Considering switching from another carrier, but would like to know what my cell phone reception would be like.
Keep in mind that coverage maps may show really good service in a particular area but once you get inside a building that could all fade away...FAST! I've had this happen to me and I've watched it happen many times at some of the places I frequent which the coverage map shows strong service. Doing your homework is a great first step...but you'll never truly know until you get a device from a specific carrier in your hand and start utilizing it the area you frequent. Thank god for a return window...even if there is a small restocking fee...
Check sites like OpenSignal, but not Root Metrics...it's a bit biased towards Verizon.
Not a deal breaker BTW, just want to know before I make the big switch.
Verizon is everywhere, but you must have a really good reason to switch TO Verizon instead of FROM verizon.
CellReception | Find a better signal.
Might be worth a look, in my area it doesn't show all the Verizon towers, I am guessing it may depend on who owns the towers as to whether they show up as Verizon.
Are you primarily interested in phone or data coverage?
Are you a large or small data consumer?
Are you coming from an unlimited data plan?
Why are you interested in switching? What are you seeking?
Do you travel much?
The map on that site was fairly accurate, except it showed no Sprint towers, which isnt accurate.
Depends on your area, my shows all the Sprint towers but only Verizon on South side of town nothing North.
I don't travel excessively, but I live in a rural-ish area, so I just wanted to be sure that there actually were towers near me before even bothering to walk into the store.
Thanks. Why is it that coverage varies this way? Is it something in the walls of the building?
Yes, cellular service is based upon line of sight. Anything between you and the signal has the possibility of blocking the signal to some extent. Some materials are better at blocking the signal than other materials. Steel building supports, for example, are excellent at blocking cellular signals.
Mountains also wreak havoc with cellular signals so low spots in terrain could potentially get no signal, especially in Tucson, we are surrounded by mountains and hilly terrain.
