If you’re looking for a new cell phone plan, you may have come across Spectrum Mobile.
Spectrum Mobile’s affordable cell phone plans can easily save families well over $500 per year on their cell phone bill.
However, you may wonder if Spectrum Mobile’s coverage will meet your expectations.
In this article, we will explore the coverage provided by Spectrum Mobile and compare it to other major carriers to help you make an informed decision.
Spectrum Mobile Coverage
Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon’s network to provide coverage.
If you get good Verizon coverage in your area, then you’ll also have good Spectrum Mobile coverage.
You can check what specific coverage is like in your area using our maps below.
The first map is an estimated coverage map of Spectrum Mobile’s coverage.
The second map is a crowd-sourced map of Spectrum’s coverage area. It was created from over 2.1 million speed tests submitted by consumers looking to help others get a more accurate picture of what cell coverage is like in their area.
If you’re interested in contributing to the project, you can learn more here.
Check Spectrum Mobile coverage in your area using the search bar on the maps below:
Spectrum Mobile Coverage Quick Stats
- Total area covered: 55%
- Total square miles covered: 2,095,163
- 5G area covered: 12%
- 5G square miles covered: 459,756
The above data comes from the FCC’s National Broadband Map.
The FCC displays coverage data in terms of the percentage of area in the United States that each carrier covers.
Currently, the highest percentage of the area in the United States covered by a single network is 55%. This may seem like a smaller percentage than you would expect, but it’s because large areas of rural land where no one lives, like the vast wilderness of Alaska (17.5% of the total land area of the United States) remain uncovered.
We calculate the total square miles covered by the network by multiplying the percentage of area covered by the total area of the United States, which is 3,805,927 square miles as reported by the United States Census Bureau in 2010.
What network does Spectrum Mobile use?
Spectrum Mobile rides on the Verizon network for coverage
Since Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon, its coverage is essentially the same as that of Verizon.
This means that Spectrum Mobile offers extensive 4G LTE and 5G coverage across the country.
In addition to Verizon, all Spectrum Mobile customers get free access to Spectrum’s nationwide network Wi-Fi hotspots. You get free unlimited data on the Wi-Fi hotspots that doesn’t count against your plan’s high-speed allotment.
Spectrum Mobile 5G Coverage
Spectrum Mobile offers nationwide 5G coverage on Verizon’s 5G network, which covers over 230 million people or just over 69% of the U.S. population.
Spectrum Mobile also includes access to both Verizon’s 5G Nationwide and 5G Ultra Wideband networks, which means Spectrum Mobile customers can enjoy the fastest speeds available on the Verizon network.
Spectrum Mobile 4G LTE Coverage
Spectrum Mobile has nationwide 4G LTE coverage on Verizon’s robust 4G LTE network, which covers over 99% of Americans.
Spectrum Mobile vs. Verizon Coverage
Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon towers, so coverage is the same between the two carriers.
Spectrum Mobile even gets access to Verizon’s domestic roaming partners.
Domestic roaming is where your phone uses a partner network for coverage in areas where your primary network doesn’t have service.
Most times, prepaid cell phone carriers don’t get access to the same domestic roaming agreements that are negotiated by the bigger carriers.
However, Spectrum Mobile actually does get access to domestic roaming.
All this means is you’ll have more coverage in more places.
You’ll have exactly the same coverage footprint as Verizon postpaid customers directly. You’ll even have more options for getting connected thanks to Spectrum Mobile’s extensive network of free Wi-Fi hotspots that you can use.
Spectrum Mobile vs. AT&T Coverage
Spectrum Mobile’s coverage is similar to AT&T’s coverage.
Spectrum Mobile’s LTE network covers 55% of the U.S., and AT&T’s LTE network also covers 55% of the U.S.
When it comes to 5G, Spectrum Mobile has a bit worse coverage than AT&T. Only 12% of the U.S. is covered by Spectrum Mobile 5G, whereas 31% is covered by AT&T 5G.
Data speeds are similar between the two carriers.
Ookla’s latest report shows both carriers got around 65-70 Mbps for their median download speeds, and around 7-10 Mbps for median upload speeds.
Spectrum Mobile and AT&T will likely be suitable choices for many consumers, particularly in cities and in more rural areas.
Spectrum Mobile does offer a slight advantage with its network of Wi-Fi hotspots though, which is something AT&T does not offer.
Check AT&T coverage in your area here.
Spectrum Mobile vs. T-Mobile Coverage
Spectrum Mobile has broader network coverage when compared to T-Mobile.
Spectrum Mobile covers 55% of the United States, whereas T-Mobile covers 35%, so you’re more likely to have service on Spectrum Mobile.
However, T-Mobile has a significantly larger 5G network, with 26% of the US covered, compared to Spectrum Mobile's 5G coverage of 12%.
In terms of data speeds, there is a noticeable difference between the two carriers.
According to Ookla’s latest report, Spectrum Mobile's median download speed stands at 69.01 Mbps, while its median upload speed is 9.33 Mbps.
On the other hand, T-Mobile boasts much faster median download and upload speeds, with 151.37 Mbps and 12.53 Mbps respectively.
The better network for you likely depends on your preferences. Spectrum Mobile provides a more extensive overall network coverage, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize connectivity in a wider range of locations. In contrast, T-Mobile offers a larger 5G coverage area and significantly faster data speeds, making it an attractive option for those who want blazing fast speeds on their smartphone.
You can check T-Mobile coverage in your area here.
Spectrum Mobile Coverage by State
This data comes from the FCC.
Spectrum Mobile Data Speeds by State
This data comes from our community-contributed coverage map.
Spectrum Mobile Coverage Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spectrum Mobile coverage good?
Spectrum Mobile uses Verizon, which has the largest coverage area in America. For most people, yes, Spectrum Mobile's coverage will be good.
Does Spectrum Mobile offer 5G?
Yes. Spectrum Mobile offers 5G on both Verizon's Nationwide 5G network and Verizon's Ultra Wideband 5G network.
Does Spectrum Mobile have coverage in Canada?
Spectrum Mobile includes coverage in Canada at pay-per-use rates. Calls are $0.01 per minute, data is $0.01 per MB ($10 per GB), and texts are free.
Does Spectrum Mobile have coverage in Mexico?
Spectrum Mobile includes coverage in Canada at pay-per-use rates. Calls are $0.02 per minute, data is $0.01 per MB ($10 per GB), and texts are free.
Does Spectrum Mobile have international coverage?
Spectrum Mobile offers pay-per-use rates for talk, text, and data in over 200 international destinations.