Verizon Vs. AT&T Mobility
Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility are the two largest wireless providers in the U.S. Both companies boast nationwide coverage, global roaming capabilities, a variety of calling plans and a wide variety of handsets. Verizon and AT&T have similar services; however, distinct calling plans, network exclusive handsets and differences in international roaming capabilities, reveal noticeable differences.
Other People Are Reading
-
Verizon Wireless
-
Verizon Wireless is the largest mobile provider in the U.S. with 87.7 million subscribers in 2009 on a Code Division Multiple Access wireless network. Verizon provides wireless services in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Verizon offers voice and 3G data services including Push-to-Talk, SMS and MMS messaging, over-the-air downloadable applications, EV-DO and V-CAST, which allows customers to download video and audio content.
AT&T Mobility
-
AT&T Mobility is the second largest wireless provider in the U.S. with approximately 79.6 million subscribers in 2009. AT&T operates a nationwide global system for mobile 3G network that provides service in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AT&T offers numerous voice and data services including SMS and MMS messaging, over-the-air downloadable applications, AT&T Music download service, mobile TV and Push-to-Talk.
-
Domestic Coverage
-
AT&T and Verizon provide extensive network coverage in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Each company operates on a 3G network; however, 3G services are limited to urban areas.
AT&T and Verizon Wireless service differs slightly in Alaska, where Verizon has a greater imprint in the areas between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Otherwise, customers on both networks enjoy voice and data capabilities throughout the majority of coverage area.
International Roaming
-
Unlike most CDMA carriers, Verizon Wireless has sizable global coverage. Verizon offers CDMA international roaming services in more than 40 countries. Verizon subscribers with dual mode GSM/CDMA phones have international roaming coverage in 220 countries worldwide.
Since AT&T runs on a GSM network, all of its phones have global roaming capabilities. AT&T has international roaming agreements that provide coverage in more than 190 countries. AT&T sells tri-band and quad-band phones that are able to be used on the majority of wireless frequencies; therefore, regardless of where they travel, subscribers will have access to their mobile phone service.
Calling Plans
-
Verizon and AT&T offer a myriad of competitively priced calling plans for their subscription and prepaid services. Both companies offer expandable night and weekend hours for an additional fee. AT&T and Verizon also offer unlimited in-network, mobile-to-mobile calling.
The Friends & Family plan offered by Verizon Wireless gives customers unlimited calling to select numbers outside the Verizon network. The Friends & Family plan is a two-tiered subscription based service that is only open to single-line accounts. AT&T does not offer a comparable plan.
Handsets
-
ATT offers a variety of wireless phones including Sony, LG, Motorola, HTC, Nokia, Samsung and the largest selection of BlackBerry phones. AT&T also has exclusive rights to the wildly popular Apple iPhone.
Verizon offers a variety of wireless and smartphones including Palm, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Motorola, LG and Samsung.
Helpful Tips
-
3G service is limited to urban areas.
Both companies offer refurbished phones for half off the original price.
Coverage and call quality is depends on handset and location.
-
