Cell Phone Service Area Comparison

Even more important than comparing cell phone plans and the different handsets that each carrier offers, every potential subscriber should take some time to consider a cell phone service area comparison. There's no point in having a terrific plan and the hottest new phone if you have no service, right?

Going though a comparison of cellular phone services, it is easy to get caught up in exciting new features and fancy new handsets. Perhaps one carrier is trying to entice you with a cheaper wireless data plan, whereas another offers some great mobile television functionality. These may be great and all, but having a strong signal where you work and play is much more important.

When you visit the websites of each cell phone service provider, be sure to look for a coverage map if there is one available. This is one of the best ways to get a cell phone service area comparison. For more specific information, do more research online or inquire with each individual carrier.

Many customers are instantly attracted to AT&T, because it is currently the exclusive carrier of the Apple iPhone. This can be at the forefront the minds of many people as they embark on a cell phone provider comparison. However, many individual reports may make you question this decision.

Depending on where you are located in the United States, you may find that the AT&T service area is not up to par. The full coverage map can be found on the AT&T website. This is an interactive map that lets you zoom in and out, as well as filter for the different coverage types.

For most consumers, the most important AT&T coverage map is the one for GSM voice service. There are also maps available for data, GoPhone, Mobile TV, and Smart Limits.

Whereas the AT&T coverage map only tells you whether or not there is service in your area, the T-Mobile coverage map gives you information about the relative signal strength.

On the map, which is also completely interactive with zooming and panning, T-Mobile will tell you whether the signal strength is best, good, fair, or none. In this cell phone service area comparison, you'll also find information about roaming coverage, T-Mobile HotSpot locations, and roaming HotSpot locations.

The interactive Sprint coverage map breaks down its services based on Sprint devices, Nextel devices, and PowerSource devices. The map will show where there is voice coverage, voice coverage with varying signal strength, roaming areas, and no coverage.

As with most other wireless carriers, coverage can be quite spotty in many areas along the eastern side of Oregon and in much of Alaska.

Verizon Wireless prides itself in providing the largest and most reliable cellular network in the nation. The cell plans are also very competitive, but the handset selection may not appeal to all consumers.

Looking at the coverage locator on the Verizon website, you'll find extensive coverage right across the country with Verizon. The interactive map can display information for voice and messaging, enhanced services, broadband, V CAST mobile TV, push to talk, and prepaid. The coverage map is further broken down into digital coverage, analog coverage, and no coverage.

Just like in the United States, wireless providers in Canada also have varying coverage maps across the country.

Generally speaking, the Rogers Wireless network (which includes Fido) has a coverage map with service for major metropolitan areas, but reduced service in rural areas.

In more rural areas, the CDMA networks of Bell Mobility and Telus Mobility seem to provide better coverage. The HSPA networks of Telus and Bell, however, are still centered on major cities. Refer to the Bell coverage map and Telus coverage map for more information.

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