Coverage
What Cell Phone Towers Does Spectrum Mobile Use?
Like every other small prepaid brand, or MVNO, Spectrum Mobile makes use of a larger network to provide service to its customers—in this case, Verizon.
That's good news for Spectrum Mobile customers, since Verizon offers the best combined 4G and 5G coverage in the country, covering 99% of Americans. Read on as we explore the Spectrum Mobile coverage map and tell you how to make the most of it.
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Which Towers Does Spectrum Mobile Use?
Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s cell towers, which cover 99% of Americans. In fact, Verizon has the best combined 4G and 5G coverage among the Big Three. Here's how Verizon's—and by extension, Spectrum Mobile's—stacks up against the country's other two major networks:
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While Verizon's 5G network trails T-Mobile and AT&T in terms of its overall reach, it tends to be among the fastest available, thanks to the company's aggressive buildout of its 5G Ultra Wideband network. One caveat: To enjoy 5G speed, you need a 5G-compatible phone.
Spectrum Mobile Coverage Map
Given that Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon towers, Spectrum coverage is very much on par with Verizon coverage. Where the Verizon network is strong, Spectrum Mobile is too.
Spectrum Mobile 4G LTE Coverage
The map shows just how wide-reaching this Spectrum Mobile's 4G LTE network is. Aside from a few small dead zones in the Western part of the country, a Spectrum Mobile 4G signal can be found just about everywhere.
Spectrum Mobile 5G Coverage
While Spectrum Mobile’s 5G network isn't as ubiquitously present throughout the country as its 4G network, it covers the East Coast, California, and Upper Midwest quite well.
As mentioned, some of Spectrum Mobile’s 5G network is made up of Ultra Wideband 5G, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better reliability than standard 5G. Since Verizon is aggressively expanding its 5G reach—particularly its Ultra Wideband 5G network—Spectrum Mobile customers can expect better 5G coverage in the coming months and years.
Spectrum Mobile Cell Phone Plans
Spectrum Mobile has a variety of Unlimited and By the Gig plans. If you want to find the best Spectrum Mobile plan for your needs, our Plan Finder below can help you compare phone plans from top wireless carriers in seconds.
Spectrum Mobile Unlimited Data Plans
Here's a high-level overview of Spectrum Mobile cell phone plan options.
Spectrum Mobile Unlimited
- Price: $29.99 per month per line, though with a current deal of $29.99 for two lines, which effectively means you get a free line thrown in.
- Benefits: 5G nationwide access, unlimited talk, text, and data, and 30GB premium data before speed is brought down to one Mbps.
Learn more with our Spectrum Mobile Unlimited overview.
Spectrum Mobile Unlimited Plus
- Price: $39.99 per month per line. Currently Spectrum Mobile is running a deal of $50 for two lines on this plan, meaning you get the second line for just $10 per month.
- Benefits: The same benefits as Unlimited Plus with High Definition video streaming and 50GB premium data before speed is brought down.
Learn more with our Spectrum Mobile Unlimited Plus overview.
Spectrum Mobile By the Gig Plans
Customers can also pay by the GB of data that they can use during each billing cycle. By the Gigabyte plans are great if you do not use a huge amount of data, are only concerned with talking and texting, and do not mind SD streaming.
These plans come with a set amount of deprioritized data, 420p standard definition video streaming, free calls to Mexico and Canada, and texting from the United States to more than 200 countries.
By the Gig
These cell phone plans cost just $19.99 for the first GB of data per month. Every additional GB after that costs $5. However, note that once you reach a 5 GB data cap, your speeds will be slowed to 256 Kbps, which is unusable for modern data use. At that point, cost-wise, it makes more sense to spring for an unlimited cell phone plan, anyway.
What Is an MVNO?
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are smaller wireless carriers like Spectrum Mobile that piggyback off the network of a major carrier enabling them to offer services at lower prices. Like Spectrum Mobile, many other MVNOs also use Verizon, including Xfinity Mobile. Another example of an MVNO is Mint Mobile, which uses T-Mobile’s network. Note: MVNOs don't come with as many extra perks. Plus, they have thresholds of data usage, after which speeds are slowed down. And during busy network times, the big three carriers prioritize their own customers first.
The Bottom Line
By utilizing Verizon’s network, Spectrum Mobile is able to offer a fantastic 5G and 4G LTE network at a lower cost to Spectrum Internet customers. At a lower price, customers can receive the same level of service as those who pay more for Verizon, though there are fewer benefits. If you do not use a huge amount of mobile data, consider their By the Gig Plans to save even more. To compound savings, Spectrum Mobile and Spectrum Internet services can be bundled.
Finding the right cell phone plan to meet your needs can be confusing. But it doesn't have to be. Our Phone Deal Finder and Plan Finder can save you time, energy, and money by showing you the best phone and plan deals you qualify for based on your preferences. Whether you choose Spectrum Mobile or any other wireless carrier, our free, unbiased tools help take the work out of wireless shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spectrum Mobile Have Good Coverage?
Since Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s towers, it has excellent nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage serving more than 99% of the U.S. population. Though its 5G coverage is less far-reaching than that of AT&T and T-Mobile, Verizon 5G network speeds are among the fastest.
Does Spectrum use Verizon towers?
Spectrum Mobile does not use its own cell phone towers. Instead, it operates on Verizon's network towers and uses its own WiFi hotspots to provide service.
Who owns Spectrum Mobile?
Spectrum Mobile is a part of Charter Communications and offers 4G and 5G service through Verizon’s network and its own WiFi hotspots. It’s a more affordable alternative to major carriers since it leases Verizon’s network instead of running its own. Just keep in mind—you need to be a Spectrum home internet customer to access its savings.
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