5G Coverage Maps: Who Has the Most Coverage? - LetsTalk.com (2024)

With more and more 5G phones becoming available from brands like Samsung and LG, it’s important to know exactly where you can get 5G coverage. After all, you’ll only get 5G service if you have a 5G phone and 5G plan with proper coverage. Carrier 5G coverage maps are changing regularly, as the major carriers continue to build new cell towers and infrastructure to power these 5G networks. We’ll keep this article updated as new cities and states are added to each carrier’s 5G coverage map.

In this article:

  • 5G coverage maps compared
  • Verizon 5G coverage
  • T-Mobile 5G coverage(including Sprint)
  • How fast is 5G?
  • How to access 5G

5G coverage maps compared

Verizon was the first carrier to launch true 5G mobile network in the US, with the other carriers following suit shortly after. Now, T-Mobile has the most 5G coverage in the country as you can see from the 5G coverage maps below, and AT&T comes in second. Sprint customers with compatible 5G phones also have access to T-Mobile’s 5G network.

Verizon 5G coverage map

According to Opensignal, Verizon’s 5G network is the fastest of all major U.S. carriers, with download speeds clocking in at over 722Mbps on average. However, when it comes to 5G coverage maps, Verizon still has a long way to go compared to the likes of T-Mobile.

Currently, Verizon’s 5G coverage map includes cities in:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Utah
  • West Virginia

T-Mobile 5G mobile coverage (including Sprint)

When it comes to 5G coverage maps, T-Mobile’s (which is now also Sprint’s) is the most impressive, with coverage in all 50 states. Not only that, but all states except Alaska have 5G coverage in multiple cities.

One thing to note about T-Mobile’s 5G network is that the speeds are slower than Verizon’s 5G speeds—by a lot. Opensignal’s 5G speed tests completed between December 2019 to January 2020 showed T-Mobile’s average download speeds to be around just 47.5Mbps (on the nationwide 5G network), with Verizon’s averaging 722Mbps.

AT&T 5G coverage map

AT&T 5G has been a bit confusing over the years with the carrier offer 5G Evolution, 5G, and 5G+. 5G Evolution has been available for a while now—if you’re an AT&T customer you may have noticed a 5GE symbol on your phone—but let’s be real, it’s not actually 5G. It’s basically still AT&T’s 4G LTE network using the same cell towers but with enhancements—it by no means is 5G.

As of July 23, 2020, AT&T launched its5G networkacross the country, with blazing-fast speeds now available in all 50 states. Of course, not all cities will have 5G access, but coverage is pretty impressive.

How fast is 5G?

5G speeds vary depending on which carrier you’re with. According to Opensignal Verizon wins the prize for the fastest 5G download speeds with an average of 722.9Mbps. In second place was T-Mobile’s mmWave 5G at 243.1Mbps—so you can see it’s a pretty big difference. What’s more, T-Mobile’s most commonly used 5G network is its 600MHz 5G network which has download speeds of just 45.7Mbps.

5G vs 4G speeds

So what do these numbers actually mean? Let’s put it into the context of 4G LTE speeds that we currently experience. Here’s how each carrier’s average 4G speeds compare to their average 5G speeds.

Carrier4G speeds5G speeds
AT&T29.1Mbps58.3Mbps
Sprint25.9Mbps283Mbps
T-Mobile26.3Mbps47.5Mbps
Verizon25.9Mbps722.9Mbps

Source: Opensignal, USA Mobile Network Experience Report (January 2020), How AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon differ in their early 5G approach (February 2020)

As you can see, Verizon’s 5G network is ridiculously faster than its current 4G network—almost 28 times faster in fact. But then look at T-Mobile or AT&T’s 5G speeds—they’re only about double their current 4G speeds if that.

The actual 5G speeds are an important factor to consider when choosing your next 5G network. Although T-Mobile may have the most impressive 5G coverage map, its speeds are nowhere near as impressive as Verizon’s.

How to access 5G

So how do you actually enjoy these super-fast mobile data speeds? Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to a better mobile experience:

  • Check the 5G coverage map to make sure your preferred carrier offers 5G in your area
  • Buy a 5G phone (if you don’t have one already)
  • Sign up for a 5G cell phone plan (be sure to let your carrier know you want to activate 5G)

There you have it! Once you have 5G coverage, a 5G phone, and a 5G plan, you’re good to go. You’ll experience 5G speeds whenever you’re within range of your carrier’s 5G network—when you’re outside of it, you’ll be back on 4G where available.

5G Coverage Maps: Who Has the Most Coverage? - LetsTalk.com (2024)

FAQs

Who really has the most 5G coverage? ›

However, T-Mobile remains the sole winner of both 5G speed and both 5G coverage awards, while also widening its lead over its competitors for 5G Download Speed and 5G Availability. Verizon defends both 5G Games Experience and 5G Voice App Experience — it also wins the third experiential metric, 5G Video Experience.

Who has the best 5G coverage map? ›

For example, T-Mobile has the most 5G network coverage, providing over half the country with ostensible 5G connectivity. That said, Verizon has the fastest connectivity overall.

Who has the best 5G network review? ›

Customer ratings
ProviderOverallReliability
AT&T4.03.8
T-Mobile4.13.9
Verizon4.03.9
Jan 17, 2024

Who has the most advanced 5G network in the US? ›

Lastly, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) has the strongest 5G signals. T-Mobile's low-band 5G network provides broad coverage, reaching over 330 million people or 98% of the US population. It offers faster speeds than 4G LTE and better indoor penetration.

Who has the best 5G coverage in the world? ›

Puerto Rico led a 2023 ranking of 5G availability, with users of 5G handsets able to spend 48.4 percent of the surveyed period connected to a 5G service. Puerto Rico was followed by South Korea and Kuwait with 5G availabilities of 42.9 and 39.4 percent, respectively.

What is the most reliable 5G network in the US? ›

Get the network America relies on.
  • Verizon is #1 for Network Quality in all 6 regions (tied in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and North Central regions). ...
  • Most reliable 5G network based on more first place rankings in RootMetrics® 5G data reliability assessments of 125 metro markets conducted in 2H 2023.

Which is better, Verizon or AT&T? ›

AT&T and Verizon both have a robust 4G LTE network across North America. However, even though Verizon tends to be more reliable in rural and remote areas, AT&T stands out for its 5G coverage, which surpasses Verizon's in scope. AT&T has an advantage in making it easier for customers to access high-speed connectivity.

What state has the least 5G towers? ›

As for 5G availability, Illinois and Texas almost tied with the latest cellular standard available for users ~27% of the time with Nevada coming in third with 26.3%. Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont had the worst results at just 11.2, 10, and 5.7% 5G availability.

Is T-Mobile better than Verizon? ›

If you prioritize wider coverage and value-added plans, T-Mobile is likely your best bet. However, if you're looking for blazing-fast speeds and are willing to pay a premium for additional services, Verizon could be more up your alley. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and location.

Who has the most secure 5G network? ›

Verizon is ranked most reliable 5G network for the fourth consecutive testing period. Verizon showed a 31% increase in download speeds in metro tests throughout the year. Verizon took home 85% of awards in major metropolitan markets (747 awards out 875).

Which carrier has the best coverage? ›

Verizon has the best 4G LTE coverage that spans across 70% of the United States. That's 2% more than AT&T and 8% more than T-Mobile. It covers 327 million people in over 2.68 million square miles. Depending on your location, you may even get Verizon 5G cell service.

Who has the fastest 5G network provider? ›

Three
Speed Score
Three248.16
Vodafone133.54
EE126.10
O290.16

Who has the strongest 5G signal? ›

T-Mobile 5G coverage map

T-Mobile is currently the king of the hill in 5G coverage, boasting an impressive 53.79% across the nation. This wide coverage is a big deal for users craving fast and reliable internet on the go.

Who is America's leader in 5G? ›

T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced today it took home several wins in two new reports from Opensignal measuring overall network performance and 5G performance, including fastest download speeds (including 5G download speeds more than TWICE as fast as Verizon and AT&T), best overall live video experience, best overall ...

Who has the best 5G infrastructure? ›

Top 10 5G Infrastructure Companies
  • Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ...
  • Qualcomm. ...
  • Intel. ...
  • Rakuten. ...
  • Nokia. ...
  • Ericsson. ...
  • Huawei. ...
  • Samsung. Samsung continues to push for 5G delivery and provides commercial 5G services across the world, particularly in Korea, the US and Japan.
Jan 31, 2024

Who has the best 5G technology in the world? ›

In terms of 5G performance, Malaysia is ahead of its peers in Southeast Asia with a Median 5G download speed of 485.25Mbps, but it is behind South Korea (507.59Mbps) and UAE (592.01Mbps).

Which company has the most 5G spectrum? ›

Reliance Jio has deposited the highest earnest money of ₹3,000 crore, enabling it to bid for the maximum spectrum among the three companies. Bharti Airtel has submitted an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹1,050 crore, while Vodafone Idea's EMD stands at ₹300 crore.

Who leads the world in 5G? ›

As of 2023, Huawei is the leading 5G equipment manufacturer and has the greatest market share of 5G equipment and has built approximately 70% of worldwide 5G base stations.

Who has the largest and fastest 5G network? ›

Which devices work with T-Mobile's Nationwide 5G network? Every 5G device T-Mobile carries today can tap into our 5G Network, the largest and fastest in America.

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