If you‘re shopping for a new wireless plan, coverage is probably at the top of your checklist. After all, what good is an unlimited data plan if you can‘t get a reliable signal?
US Cellular and T-Mobile are two of the most popular carriers in the country, but they have very different coverage profiles. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll put them head-to-head to see which one offers the best coverage where it matters most to you.
US Cellular vs T-Mobile: Tale of the Tape
Let‘s start with a quick overview of each carrier:
US Cellular
- 4th largest wireless carrier in the U.S.
- Over 5 million customers
- Native network covers ~10% of the country
- Roaming agreements provide service in parts of 48 states
- Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction in North Central region by J.D. Power
T-Mobile
- 2nd largest wireless carrier in the U.S. (after merging with Sprint)
- Over 100 million customers
- Native network covers ~62% of the country
- Largest 5G network, reaching over 325 million people
- Known for competitive prices and added perks
As you can see, T-Mobile has a significant size advantage over US Cellular. But bigger doesn‘t always mean better, especially if you mainly use your phone in areas where US Cellular excels. Let‘s take a closer look at the coverage data.
4G LTE Coverage Comparison
For most of us, 4G LTE is the network that matters most. It‘s been the standard for fast data speeds for years, and it still handles the vast majority of our cellular traffic.
According to Opensignal‘s latest report, T-Mobile users were connected to 4G 95.4% of the time, compared to 94.2% for US Cellular. Here‘s how that looks on a state-by-state basis:
| State | T-Mobile 4G Availability | US Cellular 4G Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 96.5% | n/a |
| Alaska | 90.2% | n/a |
| Arizona | 98.3% | n/a |
| Arkansas | 95.7% | n/a |
| California | 97.8% | 89.6% |
| Colorado | 97.1% | n/a |
| Connecticut | 98.2% | n/a |
| Delaware | 97.9% | n/a |
| District of Columbia | 98.5% | n/a |
| Florida | 97.5% | n/a |
| Georgia | 97.4% | n/a |
| Hawaii | 98.1% | n/a |
| Idaho | 96.8% | n/a |
| Illinois | 97.2% | 98.1% |
| Indiana | 97.1% | n/a |
| Iowa | 96.9% | 98.5% |
| Kansas | 96.4% | 97.3% |
| Kentucky | 96.2% | n/a |
| Louisiana | 96.8% | n/a |
| Maine | 96.1% | 97.9% |
| Maryland | 97.6% | n/a |
| Massachusetts | 98.1% | n/a |
| Michigan | 97.4% | n/a |
| Minnesota | 97.3% | 97.8% |
| Mississippi | 95.2% | n/a |
| Missouri | 96.7% | 97.5% |
| Montana | 95.4% | n/a |
| Nebraska | 97.2% | 98.3% |
| Nevada | 98.2% | n/a |
| New Hampshire | 97.8% | 98.2% |
| New Jersey | 98.4% | n/a |
| New Mexico | 97.1% | n/a |
| New York | 98.2% | n/a |
| North Carolina | 97.1% | 97.6% |
| North Dakota | 96.3% | n/a |
| Ohio | 97.4% | n/a |
| Oklahoma | 96.5% | 97.1% |
| Oregon | 97.9% | 98.4% |
| Pennsylvania | 97.8% | n/a |
| Rhode Island | 98.5% | n/a |
| South Carolina | 97.2% | n/a |
| South Dakota | 96.8% | n/a |
| Tennessee | 96.9% | n/a |
| Texas | 97.5% | n/a |
| Utah | 98.1% | n/a |
| Vermont | 97.2% | n/a |
| Virginia | 97.4% | 97.8% |
| Washington | 98.3% | 98.7% |
| West Virginia | 95.8% | n/a |
| Wisconsin | 97.6% | 98.9% |
| Wyoming | 96.1% | n/a |
Source: Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report January 2023
As you can see, T-Mobile has the edge for 4G availability in most states. But in US Cellular‘s core coverage area in the Midwest, the regional carrier is very competitive. In some states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, US Cellular actually beats T-Mobile for 4G reach.
What about data speeds? T-Mobile is the clear leader here, with average 4G download speeds of 54.1 Mbps nationwide according to Opensignal. US Cellular clocked in at a still-respectable 36.8 Mbps.
However, US Cellular customers in certain states enjoyed speeds much closer to T-Mobile‘s. For example, US Cellular averaged 44.2 Mbps in Oregon, not far off T-Mobile‘s 47.5 Mbps.
So while T-Mobile is ahead overall, US Cellular delivers comparable 4G performance in pockets of the country. If you live in one of those areas, the local carrier is definitely worth a look.
5G Coverage Comparison
5G is the next big thing in mobile, promising lightning-quick downloads and near-instant responsiveness. All the major carriers are racing to blanket the country with 5G service.
T-Mobile jumped out to an early lead and hasn‘t looked back. Its "Ultra Capacity" 5G network, using ideal midband spectrum, now covers over 260 million people. In total, over 325 million Americans have access to some form of T-Mobile 5G.
US Cellular launched its 5G network in 2020, starting with parts of Iowa and Wisconsin. The carrier now offers 5G in portions of 23 states. But its coverage is a drop in the bucket compared to T-Mobile‘s.
According to data from Opensignal, T-Mobile 5G users enjoyed an average download speed of 171.1 Mbps. US Cellular 5G speeds averaged a much lower 46.2 Mbps.
So if 5G access is important to you, T-Mobile is by far the better bet. Its 5G network is several times larger and faster than US Cellular‘s.
That said, 5G is still a work in progress. The networks are expanding all the time, and the technology itself is evolving rapidly. US Cellular has invested over $1 billion to build out its 5G infrastructure and acquire more spectrum licenses.
So while T-Mobile is way ahead today, the 5G race is far from over. US Cellular and other regional carriers will keep working to close the gap in the coming years.
Roaming Partnerships Expand Coverage
One way US Cellular makes up for its relatively small native network is through roaming agreements with other carriers. These partnerships allow US Cellular customers to access the networks of Verizon, AT&T, and even T-Mobile when outside US Cellular‘s home turf.
So even though US Cellular only directly covers around 10% of the country, it can actually offer service in parts of 48 states thanks to roaming. That‘s a huge advantage for US Cellular customers who regularly travel outside the Midwest.
There are a couple of caveats, though. First, you may experience slower data speeds when roaming compared to US Cellular‘s native network. And the carrier may limit your off-network data usage to 400MB per billing cycle.
Still, having access to partner networks is a big selling point for US Cellular. If you want the flexibility to use your phone in more places without giving up the regional carrier‘s top-rated customer service, US Cellular‘s roaming agreements are tough to beat.
Coverage X-Factors
In addition to the big metrics like 4G/5G availability and speed, there are a few other coverage-related factors to consider when comparing US Cellular vs T-Mobile:
Network Reliability: In the latest J.D. Power Network Quality Study, US Cellular actually ranked highest among all carriers in the North Central region. It scored better than T-Mobile (and Verizon and AT&T) for call, text, and data reliability.
Rural Coverage: US Cellular has made a point of focusing on underserved rural areas, especially in the Midwest. If you live in a small town or remote area, US Cellular may offer better coverage than T-Mobile.
Voice over LTE (VoLTE): This technology allows for higher-quality voice calls over the 4G LTE network. Both T-Mobile and US Cellular offer VoLTE nationwide.
International Roaming: T-Mobile includes free international data roaming in over 210 countries with most of its plans. US Cellular charges extra for international service, and its speeds are generally slower than T-Mobile‘s.
Coverage Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
While coverage is arguably the most important factor in choosing a mobile carrier, it‘s not the only thing that matters. Here are a few other key considerations:
Price: T-Mobile is known for its industry-leading unlimited plans, which include perks like free Netflix and in-flight Wi-Fi. US Cellular‘s unlimited plans are priced similarly, but usually without as many extras. That said, both carriers frequently run promos for new customers, so be sure to shop around.
Phone Selection: You‘ll find the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models at both T-Mobile and US Cellular. But T-Mobile tends to carry a wider variety of brands overall, including OnePlus, Google, and Motorola. If you‘re looking for an obscure model, you may have better luck with T-Mobile.
Customer Service: US Cellular has an excellent reputation for customer care, consistently ranking at the top of J.D. Power‘s customer satisfaction studies. T-Mobile‘s customer service ratings are more middle-of-the-pack.
Unique Perks: Both carriers offer some unique benefits to their subscribers. T-Mobile customers get weekly freebies and discounts through the T-Mobile Tuesdays app. US Cellular has a points-based rewards program that lets you save up for discounts on your bill or new devices.
Ultimately, the best carrier for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you want the best overall coverage and perks, T-Mobile is probably the way to go. But if you mainly use your phone in US Cellular‘s core service area and value top-tier customer support, the regional carrier may be the better option.
The Bottom Line
Coverage is a critical factor to consider when choosing between US Cellular and T-Mobile. And in most of the country, T-Mobile comes out ahead thanks to its larger and faster 4G LTE and 5G networks.
However, US Cellular offers highly competitive coverage in the Midwest, often rivaling or even exceeding T-Mobile‘s network quality in states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and Oregon. Through roaming partnerships, US Cellular customers can also access service in many areas outside the carrier‘s native coverage.
Choosing between the two carriers ultimately comes down to where you live and how you use your phone. If you want the absolute best nationwide coverage and perks, T-Mobile is tough to beat. But if you mainly stay in US Cellular‘s regional stronghold and prefer top-rated customer service, the local carrier may be the way to go.
Before making a decision, be sure to check each carrier‘s coverage map in the areas where you spend the most time. And don‘t forget to compare plans, pricing, and promotions to find the best overall value for your needs.
