veriVerizon operates the most expansive 4G LTE network in Illinois, covering an incredible 94% of the state. The carrier’s 5G network, on the other hand, covers far less territory than competitors AT&T and T-Mobile—just 18% of the state.
Verizon 4G Coverage in Illinois
Verizon offers the most 4G coverage in Illinois—an impressive 94%—outdoing competitors AT&T and T-Mobile. Indeed, there’s nary a dead zone to be found on the Verizon coverage map of Illinois.
Verizon 5G Coverage in Illinois
While Verizon’s 4G LTE network rules in Illinois, its 5G network trails competitors T-Mobile and AT&T. Verizon’s 5G network is available in 19% of the state, far shy of the 53% covered by T-Mobile’s 5G network.
Fear not, however: Verizon is aggressively building out its 5G network in Illinois, and it’s growing as we speak. Plus, much of Verizon’s 5G network in the state is made of the carrier’s 5G Ultra-Wideband, which offers incredibly fast speeds and low latency times.
T-Mobile offers the third-most 4G coverage in Illinois (with 49% of the state’s total area covered), the second-most basic 5G coverage (44%), and the most enhanced 5G coverage (28%).
T-Mobile 4G Coverage in Illinois
T-Mobile’s 4G network spans 69% of Illinois, which is significantly less than both Verizon (94%) and AT&T (93%). However, T-Mobile’s network is well represented in Illinois’ more populous towns and cities.
T-Mobile 5G Coverage in Illinois
T-Mobile is known for its 5G coverage, so it's perhaps not surprising that the carrier makes a strong showing in Illinois. T-Mobile 5G network covers an impressive 53% of the state, second only to AT&T (55%).
Some of this 5G coverage consists of the carrier’s fast 5G Ultra Capacity network, which delivers super-fast speeds. All of this makes going with T-Mobile a smart move if you’re looking for the latest coverage technology in Illinois.
AT&T offers reliable 4G and 5G coverage throughout Illinois. AT&T’s 4G network covers 93% of the state, just a hair shy of the 94% offered by Verizon. AT&T’s 5G network, meanwhile, spreads across an impressive 55% of Illinois.
AT&T 4G Coverage in Illinois
AT&T offers excellent 4G LTE coverage throughout Illinois, only a single percentage point shy of Verizon in terms of total area covered (93%). From the shores of Lake Michigan to the southern tip of the state, you’re likely to be able to tap into an AT&T cell phone signal.
AT&T 5G Coverage in Illinois
AT&T offers the most 5G coverage in Illinois, covering an impressive 55% of the state with its 5G network. Much of this 5G coverage is made up of the carrier’s so-called5G+, which delivers super-fast speeds, low latency times, and enhanced reliability.
It’s important to know that you aren’t limited to the major carriers in terms of getting cell phone service in Illinois. A variety of smaller carriers, or MVNOs, also operate in the state, allowing you to sign up for equivalent plans—with similar coverage—for less than you’d otherwise pay.
All of these carriers lease from the aforementioned major carrier networks to provide coverage to their customers. If you’re signed up with Spectrum Mobile, for example, you’ll have access to Verizon coverage, since the carrier runs on that network. Here some popular MVNOs, and the networks they operate on:
Things to Know about Cell Phone Coverage
Cell Phone Coverage Speeds
When it comes to cell phone coverage, you don’t just need a cellular signal—you need that signal to provide adequate speed. That’s why it’s important to distinguish between 4G and 5G coverage in your area. In general, 5G provides faster speeds and greater reliability than 4G. However, that’s not always the case, as there may be instances when the speeds of these respective coverage types are actually quite similar.
How to Get the Best Cell Phone Coverage
There’s more to getting the best coverage than just signing up with the carrier that offers reliable service in the places you spend time. These include:
- Your phone: The newer and more cutting edge your device, the more likely you’ll be able to tap into the fastest speeds. Some older phones don’t have the built-in technology to connect to the fastest 5G bands, resulting in slower service. The newest 5G devices, like the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 series don’t have this problem.
- Your software: It’s important to make sure your software is up to date, as an out-of-date operating system can translate to an inability to connect to the fastest network speeds.
- Your cell phone plan: Depending on the mobile plan you have, your data may experience deprioritization during times of network congestion. If this is consistently happening to you, it may be worth investigating whether you can sign up for a plan that includes more premium (i.e. un-deprioritized) data.
- Your location: Certain types of coverage, like high-band 5G, has difficulty penetrating solid materials, like concrete walls. As simple as it may sound, moving to an unobstructed location may help you connect to these fast networks more reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Verizon offers the most 4G LTE coverage in Illinois, while competitor AT&T offers the most 5G coverage throughout the state.
T-Mobile’s 5G network covers far more of Illinois than Verizon’s 5G network, so if you’re looking to tap into the fastest coverage speeds, going with T-Mobile is a smart move.
AT&T’s 5G network covers more of Illinois than the equivalent networks from both T-Mobile and Verizon.
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