4G Modems

[Brandon Jenkins]

To each his own I suppose. I've had almost no complete loss of voice service in the years I have used AT&T. I can't say the same for data but again I am not advocating use as a primary data source. I guess we can agree to disagree on what would be considered worthless. We've all had different experiences with different providers, just thought I would share.

 

[STexan]

There is a lot of talk about what is a "bad data" carrier, but little mention of what is a good data carrier. Am I to assume it's Verizon? I drive a truck across 48 states 8 months out of the year and did it with Verizon for several years and did it with ATT the last few years. Both had weak areas and strong areas (rural) but to me, I struggled constantly during my weather season with Verizon in rural areas of KS, Western OK, TX panhandle, and other areas. And in rural areas of NV and UT, Verizon was useless. Finally got mad and went to ATT. Not sure it's that much better. But who does provide the best data coverage in western OK for instance?

But with regards to ATT, I show 4G signal in many areas I would not have expected it. (on my phone, and my mobile hotspot device seems to pick up better than my phone) However, there are many areas along the red river from Wichita Falls to Amarillo, where my ATT coverage is awful and the locals there recommend US Cellular. So, I guess I don't know what to tell you.

Anyone using US Cellular? I understand their primary markets are relatively small and spread out in some odd areas but I wonder what kind of sharing agreements they have? I notice they don't have any 4G devices, but that's fine so long as their 3G coverage is strong. I don't put much stock in the "coverage maps" that carriers put out there.

 

[STexan]

Found this. Don't know how accurate it is or how much stock to put in it ...

http://www.cellularmaps.com/net_compare.shtml

 

[Brandon Jenkins]

The best all around carrier seems to be Verizon. Western Oklahoma has always been somewhat of a data hole depending on your provider but Verizon has recently acquired a lease on new towers there that was once held by Sprint (so theoretically Verizon's coverage should improve soon). I think you will experience holes and gaps with any provider, they just can't cover everything and every device seems to be a little different in terms of signal strength. The ultimate goal would be to use a cellular amplifier in conjunction with Verizon, Sprint (or Millenicom). This would typically give you the best results and keep you covered a majority of the time.

You have to remember something regarding AT&T and "4G". When your phone displays 4G it is really only in a 3G coverage area, AT&T refers to HSPA+ (3G) as 4G. Definitely a little misleading. The only real 4G they have is LTE, which is currently only in major city markets. The coverage map you posted is definitely misleading. You want to look at something that differentiates between EDGE, 3G, and LTE. See this link and click on coverage, should give you a better idea.

The reason AT&T isn't regarded highly around here is the lack of 3G coverage in rural areas when compared to Verizon and Sprint. And while they do have Edge in most of those areas, it is slow and cumbersome compared to 3G and admittedly worthless for chasers who want to stream live video. It does the job for downloading radar updates but won't get you much more than that. It has been nice to have as a backup in some remote areas where Verizon 1xrtt has failed me, but if you want the best data available on the plains, they just aren't it.

 

[Gordon Spencer]

Nope , Those are really old maps . And AT&T still is exaggerating . You should see Verizon on current map as well. Wy more coverage.

Found this. Don't know how accurate it is or how much stock to put in it ...

http://www.cellularmaps.com/net_compare.shtml