AT&T 5G and 4G Coverage Maps

One of the most important factors you should consider before switching to any carrier is coverage. AT&T, as one of the major three carriers in the country, happens to have the second-best overall coverage in the nation. 

For 4G LTE coverage, it sits right behind Verizon, and for 5G coverage, AT&T is second to T-Mobile. You can generally find excellent urban coverage on AT&T, though you may find pockets of dead zones in rural areas. 

Let's take a closer look at the AT&T coverage map and see how it compares to its two major competitors.

AT&T coverage map

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AT&T's network map covers about 68% of the country. That puts it above T-Mobile by 6% and behind Verizon by 2%. As with the other two big carriers, AT&T pretty much has all major cities in the U.S. covered. However, it doesn't have solid coverage in more rural areas, especially in comparison to Verizon. Still, for those further away from large metropolitan areas, AT&T is often a better choice than T-Mobile, which has even worse rural coverage. 

AT&T 5G coverage map

Here is how AT&T's 5G network map compares to its two main rivals:

1. T-Mobile: 53.79% 5G coverage
2. AT&T: 29.52% 5G coverage 
3. Verizon: 12.77% 5G coverage

Like with 4G LTE, AT&T sits right in the middle of the pack when it comes to 5G coverage. This time, T-Mobile is the carrier above AT&T while Verizon is behind. The three carriers aren't particularly close when it comes to 5G coverage. Here we see T-Mobile towering above AT&T, and AT&T more than doubles Verizon's 5G coverage.

All three carriers technically have nationwide 5G networks, but that's mainly because they all have 5G coverage in highly populated areas. The FCC allows carriers to claim nationwide network coverage based on how much of the population is covered rather than how much land area is covered. You can compare AT&T's 4G LTE or 5G coverage maps to the other big cell phone carriers by using the pulldown options and network selectors in the map above.

AT&T 4G coverage map

Here is how AT&T's 4G LTE coverage stacks up to the other major carriers:

1. Verizon: 70% 4G LTE coverage
2. AT&T: 68% 4G LTE coverage
3. T-Mobile: 62% LTE 4G coverage

AT&T doesn't trail too far behind Verizon, but the 2% difference likely accounts for Verizon's edge over AT&T regarding coverage in rural areas. Rural coverage is one of Verizon's biggest strengths. But AT&T is still much better in the country's sparsely populated parts than T-Mobile, which reflects the 6% coverage difference between the two carriers.

How good is AT&T's coverage?

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AT&T coverage pros & cons

• Excellent coverage in highly populated cities
• Right behind Verizon in 4G LTE coverage
• Decent rural coverage
• 5G coverage still need more growth
• Some holes in rural coverages

Does AT&T have good coverage near you?

The best way to check AT&T's signal near you is through WhistleOut's interactive map. Toggle between LTE and 5G networks on our interactive map to determine if your area has a strong AT&T signal. If your area is saturated in purple, you can expect reliable service from AT&T. 

If you want to check coverage for a specific AT&T plan, head over to our comparison engine tool. Simply adjust your talk/text/data preferences, then type your street address where it reads "Coverage Check." On the resulting page, you'll be able to get location-specific AT&T coverage map info by clicking one of the buttons on the upper-right hand of your screen.

Check out which AT&T phone plans we like best and what current family plan discounts look like. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to AT&T with the same coverage, check out the best AT&T MVNOs like Cricket or US Mobile.

AT&T coverage by state

Typical of each big network, AT&T's best coverage is in large metropolitan areas and developed states. Here's a closer look at the states where AT&T has the strongest coverage for 4G LTE and 5G.

Check out this chart to see how AT&T has each state covered:

AT&T international coverage

For AT&T's current lineup of postpaid unlimited options, you get AT&T coverage in Mexico and Canada for free as a part of your plan. 

Through partnerships with international carriers, AT&T can also offer coverage in over 210 destinations through the AT&T International Day Pass. Connecting to these international networks while abroad will cost you $10/day. While that rate can add up to a costly bill, the great thing about the pass is that you'll be able to use your phone with the same limits (or lack thereof) you have while you are at home. If you have unlimited data in your regular plan, you get unlimited data with your day pass.

AT&T network vs. Verizon and T-Mobile

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Any way you look at it, AT&T has the second-best coverage in the country. But what exactly does that mean? Let's take a closer look at how AT&T's coverage map compares to T-Mobile's and Verizon's maps.

AT&T vs. T-Mobile coverage

Despite the fact T-Mobile has a larger 5G network, AT&T still offers better coverage overall thanks to its large 4G LTE network. It's 5G coverage is also excellent in urban areas across the country. As more people get 5G-compatible phones and 5G starts living up to its potential, T-Mobile could leapfrog right over AT&T. For now, AT&T has the lead in this contest.

AT&T vs. Verizon coverage

Yes, Verizon is way behind when it comes to 5G, but its superior 4G LTE puts it atop all carriers as far as coverage is concerned. This, of course, could change, and when factoring in future 5G availability, AT&T could easily overtake Verizon. And that’s if Verizon hasn't already caught up to AT&T and T-Mobile with 5G coverage by then. AT&T does have good rural coverage, and while we can't say that any carrier has excellent rural coverage, Verizon's “good” coverage is better than AT&T's. For now, AT&T has to continue living in Verizon's shadow.

Small carriers on AT&T's network

You don't have to buy a plan from Big Blue specifically to enjoy AT&T's wireless coverage. Instead, many smaller carriers, known as MVNOs, lease space on the network.