Are you a Verizon customer considering a switch to AT&T? You‘re not alone. According to a recent survey, nearly 30% of consumers are thinking about changing cell phone providers in the next year. The top reasons for switching include cost savings, better network coverage, and more attractive device promotions.
As a retail and consumer expert, I know how overwhelming it can be to compare wireless plans and navigate the switching process. That‘s why I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you decide if switching from Verizon to AT&T is right for you and walk you through the transition step-by-step.
Verizon vs. AT&T: How Do They Stack Up?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to switch, let‘s take a closer look at how Verizon and AT&T compare in terms of network coverage, speed, and overall value.
Network Coverage
Verizon has long been considered America‘s most reliable network, but AT&T has made significant strides in recent years to close the coverage gap. In fact, AT&T now covers over 99% of the U.S. population according to the company‘s latest figures.
However, coverage isn‘t just about breadth – it‘s also about quality and consistency, especially in rural areas. According to the most recent RootMetrics report on network performance, Verizon still holds a slight edge over AT&T when it comes to overall reliability, call performance, and text performance.
Here‘s a quick comparison of Verizon and AT&T‘s nationwide coverage based on RootMetrics‘ 2nd Half 2023 assessments:
| Metric | Verizon | AT&T |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Performance | 94.8 | 93.9 |
| Reliability | 95.7 | 94.3 |
| Accessibility | 94.3 | 94.1 |
| Call Performance | 95.5 | 92.8 |
| Text Performance | 97.3 | 96.5 |
As you can see, the differences are fairly marginal overall. In some regions, AT&T actually outperforms Verizon. It‘s a good idea to check coverage maps for both carriers in your specific location before making a decision.
Network Speed
With the rise of 5G, network speed has become an increasingly important factor for consumers. Verizon was the first to launch 5G nationwide, but AT&T has been rapidly expanding its own 5G footprint.
According to Ookla‘s latest Speedtest Intelligence report, AT&T actually topped Verizon in 5G speed in Q4 2023, averaging download speeds of 187.44 Mbps compared to Verizon‘s 178.89 Mbps. However, Verizon still ranked #1 in overall consistency, indicating a more reliable experience across the entire network.
Here‘s how the two carriers stacked up in Ookla‘s Q4 2023 report:
| Metric | Verizon | AT&T |
|---|---|---|
| Average 5G Download Speed | 178.89 | 187.44 |
| Average 5G Upload Speed | 19.52 | 22.36 |
| 5G Availability | 44.5% | 40.8% |
| Consistency | 88.4% | 79.8% |
Of course, real-world speeds can vary significantly based on factors like your device, location, network conditions, and terrain. And 5G coverage is still far from ubiquitous. As of January 2024, Verizon‘s 5G covers around 230 million people while AT&T‘s 5G network reaches nearly 250 million.
Value
Comparing the overall value of Verizon vs. AT&T plans is tricky because much depends on your specific needs and budget. Generally, Verizon plans tend to be slightly pricier than comparable AT&T plans, but Verizon also ranks higher in customer satisfaction.
In the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index survey of wireless customers, Verizon scored 74/100, ranking second overall behind only Consumer Cellular. AT&T ranked third with a score of 73/100.
Here‘s a high-level comparison of Verizon and AT&T‘s current unlimited plans for a single line (as of March 2024):
| Plan | Price | Premium Data | Hotspot | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Start Unlimited | $70 | N/A | N/A | 6 months Disney+ |
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | $80 | 50 GB | 25 GB | Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | $80 | 50 GB | 25 GB | 50% off connected device plans |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | $90 | Unlimited | 30 GB | Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, Apple Music |
| AT&T Unlimited Starter | $65 | N/A | N/A | 6 months Stadia Pro |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | $75 | 50 GB | 15 GB | 6 months Stadia Pro |
| AT&T Unlimited Elite | $85 | 100 GB | 30 GB | HBO Max, 6 months Stadia Pro |
As you can see, AT&T‘s unlimited plans are $5-10 cheaper across the board compared to Verizon‘s. However, Verizon offers more perks like streaming service bundles at certain tiers.
For individuals or families who don‘t need unlimited data, AT&T‘s 4GB shared data plan for $50/month is one of the best values on the market right now. Verizon‘s entry-level shared data plan starts at $55/month for only 2GB.
Switching From Verizon to AT&T: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have a better idea of how Verizon and AT&T compare, let‘s walk through the process of actually making the switch. Don‘t worry – it‘s not as daunting as it seems!
Step 1: Check your Verizon contract status
Before you do anything else, check to see if you are still under contract with Verizon. If you are, you may face early termination fees (ETFs) up to $350 for ending your contract early.
You can check your contract status by logging into your Verizon account online and looking for your contract end date. If your contract has expired, you‘re free to switch without penalty.
Step 2: Choose an AT&T plan
Browse AT&T‘s current plans and promotions to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind your typical data usage as well as any must-have features or perks.
Some questions to ask yourself:
- Is an unlimited plan really necessary or would a cheaper data-capped plan suffice?
- Do I want to be able to use my phone as a mobile hotspot? How much hotspot data do I need?
- Am I interested in any bundled perks like free streaming services?
- How many lines do I need for my family?
Don‘t forget to compare the total monthly cost of the plan plus any device payments and taxes/fees.
Step 3: Check device compatibility and upgrade options
Before you commit to AT&T, make sure your current device will work on the AT&T network. You can check compatibility online by entering your device‘s IMEI number into AT&T‘s BYOD compatibility tool.
Alternatively, you can purchase a new device from AT&T. The carrier offers a variety of the latest smartphones from top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Look for trade-in offers and other discounts if you‘re upgrading.
Step 4: Order your AT&T plan and start the porting process
Once you‘ve selected your AT&T plan and device, you can begin the porting process to transfer your number from Verizon. You‘ll need to provide the following information:
- Your Verizon account number
- Your Verizon account password or PIN
- Your Verizon billing address
AT&T will work with Verizon to port your number, which typically takes anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours. Your Verizon service will continue to work during the porting process.
Step 5: Activate your AT&T service and cancel Verizon
After your number has been successfully ported, your AT&T service should activate automatically. If you‘re using a new device, follow the provided activation instructions and call AT&T if you run into any issues.
As soon as your AT&T service is working, contact Verizon to cancel your old plan and confirm any final charges. If you were under contract, be prepared to pay your final Verizon bill including any early termination fees that apply.
Step 6: Enjoy your new AT&T service!
Congratulations, you‘re officially an AT&T customer! Download the myAT&T app to manage your account, track your data usage, and get support 24/7. Remember to recycle or return your old devices if no longer needed.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Switching carriers can be stressful, but there are a few things you can do to make the process as painless as possible:
-
Time it right. If possible, initiate your switch to AT&T a few days before your current Verizon billing cycle ends. That way you can avoid paying for service you won‘t use. Just be sure to coordinate the port so you don‘t get stuck without service in between.
-
Check for switcher promotions. AT&T often offers special deals for customers coming from other carriers, like waived activation fees or bonus bill credits. Ask a sales rep or check online to make sure you‘re getting the best possible value.
-
Back up important data. If you‘re upgrading to a new device, be sure to back up your contacts, photos, and other important info from your old phone before making the switch.
-
Update your billing info. Once you‘ve activated AT&T service, update your billing info in your AT&T account. Consider setting up AutoPay and paperless billing for added convenience.
-
Sell or recycle old devices. After you‘ve confirmed that your AT&T service is working properly, you can sell your old Verizon phone to recoup some cash or donate it to a charitable recycling program.
The Future of Wireless: 5G and Beyond
The wireless industry is evolving quickly thanks to the rollout of 5G networks promising lightning-fast speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. All of the major U.S. carriers including Verizon and AT&T continue to expand their 5G coverage and capabilities.
As a consumer, this is exciting news. 5G will unlock new possibilities like truly immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences, seamless video streaming, and real-time mobile gaming. 5G is also a key enabler of other emerging technologies like self-driving cars and smart cities.
However, the reality of 5G is still a work in progress. Current 5G coverage is limited compared to 4G LTE, and you need a compatible device to access 5G networks. Carriers are also still fine-tuning their 5G strategies and service plans.
Looking ahead, most analysts agree that Verizon and AT&T are well-positioned to lead the 5G era thanks to their extensive infrastructure, resources, and spectrum holdings. T-Mobile is a formidable 5G competitor as well after merging with Sprint.
Choosing the best 5G carrier for you will likely come down to a combination of coverage, speed, and price in your area. As 5G continues to mature and more devices hit the market, we can expect the major carriers to keep innovating and jockeying for subscribers.
Final Thoughts
Switching wireless carriers is a big decision, but it doesn‘t have to be an ordeal. By doing your research and carefully comparing your options, you can find a plan and provider that fits your unique needs and budget.
While Verizon has earned its reputation as a reliable network, AT&T offers competitive coverage and speed at lower price points in many cases. As with any major purchase, it pays to shop around.
I hope this guide has given you a helpful overview of the key considerations and steps involved in switching from Verizon to AT&T. Remember, there‘s no one-size-fits-all solution. The "best" carrier is the one that works best for your individual situation.
Still have questions? Don‘t hesitate to reach out to AT&T‘s customer support or visit a retail store for personalized guidance. No matter which provider you choose, I wish you happy shopping and fast, dependable wireless service!
