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AT&T and Verizon are two telecommunications behemoths in the United States. Naturally, the AT&T vs. Verizon coverage dispute has raged for years. Everyone is wondering which network genuinely reigns supreme for 4G LTE and 5G coverage. Let us compare AT&T and Verizon’s nationwide coverage maps, assessing their strengths and limitations as well as the elements that may tip the scales in favor of one over the other. Which network is the finest after everything is said and done? The answer can be found in the provider coverage maps.
AT&T vs Verizon Coverage Overview
Beyond pricing, special features, and exclusive deals, how do AT&T and Verizon compare in the most important areas? Of course, we’re talking about coverage. Which network has the best nationwide coverage? The solution can be found in the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection coverage maps.
Let’s focus on six different forms of coverage: outside stationary and in-vehicle mobile coverage for 4G LTE, 5G 7/1 Mbps, and 5G 35/3 Mbps speeds. Check out the chart below for an overview of AT&T vs Verizon coverage figures, then click on the maps for more precise information. Finally, we’ll be able to say with certainty which network is the best.
AT&T | Verizon | |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Stationary 4G Coverage | 55.11% | 55.05% |
Outdoor Stationary 5G (7/1 Mbps) | 31.49% | 12.08% |
Outdoor Stationary 5G (35/3 Mbps) | 10.92% | 8.11% |
In-Vehicle Mobile 5G (7/1 Mbps) | 43.03% | 22.06% |
In-Vehicle Mobile 5G (35/3 Mbps) | 26.13% | 2.96% |
In Vehicle Mobile 5G (35/3 Mbps) | 9.96% | 1.40% |
AT&T vs Verizon 4G LTE Coverage: Outdoor Stationary

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AT&T and Verizon’s 4G LTE coverage vary by only 0.06% when outdoors and stationary. Looking solely at the figures, AT&T’s coverage narrowly edges out Verizon’s. However, when looking at the map, there are some regions where AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage (red) fills gaps left by Verizon’s (blue), such as rural Oklahoma, Utah, Montana, Kentucky, and beyond.
In comparison, Verizon only supports AT&T dead zones in Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and a few other states. This visual aid highlights how AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage outperforms Verizon’s.
AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (7/1 Mbps): Outdoor Stationary

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AT&T (red) defeats Verizon (blue) when it comes to outdoor stationary 5G coverage at speeds of 7/1 Mbps. This time, the two aren’t even close. AT&T provides 31.49% coverage at this speed, while Verizon only provides 12.08%.
Based on the map, Verizon’s coverage is mostly limited to the east and west coasts, as well as sections of the Midwest. AT&T’s coverage is far more widespread across the country, spanning far more places than its competitor. Unfortunately, neither can give consistent coverage to most of Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, and other portions of the northwest United States.
AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (35/3 Mbps): Outdoor Stationary

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With outdoor stationary 5G speeds increased to 35/3 Mbps, the gap between AT&T (red) and Verizon (blue) narrows. AT&T provides 10.92% coverage, while Verizon provides 8.11%. Looking at the map, AT&T still has more coverage in the Midwest than Verizon.
However, the absence of coverage in the country’s northwest is evident here. To be clear, this is not a good look for any supplier. Residents in Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, and other neighboring states are left high and dry in this regard by both AT&T and Verizon.
AT&T vs Verizon 4G LTE Coverage: In-Vehicle Mobile

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The story is similar with 4G LTE coverage while in-vehicle mobile. In terms of total coverage, AT&T (red) continues to outperform Verizon (blue), this time by more than 20%. In this regard, AT&T covers 43.03% of the country, whereas Verizon covers only 22.06% of the country.
It is becoming increasingly evident how this AT&T vs. Verizon coverage battle will likely play out. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that AT&T performs a better job covering the western side of the country, while Verizon covers some AT&T dead zones on the eastern side.
AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (7/1 Mbps): In-Vehicle Mobile

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Talk about a significant step down from 4G LTE to 5G. When comparing AT&T’s (red) and Verizon’s (blue) 5G coverage at 7/1 Mbps speeds, AT&T guarantees 26.13% coverage while Verizon only offers 2.96%.
The majority of Verizon’s 5G coverage at 7/1 Mbps is limited to the east and west coasts, as well as select areas of the Midwest. AT&T, on the other hand, extends its 5G coverage at 7/1 Mbps across the entire map. (Once again, both suppliers leave the northwest high and dry.)
AT&T vs Verizon 5G Coverage (35/3 Mbps): In-Vehicle Mobile

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With 5G speeds increased to 35/3 Mbps, we notice a lot more white space across the western United States. Surprisingly, we are also beginning to notice significant coverage gaps in the country’s east.
AT&T (red) provides 9.96% 5G coverage at 35/3 Mbps when mobile in-vehicle. Verizon (blue) provides only 1.40% 5G coverage under the identical conditions. In this regard, neither network is necessarily outstanding, but AT&T comes out ahead of Verizon.
AT&T vs Verizon: Who Has the Better 5G Network?
A good technique to determine who has the superior 5G network coverage between AT&T and Verizon? Examining regions with at least 50% coverage when stationary outside and in-vehicle mobility. Let’s have a look at the maps and see how the two providers compare in the areas listed below.
At Least 50% Coverage When Outdoor Stationary

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This is intriguing: both AT&T and Verizon 5G coverage maps have their own set of advantages and disadvantages when stationary outside. Verizon covers the majority of the eastern United States, as well as parts of the east and midwest. In comparison, AT&T has some significant gaps on the east and west coasts while doing a much better job covering the country’s north and south.
At Least 50% Coverage When In-Vehicle Mobile

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Although you may need a magnifying glass to notice it, there is some Verizon (blue) coverage on the map above. However, AT&T is by far the most dependable source of 5G coverage for in-vehicle mobile.
AT&T vs Verizon Coverage: Which Network Is Best?
When comparing AT&T and Verizon coverage, one network stands out as the clear winner. Across the country, AT&T outperforms Verizon in every type of coverage shown on the map. AT&T constantly surpasses Verizon, whether it’s through the breadth of their 4G LTE network or the cutting-edge reach of their 5G network. AT&T’s commitment to extensive coverage means that more people stay connected on their network than Verizon’s, from hectic city centers to distant rural areas. As a result, AT&T leads in terms of dependable and comprehensive network coverage.