Mountain Wireless Network Reports and Ratings
HOME RATINGS THE BEST HOW-TO NETWORK REPORTS MEXICO CELLULAR PROS & CONS DISCOUNTS FOLLOW US


Cellular Carrier Ratings
These Ratings are based on our opinion of what is important and how each carrier performs in those areas. The higher the score, the better. The better the coverage, or the lower the price, the better the 'score'. We take into account Coverage, Pricing, Roaming Partners, Frequency, Customer Service and Features. When "Total" scores are close, consider attributes that are more or less important to you, like off-network Roaming. Check our Comments about each carrier's ratings. Updated July 19, 2011.



Rank Carrier On-Network
Coverage
Off-Network
Coverage
Cost Customer Service Total
1 US Cellular 5 4 3 3 15
2 Verizon 5 5 1 3 14
3 Alltel* 5 4 2 3 13
4 AT&T 4 5 2 2 13
5 T-Mobile 3 4# 3 3 13
6 Sprint 3 4 2 2 11
7 Cricket 2 4# 3 1 10
8 Metro PCS 2 3 3 1 10
9 Nextel 4 1 2 2 9

KEY:

  • On-Network Coverage: (1 = worst, 5 = best) How much area the carrier covers with all services, and within their own service area, the coverage quality.
  • Off-Network Coverage: (0 = none, 5 = best) How much area can be accessed through roaming partners.
  • Cost: (1 = least value, 3 = most value) How much you get for your money.
  • Customer Service: (1 = Below, 2 = Average, 3 = Above)
* Our rating reflects Alltel as operated by ATN.
# Phone model dependent


Additional Comments
Click on the carrier name for detailed reviews

  • ALLTEL has excellent coverage, but with a smaller native service area, they depend more on roaming partners. Our rating reflects the Alltel that has been acquired by ATN and continues to use the name, "Alltel Wireless". The 'new' Alltel lost points for charging extra for some regular features.

  • AT&T gets lower marks for their variable customer service and network capacity problems. They get a slight deduction because there are fewer areas of GSM coverage, mostly in the rural west. This situation has improved somewhat with the acquisition of some Alltel properties. In some parts of the country, mostly east of the Mississippi River, AT&T gets a better score for on-network coverage. JD Power rates AT&T at or near the bottom for customer satisfaction.

  • CRICKET's own network is available in more than half of the 50 states and offers primarily "Unlimited" minutes. They now offer Voice and Text roaming in all 50 states with agreements through other carriers, also Unlimited. Customer service is hard to reach.

  • METRO PCS is a fast-growing "Unlimited" carrier. They are available in many large markets and offer a variety of plans. Roaming is available, some of it Unlimited. Coverage reports have been better than expected for a new carrier.

  • NEXTEL gets low marks for their inability to roam on any other networks. Also, their parent company, Sprint, is no longer upgrading the Nextel network nor adding any new coverage. The network will be converted to CDMA by 2013.

  • SPRINT gets a slightly lower rating for coverage due to its strictly PCS (1900 MHz) frequency, however, they partly make up for it with excellent broadband and roaming capabilities, although roaming minutes are not included in all plans.

  • T-MOBILE gets credit for optimizing their all-PCS (1900 MHz) network better than others, but is penalized for fewer roaming abilities. Their customer support is excellent. JD Power often rates T-Mobile at or near the top for customer satisfaction.

  • US CELLULAR has very good coverage and adequate roaming agreements. They have a much more customer-friendly attitude than the larger carriers.

  • VERIZON has excellent coverage and customer service. Roaming is excellent for Verizon customers but isn't often needed. Prices are slightly higher than some carriers.




HOME | SITE MAP | DISCOUNTS | FOLLOW US | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | PRIVACY | DISCLAIMER | SEARCH OUR SITE