How Do I Check for Best Mobile Phone Network Provider in an Area?

Providers offer coverage maps to help solve the puzzle of which service to buy.

Consumers collectively spend millions of dollars a year for the privilege of having a mobile phone. Unfortunately, all providers do not offer the same amount of coverage in every area. That is why it is so important to spend time prior to signing up for service doing some legwork to determine which provider is best for you. Thankfully, each provider offers a tool that allows you to check potential coverage without driving to a local store or wasting time on hold waiting to speak with a customer service representative. This tool is the personal coverage map.

Instructions

1. Assess potential coverage on T-Mobile's website. On the gray bar near the top of the page, hover your mouse over the word "Shop" and then, from the new menu options that appear, click "Coverage." On the right side of the screen you will find a blue box with a map inside. Click the green "Check Coverage" button. Enter the address for which you wish to check available coverage. You may wish to check multiple areas, such as your home, your work address and other areas you commonly travel to in order to get a big-picture idea of what to expect.

2. Check available coverage at Verizon Wireless website. Click on the "Coverage Locator" link. It is located just above the magnifying glass symbol in the upper-right corner of the page. Enter the addresses for which you wish to check available coverage.

3. Determine AT&T's coverage in your area by going to their website. Click on the "Coverage Viewer" link. It is located to the left of the shopping cart icon at the top-right corner of the page. Enter the addresses for which you wish to check available coverage.

4. Assess available coverage at the Sprint website. Click on the "See Coverage" link. You can find this link under the "Do Stuff" section, which is located under the thick yellow bar about halfway down the page. Enter the addresses for which you wish to check available coverage.

5. Make a decision based on the coverage data you've obtained. The best provider should be the one that offers the most robust coverage in the areas where you anticipate using your phone the most.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to checking the coverage maps, you should also poll your friends, family, co-workers and so on to find out what their personal experience has been with the different providers. Based on their input, you may decide that while one provider has slightly better coverage, the price points and customer service quality of another company are more preferable.

• Should you go to a local store and ask a dealer about local coverage, be wary of overly enthusiastic assurances that, "You'll be just fine!" Ask to see the coverage maps for the areas you frequent and do not be afraid to ask questions before signing a contract.

References

• FCC: Understanding Wireless Telephone Coverage Areas