Verizon offers some of the best combined 4G and 5G coverage in the country—not surprising given the company’s scale (the largest in the country) and the size of its networks.
Granted, Verizon has a ways to go in the 5G coverage race, trailing both T-Mobile and AT&T in terms of network reach. Still, Verizon’s 5G is often the fastest around, thanks to its speedy 5G Ultra Wideband network.
Read on as we explore Verizon’s 4G and 5G coverage, explain how it compares to other carriers, Verizon’s international coverage, and more.
Verizon 5G Coverage Map
Verizon’s 5G network covers 12% of the country, which is significantly less than T-Mobile (29%) and AT&T (28%). However, much of this 5G consists of high-speed 5G Ultra Wideband coverage.
Here’s how Verizon’s 5G network stacks up to the likes of AT&T, and T-Mobile:
- T-Mobile: 29%
- ATT: 28%
- VZN: 12%
As the map below shows, Verizon’s 5G network blankets the east coast and the majority of the midwest. Things are patchier in the west, with spotty coverage outside of California.
What is Nationwide 5G?
Verizon Nationwide 5G is Verizon's slower class of 5G coverage. It makes use of low-band spectrum, and is designed to be widely available, even in rural or less densely populated areas.
What is Ultra Wideband 5G?
Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G is its highest-performance version of 5G, designed to offer significantly faster speeds and lower latency than its Nationwide 5G. It uses millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology as well as C-band spectrum, which allows it to deliver fast download and upload speeds.
Verizon 4G Coverage Map
Verizon’s 4G network stretches far further than its 5G network, with 56% of the country covered. That includes all of the obvious urban areas, and many of the rural ones. By some metrics, Verizon has the most wide-reaching networks in the country; by ours, Verizon trails AT&T by 2%.
One look at the map below shows just how widespread Verizon 4G coverage is throughout the United States:
Verizon Coverage vs. T-Mobile vs. AT&T
When it comes to nationwide coverage superiority, it's really a three horse race between Verizon, T-Mobile, 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—and UScellular—stack up:
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If you consider coverage an important factor in which carrier you go with for your next cell phone plan, Verizon is a safe bet indeed. The provider’s combined 4G and 5G coverage translates to great service almost anywhere you are in the United States.
Verizon International Coverage
Verizon is generally thought of as a U.S. cell phone company, but the carrier’s coverage actually stretches into Mexico and Canada as well.
Verizon’s coverage in Canada is particularly impressive, present in most of the country’s major urban areas like Edmonton and Montreal. Things are spottier (and slower) in Mexico—but growing fast as the company invests in network infrastructure in the country.
More generally, Verizon is a great carrier to go with in terms of its travel perks. Take, for example, Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan. It includes:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada
- Unlimited talk, text, and 10GB/month of high-speed data in 210+ countries
- 3 TravelPass days for an additional $10/month
Verizon’s travel perks, coupled with its expansion into Mexico and Canada, makes it one of the best overall carriers for international coverage.
Prepaid Carriers on the Verizon Network
Verizon hosts a variety of smaller prepaid cell phone carriers on its networks. That includes the company’s own Visible, as well as other popular prepaid brands like Cox Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile.
Carriers that use Verizon Network:
- Cox Mobile
- Xfinity Mobile
- Spectrum Mobile
- Visible
- Straight Talk Mobile
- TracFone
- US Mobile
- Total Wireless
- Red Pocket
It's important to note that these carriers’ reliance on subleased network space from Verizon can in some instances result in slightly inferior service. Major carriers tend to prioritize their customers ahead of those who use their networks via smaller carriers like US Mobile, at least in times of network congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Verizon coverage better than AT&T coverage?
Verizon and AT&T offer comparable coverage with extensive 4G and 5G networks. However, AT&T edges out slightly in 5G reach, covering more of the U.S. If you're focused on nationwide 5G access, AT&T might have the upper hand.
Which carriers use the same towers as Verizon?
Several carriers operate on Verizon’s network, giving you access to the same reliable coverage without committing to a Verizon plan. These include Verizon's own Visible, along with popular prepaid options like Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Cox Mobile, Straight Talk, and TracFone. You’ll also find services like US Mobile, Total Wireless, and Red Pocket running on Verizon’s towers, offering more flexibility and budget-friendly choices.
Why do I suddenly have no signal with Verizon?
If you’re having trouble with your Verizon cell phone signal, double-check that you're in a Verizon coverage area and ensure Airplane Mode isn’t accidentally turned on. If you have a case or cover on your phone, try removing it to see if that improves the signal. Also, switch your Wi-Fi Calling setting to Cellular if you’re relying on Wi-Fi for calls.
