/wireless-coverage-maps (page not found).  The FCC has never been known to be very competent and it is not surprising that they have a new landing page and haven't redirected the old links. https://www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData/MobileMaps

Per the FCC "Other Mapping Improvements Are Coming" Last Update Friday, August 6, 2021

Once the Broadband Data Collection is fully implemented, the FCC’s broadband maps will include additional layers and functions. For fixed internet service, the maps will show – on a house-by-house, location-by-location basis – where broadband internet access service is available, meaning that it has a broadband connection or could be connected within 10 business days with a standard installation. The FCC will standardize location data through the use of a Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric, a common dataset of all structures in the United States where mass-market fixed broadband internet access service can be installed.

The Broadband Data Collection maps will also incorporate systems and processes for the validation and verification of provider-submitted data to improve their accuracy, as well as a user-friendly challenge process that will allow consumers, state, local, and Tribal governments, and other third parties, to dispute the information shown on the maps.

We will provide updates as more information related to the full set of Broadband Data Collection systems and processes becomes available.

AT&T Coverage Maps

AT&T is the nation's second-largest cell phone carrier. Their interactive map lets you see coverage details for your area, and they offer three types of coverage: 5G, 4G LTE, 4G, 3G

If you're looking to stream any video content or play online games, your best bet is to make sure that there's 4G LTE coverage in your area. If that isn't an option (or if you're a T-Mobile customer), it's worth checking AT&T's website to see how strong their signal is. Your search will be much more fruitful in larger cities than rural areas.

Verizon Coverage Maps

The first thing you'll want to do is visit the Verizon coverage map.

Once there, you can enter up to 10 addresses at a time to see the level of voice, 3G, 4G, 5G and LTE coverage for that particular area.You'll also be able to check coverage for data and messaging if those are services that are important to you.A Verizon representative will also be able to offer guidance on international roaming options while in a foreign country.

T-Mobile Coverage Map

This map shows T-Mobile’s 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G network coverage in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can search for a location or use your device's current location to find out if you're covered by T-Mobile's network. The map includes coverage for voice, text and data services as well as roaming (where available). *5G coverage not available everywhere; only available in limited locations with eligible devices and features.*

These maps can help you find cell phone coverage for your wireless carrier in an area where you might want to move, travel or do business in.

You can use these maps to find the cell phone coverage for your wireless carrier in an area where you might want to move, travel or do business. These maps are particularly useful for those planning business trips and vacations, as well as those looking for the best coverage when shopping for a new home or apartment. If you have been experiencing problems with your wireless service, these maps can help you determine if the problem is with your carrier or phone.

How Does Our "Worst Cell Phone Coverage" Page Fall From Top 10 to Top 60 in 1 day?

"Worst Cell Phone Coverage" Google Search Console

We have always been suspicious of Verizon and its marketing tactics over the last 2 decades and I am even more suspicious of them now.  Here is why . . . 

Verizon Wireless recently overtook AT&T Wireless as having the most cell phone coverage complaints in our dead cell zones database.  AT&T for the longest time has had the most complaints.  However, I have noticed a huge difference in Verizon's network performance lately and think there is a lot more parody among the carriers depending on where you are.  Verizon doesn't have the best coverage anymore in our opinion and the database based on complaints confirms this.  

Here is a map below that shows you the count of complaints in our database and Verizon now leads the pack.  This doesn't surprise me as Verizon has always been arrogant about its marketing and claims.   I recently have had several horrendous customer service experiences with them as well.  

Search engine optimization is now a huge game in that these carriers invest millions of dollars per year to try and squash competitors and negative press.  Verizon has hundreds of people on staff that look at websites like ours to try and discredit the validity of the content using dirty SEO tactics.  

Our page "Worst Cell Phone Coverage" had been getting a ton of traction with Google and huge engagement in searches recently largely because consumers know they are getting screwed by many carriers in certain places.  Why would this page suddenly fall out of the top 10 and move to 50+.  The result is this page doesn't perform anymore for some reason.  Did someone file false claims on the page to Google?  I am very suspicious and would like to get to the bottom of it.  Why would a perfectly fine page fall out of the top 10 so suddenly?   We have changed nothing on this page recently. 

Consumer Generated Cell Phone Coverage Maps

DeadCellZones.com

GotReception.com

CellReception.com

SignalMap.com

Consumer-generated cell phone coverage maps are maps that are created by individuals or consumers to provide information about the quality and availability of cell phone coverage in specific areas. These maps are typically created using data collected from users' personal experiences and observations, rather than relying solely on data provided by the cellular network operators.

There are several reasons why consumers create and use these maps:

Accuracy and Real-time Information: Consumer-generated maps can provide up-to-date information on cell phone coverage in a particular area. Since the data is collected by users who are actively using their cell phones, these maps can reflect the actual performance and quality of the network at any given time.

Unbiased and Independent Data: Unlike coverage maps provided by cellular network operators, consumer-generated maps are not influenced by marketing or promotional efforts. Users provide data based on their personal experiences, which can help provide a more unbiased and independent view of the actual coverage.

Crowd-sourced Data: Consumer-generated maps often rely on crowd-sourced data, which means that many users contribute their data to create a comprehensive view of coverage across different locations. This collaborative approach allows for a broader and more detailed coverage map compared to individual assessments.

Community-driven Efforts: Consumer-generated coverage maps are often part of community-driven efforts to improve the transparency and accuracy of information about cell phone coverage. Communities can use these maps to identify areas with poor coverage or network issues and advocate for improvements from cellular network operators.

It's important to note that consumer-generated cell phone coverage maps may not always be 100% accurate or comprehensive. The data collected depends on user participation, and coverage can vary depending on factors such as the user's specific device, network technology, and local geography. However, these maps can still serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking insights into cell phone coverage in different areas.

How To Check For Cell Phone Coverage By Address

When it comes to choosing the best mobile operator, most people think of the Big Three. The Big Four are known as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile / Sprint.  However, but they should also include a number of other smaller MVNO carriers that use these major networks.    

All four networks are available in the US, with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint each having their own LTE networks. According to paid studies most carriers will claim they have coverage everywhere but we know this is not true.  Coverage only matters at your home address and the only way to check this is by asking someone else in your area, trying it out, or by looking at coverage complaints submitted by customers on the cell phone coverage reviews map above or on the check cell coverage by address mobile map.     

You can search this map to see which areas have the worst overage on each of the four major networks in the United States. Use the small search circle in the lower left-hand corner of the map. This map allows you to filter coverage reviews of all major mobile networks by simply clicking on the carrier on the right-hand side of the map.     

Enter your country, city, postal code, home or office address select your current location, filter by carrier type and region, and select the best and worst coverage in your area for each of the four major networks in the United States. In this example, you choose one of four different types of mobile towers for the USA and specify a country.     

Use can other tools like RootMetrics, OpenSignal, CellReception.com, or SignalMap to see what others are reporting about the range of the operator in your area based on positive signal strength.  However, these providers do not allow you to provide reviews on carriers in specific locations.  There is also a map to look at cellular towers and antenna locations nearby.      

RootMetrics does not have a map of the mobile towers in the viewfinder, but in some areas, it shows the cell signal quality. Although Root Metrics does not have a map of mobile towers, it is a strong indicator of signal quality in your area.     

Note that all carrier coverage maps show the general area of coverage, but not specific cellular towers or antenna locations near you. All carrier coverage maps somewhat inform users about the type of coverage and signal quality you can expect based on the address you enter in the search bar, as well as the display of cellphones and transmission towers.     

T-Mobile Tower Map lets you enter your zip code, locate a location on the map, and see if 4G LTE coverage is available. Search for T-Mobile 5G coverage from your current location, and it's available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.     

Sprint gives you the ability to look up any address you want and allows you to see the coverage that's in your location. To access the website you are using, such as T-Mobile Tower Map, first, enter your address in the search engine of our website. Go to our mobile phone comparison engine and check the coverage at your exact location, and you will begin to gain a better understanding of coverage at the sites you are using.

Verizon Has 5X More Lies Than AT&T

Verizon Dead Zones Map Showing Where They Lie

Compare Cell Phone Towers & Dead Zones Map

Cool a new map to compare local cell phone towers and cell dead zones.  Search a local map of cell phone towers and coverage complaints submitted by AT&T, Verizon, Sprint & T-Mobile customers. 

https://www.deadcellzones.com/cell-towers.html

How to Compare Wireless Coverage

We just launched a new tool to Compare Wireless Coverage from T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint & US Cellular.  We are hopeful that AT&T, Verizon & Sprint can provide us with a similar iframe map to make it easy for consumers to compare local coverage.  The great thing about the map provided by T-Mobile is that you don't have to leave the page to zoom into a particular location.Stay tuned to see if we can get a similar map from AT&T & Verizon.   

Can You Drive Testing Indoor Coverage?

In our ever more transparent and tough economic environment don't you would think Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint should take a look at new innovative ways to better serve their customer's needs as more customers are using their mobile phones indoors. Our mashup DeadCellZones.com collects thousands of carrier indoor and outdoor cell coverage complaints from customers each month with zero advertising. If our website is collecting this data for free it appears the carriers are all overlooking a very simple way of listening to their customers. Ask!

Wireless service providers (especially in the U.S.) do drive testing to build theoretical coverage maps and test their networks for cell signal strength. Drive Testing or wireless data collection is used to provide coverage analysis, network weakness information and to aid in finding specific problem areas reported by consumers. Most drive testing companies are specifically tasked with simulating the actual call experience of customers during weekday periods to simulate capacity issues outdoors. Such companies include GWS, LCC, and WFI. Most carriers outsource this capability to third parties, unlike Verizon who has its own in-house drive testing team. Drive testing companies usually spend between $15-25 per mile in over 300+ U.S. markets benchmark testing signals. These companies provide a tremendous service to the carriers and deserve every penny for their efforts but how do they efficiently acquire in-building coverage data where customers use their phone the most?

DeadCellZones.com will be a the forefront of the carrier femtocell revolution and will start helping drive testing companies get better visibility of in-building coverage problem areas. U.S. carriers are starting to roll out femtocells and the number of worldwide subscribers is rising rapidly, jumping from 1.7 million in 2007 to 9.7 million in 2008. The number of femtocell phone units is expected to nearly quintuple in the 5 years from 2007 to 2011.

I think the current recession is going to demand cost-cutting measures that we have never seen from these companies since churn is more prevalent than customer growth. The carnage could be huge from suppliers and vendors beneath the umbrella of these giant companies of those who do not innovate. Its widely known throughout the industry that working with carriers is not much different than working with government bureaucrats because of their proprietary networks and huge customer bases. The lack of leadership of the wireless communication giants to is the primary reason why the U.S. is way behind Europe and Asia in wireless telecommunications.

Joshua Tree National Park Has Zero Cell Coverage

Joshua Tree is a Huge Cell Phone Dead Zone

Over 1.25 million people visit Joshua Tree National Park each year.  However, I can tell you that you won't be able to make phone calls or receive data to your phone.  No carrier has coverage throughout the National Park.  You can drive almost 50 miles across the park and still not have one bar of reception.  If you are lucky you might have a faint signal if you climb on top of a mountain or hill to receive a text.  Good luck making a phone call if you are in an emergency situation.  

I guess its one of the last remaining places where you can truly unplug.