Stop Overpaying for Cell Phone Companies with Terrible Coverage

We’ve all had those moments of intense frustration when we can’t get a signal but our smug friend or co-worker is sitting there merrily talking away. Today, being able to find what we want, when we want, has become a standard requirement for any mobile device. We blindly sign up with a carrier play assuming their network coverage will be great because they are a big brand. But the truth is that the major carriers have variable levels of coverage.

Why does service vary so much between carriers?

Before the internet came along and wireless communications were still the stuff of sci-fi TV shows, all phone companies had pretty much the same same legacy networks. Simplistically there were no variations in the technology they used. Nowadays you need to be sure that your carrier is keeping pace with technology, and ideally assess their network coverage before you sign a contract. There’s no point in having a super duper new phone if the carrier’s coverage is abysmal. One of the best ways to look at signal strength by carrier is to take a look at RootMetrics. They assess each carrier by area to give you an accurate view of the world.

Any other tips?

If you live in a Metro area the chances are your coverage will be pretty good anyway, but for the best speed available on your mobile devices look out for LTE amongst the marketing messages. Right now a carrier offering LTE (usually 4G LTE), is offering the fastest connection available for wireless networks. If you don’t live in a Metro area then check if you have LTE coverage. If you live in area that can’t yet support LTE there is absolutely no point paying for it!