UScellular Coverage Map

Table of contents

UScellular wields the fourth largest nationwide coverage network behind major carriers Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.

While UScellular’s network is far more limited in scope than its major carrier rivals, the company offers reliable and fast coverage throughout the Midwest and parts of the Northwest—in some cases, better than what’s offered by the other providers. Plus, the company has roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile that allow the company to provide service to its customers well beyond its core network areas.

Read on as we break down UScellular’s coverage map in detail.

UScellular 5G Coverage Map

For proof that UScellular is very much a regional carrier, you need look no further than the company’s national 5G coverage stats.

UScellular’s 5G network covers just 5% of the country, which is less than half of what Verizon’s 5G network covers—itself in third place out of the majors.

A quick scan of the UScellular’s 5G coverage map shows coverage through parts of the Midwest, large portions of Washington and Oregon, and areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (Maine especially).

What is UScellular’s 5G+?

So-called 5G+ is the company’s branding for its enhanced 5G offering. This type of 5G combines both low and high-band spectrums, translating to faster speeds, lower latencies, and better overall reliability.

UScellular 4G Coverage Map

UScellular’s 4G LTE network covers marginally more of the country than its 5G network, at 6%. Again this is far less than the third-most robust major carrier 4G network (T-Mobile at 37%).

UScellular Coverage vs. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile

When it comes to nationwide coverage superiority, it's really a three horse race between T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. UScellular trails far behind these market leaders in terms of the overall reach of its 4G and 5G networks.

Here’s how the three carriers—along with UScellular—stack up:

If you consider coverage an important factor in which carrier you go with for your next cell phone plan, AT&T is a safe bet indeed. The provider’s combined 4G and 5G coverage translates to great service in most areas of the United States.

UScellular International Coverage

UScellular makes use of roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile to provide its customers with cellular service beyond both the southern and northern borders.

That’s why all of UScellular’s unlimited plans come with unlimited talk, text, and LTE data in Mexico and Canada. This international perk is in line with what’s offered by all of UScellular’s major carrier competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What states does UScellular cover?

As of recent reports, UScellular has coverage in the following states:

California
Oregon
Washington
Iowa
Wisconsin
Illinois
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Maine
Missouri
Kansas
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia

While these states represent the core coverage areas of UScellular's own network, the company also has agreements with other carriers for roaming in regions where it doesn’t own infrastructure.

Which network uses UScellular?

USCellular owns and operates its own national cellular network, consisting of both 4G and 5G spectrum. The carrier also maintains roaming agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile to provide customers with coverage beyond the bounds of its own network.

Which is better, Verizon or UScellular?

Verizon is generally understood to be better than UScellular with respect to coverage and the diversity of its cell phone plan offerings. After all, Verizon is a national carrier with a coverage map that stretches from coast to coast; UScellular is more regional in nature, with most of its network based in and around the Midwest and Northwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is UScellular?

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Chicago, UScellular is the fifth-largest wireless carrier in the U.S. As of June 30, 2024, it serves 4.5 million customers across 21 states.

Who is UScellular owned by?

T-Mobile acquired a significant portion of UScellular in a $4.4 billion deal in early 2024. The agreement covered UScellular’s customers, retail locations, and about 30 percent of its spectrum assets.