Cell Phone Service Area Comparison

Apart from offering unique features and competitively priced plans, one of the major considerations before signing a cell phone service contract is your company's service area. While it would be nice if our cell phones magically worked no matter where we go, the reality is the signal must be broadcast from towers that have a limited range and strength. Population-dense areas are usually well-covered, but mountainous areas and small towns can be left bare when it comes to service.

The following maps represent the service areas covered by a few of the major cell phone providers in the United States. In addition to the info below, be sure to check out the company's official website for more detailed (and precise) service information for your area. And remember: roaming charges are often an issue, so even though a carrier may offer service in an area, you might have to pay large fees to use your phone.

Cingular Service Map

Cingular offers good nationwide coverage but lacks solid service in many western states, such as Nevada and Montana. The company's real strength is the lack of long distance and roaming charges on all of its family and individual plans. This fact alone makes it an invaluable resource for users who are frequent travelers.

Sprint-Nextel Coverage

Sprint and Nextel have merged services to produce the largest coverage area of any major provider. The west and mid-west are remarkably well-covered. A noticeably large service zone is also found in Alaska, and the usual spots on the eastern half of the United States are filled as well. But be warned: Sprint-Nextel is famous for roaming charges, so be sure to thoroughly check your plan's fine print before signing on the dotted line.

T-Mobile Coverage Map

T-Mobile offers good coverage of the mid-west but leaves large gaps in the southeast and east coast. Service on the west coast also has dead zones not present with other carriers. Although this map doesn't show it, T-Mobile does have a slightly more reliable network, meaning fewer calls will mysteriously vanish in the covered zones. Quality over quantity, perhaps?

Verizon Service

Verizon covers more of the mid-west than most carriers, though the same dead zones are found in Nevada, Montana and West Virginia areas. The California coast is particularly well-covered, though most other areas seem spotty at best.

The Verdict

Sprint-Nextel offers the largest coverage area of any service provider and some of their plans lack roaming fees, giving you the freedom to travel without worry.

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