Verizon vs. US Cellular: Which Carrier is Better?

Verizon is one of the three major wireless networks popular in the United States, and U.S. Cellular is a major wireless network and the fourth-largest cellular company in the United States. It brings something unique to the table that the other major wireless companies are not able to. It operates in a much smaller area but has roaming agreements with the other networks that allow its users to enjoy fast service even when they are not in range of the U.S. Cellular towers.

US Cellular is interesting. It comfortably fits between our understanding of Major Wireless Networks and MVNOs. It does own and operate a network, but only over a small part of the continental United States. For the rest of the country, they have a roaming agreement with AT&T, giving low-priority, high-speed data. Financially, U.S. Cellular has shown resilience with its strategic market positioning and financial performance metrics, which have been crucial in maintaining its operations and competitive edge.

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of both carriers and what they offer. We’ll also cover:

• What the coverage of both carriers looks like
• How do the prices of their plans compare to how much data you get
• The features each carrier offers for their plans

Coverage & Reception

US Cellular operates with its own network but also has a roaming agreement with AT&T, enhancing its coverage and service reliability. This hybrid model allows US Cellular to offer customers competitively priced plans while leveraging both its own and AT&T’s network. The downside is that customers on AT&T roaming do not have the same high-priority data as they would with Verizon. Both carriers provide fantastic coverage, but Verizon has the upper hand.

While US Cellular benefits from its agreement with AT&T, it also deals with network prioritization issues common among mobile providers. Network data is often prioritized into tiers: premium major network data, basic major network data, and MVNO data. Although US Cellular operates its own network, the data prioritization agreement with AT&T places US Cellular users at a lower priority compared to AT&T’s direct customers, particularly in congested areas. Additionally, such network agreements often involve financial implications, including the assumption of debt, which can impact the company's financial strategy.

US Cellular’s roaming agreement means that though they are a major network, users may still encounter congestion along with other MVNO customers. To better understand how this impacts you, we recommend monitoring your data performance over a few months. This will give you a clearer picture of network congestion in your area and help you decide if US Cellular meets your needs.

For a more comprehensive analysis of major wireless networks and MVNOs, visit our website!

A multitude of plan options makes it so you can figure out which one is best for you and swap between them every few months.

Spectrum Assets

T-Mobile’s acquisition of UScellular’s spectrum assets marks a significant milestone in the telecommunications landscape. This strategic deal is set to enhance coverage in rural areas, providing better connectivity for UScellular customers. By integrating these spectrum assets, T-Mobile aims to expand its network capabilities, ensuring a stronger anchor tenant for UScellular users. This move not only bolsters T-Mobile’s existing network infrastructure but also promises improved phone service and online connectivity for customers. The enhanced spectrum will facilitate seamless communication, making it a win-win for both T-Mobile and UScellular customers.

Plan Options

Verizon offers various plans that provide unlimited data, while US Cellular offers a quartet of data plans with limited high-speed data. Along with high-speed data, both carriers offer unlimited talk and text along with various features and add-ons. First up, let's talk about Verizon's cell phone plans. 

Verizon Cell Phone Plans

Verizon offers three cell phone plans, keeping their offerings simple and efficient. The price of these cell phone plans varies tremendously based on how many lines are on your account. We recommend at least three lines on this major provider, as it saves $30 on each line each month. These are Verizon's cell phone plans: 

• Welcome Unlimited, priced at $65/55/40/30 a month per line
• Unlimited Plus, priced at $80/70/55/45 a month per line
• Unlimited Ultimate, priced at $90/80/65/55 a month per line

The Unlimited Plus plan is a little more expensive and comes with the following perks: 

• 30 GB mobile hotspot
• Device savings
• Price guarantee
• Premium data

Regardless of the number of lines, the Unlimited Plus plan is $15 more per line on your account. This is a lot, but the premium data is handy in spaces with high data usage. It is hard to gauge how important premium data is. There are many areas around the country where Verizon's network is strong enough to keep everyone using full-speed data.

Unlimited Ultimate doubles the hotspot data and opens up some new customer deals. This is an excellent choice for people who are willing to pay a premium for their cell phone service in order to get all the bells and whistles on their cell phone plan. 60 GBs of high-speed hotspot data is excellent for those who need to use data on laptops or tablets on the go. 

Premium data is most valuable for those in big cities. There is a lot of congestion in big cities, and Data is frequently slowed down in other areas, especially in big cities. We recommend starting on the less expensive plan and checking your data speeds for a month or two. If you notice slow data, we recommend switching to a more expensive plan if you have the budget for it. 

Alongside the base plans, Verizon offers a package of optional add-ons that each add $10 to your cell phone bill. The best part is that you can skip them entirely and stick to the base plan price, but if you find any Verizon add-ons you like, adding them to your plan always saves a few dollars on the service. 

US Cellular Cell Phone Plans

US Cellular offers a range of cell phone plans designed to meet various needs, from unlimited data plans to shared data and prepaid options. Their plans include:

• Unlimited Basic — $30/line with four lines
• Unlimited Everyday — $40/line with four lines
• Unlimited Even Better — $50/line with four lines
• 2 GB Prepaid — $25
• 5 GB Prepaid — $30
• 8 GB Prepaid  — $35
• Unlimited Prepaid — $40
• Unlimited Prepaid+ — $55

U.S. Cellular customers will have the option to maintain their current plans during transitions.

The Unlimited Basic plan is ideal for users who want unlimited talk, text, and data at an affordable price. This plan includes standard definition streaming and 5G access, making it suitable for light to moderate users who can tolerate occasional slowdowns during peak times.

For those who desire more robust features, the Unlimited Everyday plan provides HD streaming, 50GB of priority data, 15GB of mobile hotspot data, and enhanced international features, making it perfect for users with higher data demands and a need for reliable hotspot access.

The Unlimited Even Better plan is tailored for heavy data users and streamers, offering 100GB of priority data, 30GB of mobile hotspot data, HD streaming, and access to premium services like HBO Max. It also includes premium international features, catering to those who need the best connectivity and entertainment options.

US Cellular’s prepaid plans offer flexibility without long-term commitments. The Unlimited Prepaid plan is perfect for users who want unlimited talk, text, and 15 GB (or 35 with Unlimited+) data with the convenience of prepaid service. For light-data users, the 5GB Prepaid plan provides an affordable option with sufficient high-speed data for basic usage.

US Cellular has a lot of cell phone plans! This is a great way to figure out how much data you need each month. You can start on one of US Cellular’s high-data cell phone plans and work to limit your data consumption for a few months. Then, track your usage to figure out how much data you use each month. Then, if you can, you can switch to a less expensive cell phone plan from US Cellular and enjoy the savings.

In addition to these plans, US Cellular offers international calling and roaming options, device protection plans, family plan discounts, and customized business solutions, ensuring a comprehensive range of services to meet diverse customer needs. For the most up-to-date information and promotions, visiting the US Cellular website or contacting their customer service is recommended.

Looking to save on your cell phone bill? A limited-data MVNO cell phone plan will save you big on your monthly cell phone bill.

Features and Perks

UScellular stands out with a plethora of features and perks designed to cater to its customers’ diverse needs. Whether you visit UScellular in-store or online, you’ll find a range of phone plans and support options tailored to enhance your experience. The company’s robust network infrastructure ensures reliable service, while its commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its business operations. From engaging online services to comprehensive phone support, UScellular strives to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for its customers. Their dedication to delivering top-notch service makes them a strong contender in the cellular market.

Major Wireless Network vs. MVNO

One of the biggest differences between Verizon and US Cellular is that Verizon is a major wireless network, while US Cellular operates as a hybrid major carrier and Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). Understanding the differences between these types of carriers and how US mobile bridges the gap is crucial to figure out which of these carriers is right for you. Additionally, operating as a hybrid carrier involves financial complexities, including cash components in acquisition deals and conditions tied to financial metrics.

Data Throttling and Data Deprioritization

Data deprioritization occurs when a network experiences high traffic and cannot handle the current level of usage. This happens frequently, although it’s challenging to quantify its occurrence precisely. Major wireless networks may offer certain plans with a premium tier of data, which is prioritized over other traffic. Once this premium data is exhausted, users are more likely to experience slower speeds for the remainder of the billing cycle.

Financial metrics play a significant role in data throttling and deprioritization practices. For instance, the cost structure of data plans and the financial performance of a carrier can impact how and when these practices are implemented. Carriers may adjust their throttling and deprioritization thresholds based on financial considerations to optimize their revenue and manage network resources effectively.

Data throttling happens when users on limited data plans exceed their monthly data allowance. This is separate from network congestion and results in significantly reduced speeds. Unlike deprioritization, throttling drastically slows data until the next billing cycle, when a new data allocation restores normal speeds.

As a hybrid carrier, US Cellular’s data speeds fluctuate more than Verizon’s. US Cellular customers are more frequently subjected to data deprioritization because US Cellular must yield bandwidth to Verizon’s direct customers during times of network congestion. This makes US Cellular and other MVNOs less reliable in terms of consistent data speeds.

Customer Service 

Verizon has physical locations and robust online customer service offerings, similar to US Cellular. You can call Verizon’s customer service line on this number: 800-922-0204. You can also reach Verizon’s help pages following this link, which has answers to frequently asked questions, the option to chat, and more.

For US Cellular, you can contact them here: 888-944-9400‍ or access their help page here. Additionally, the financial stability of US Cellular is bolstered by having T-Mobile as a strong anchor tenant on their towers, ensuring a reliable revenue stream and continued service availability for at least 15 years.

Regional Carrier Benefits

As a regional carrier, UScellular offers unique benefits that set it apart from national providers. The company’s focus on customer satisfaction and support is a cornerstone of its business operations. UScellular’s strong network infrastructure and diverse phone plans are designed to provide a seamless and engaging experience for its customers. Additionally, their online presence and active social media accounts keep customers informed and connected with the latest updates. The company’s commitment to delivering reliable service and supporting its customers is evident in every aspect of its operations, making UScellular a preferred choice for many in its service areas.

The Verdict

US Cellular has a strong presence in the middle of the United States. We recommend only getting US Cellular service if you live in an area where they have network coverage. The roaming agreements are amazing for travel, but if you don't live somewhere that has US Cellular's network it makes sense to go with another MVNO, like Consumer Cellular or US Mobile. If you do live in an area with US Cellular coverage, we love that their biggest cell phone plan comes with 100 GB of high-speed data. Just about everyone uses less than 100 GB every month. 

Verizon is best for people who don't live within the umbrella of US Cellular's network. Verizon has amazing unlimited cell phone plans that let you use your mobile data all the time. High-data users will always appreciate being on high-speed data. 

We'd recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan. Being able to limit your data consumption opens up the option for far more low-data plans that are a fraction of the cost of major wireless unlimited high-speed data plans. The downside, of course, is that it is difficult to keep data consumption low. 

We hope this article has answered all your questions regarding Verizon vs. US Cellular! 

Want to compare other carriers?

Really.com helps users compare features, coverage, prices, reviews, and more!

Are you still unsure which carrier to choose or which phone plan to pick? Use really.com to compare your top choices and find the best deal to fit your needs. Really allows you to compare and sort between most phone plans on the market without the hassle!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Verizon and US Cellular compare in terms of coverage?

Verizon offers extensive nationwide coverage with strong network reliability and a robust 5G presence. US Cellular, while having its own network, also leverages a roaming agreement with AT&T to enhance its coverage. US Cellular’s coverage is generally strong in its primary service areas but may be more limited compared to Verizon in some regions. The importance of leasing tower space is crucial in enhancing connectivity for U.S. Cellular customers.

What are the main differences between Verizon and US Cellular's network technologies?

Verizon operates on its own network with advanced 4G LTE and 5G capabilities, ensuring high-speed data and widespread coverage. US Cellular also has its own network but supplements it with a roaming agreement with AT&T, providing enhanced coverage. Both carriers offer 5G services, but Verizon's 5G network is more widely available.

How do data speed and reliability compare Verizon and US Cellular?

Verizon generally offers faster and more reliable data speeds due to its extensive network infrastructure and higher priority data for its customers. US Cellular provides competitive data speeds within its network and through AT&T's network, but users may experience slower speeds during times of network congestion due to lower data prioritization.

Which carrier offers better pricing and plans?

Pricing varies based on specific plans and user needs. Verizon typically offers a range of premium plans with extensive features, often at higher prices. US Cellular provides more affordable options, including unlimited, shared, and prepaid plans, often at lower prices than Verizon, making it a cost-effective choice for many users.

What are the benefits of choosing US Cellular over Verizon?

US Cellular may be more affordable, offering competitive pricing and a variety of plans to suit different needs. It is particularly beneficial for users in US Cellular's primary service areas where its network is strong. Additionally, US Cellular's plans can be more flexible with various prepaid and family options.

Are there any advantages to choosing Verizon over US Cellular?

Verizon offers superior network coverage and reliability, especially in rural and less densely populated areas. It provides high-priority data, extensive 5G coverage, and premium plan features, making it a preferred choice for users who need consistent high-speed data and robust network performance.

How do the carriers compare in terms of customer service?

Both Verizon and US Cellular are known for good customer service, though experiences can vary by region and individual interactions. Verizon's larger scale might offer more comprehensive support options and resources, while US Cellular's more localized service can provide a personalized touch.

Do Verizon and US Cellular offer international services?

Yes, both carriers offer international calling and roaming options. Verizon generally has more extensive international coverage and a variety of plans to accommodate frequent travelers. US Cellular also offers international features, but users should check specific plans and coverage areas.

Can I bring my own device to Verizon or US Cellular?

Yes, both Verizon and US Cellular support bringing your own device (BYOD). You can check compatibility on their websites or contact customer service to ensure your device will work with their networks.

How do family and business plans compare between Verizon and US Cellular?

Both carriers offer family and business plans, but the specifics vary. Verizon's family and business plans often come with more premium features and higher data allowances, while US Cellular's plans can be more cost-effective, offering a good balance of features and affordability for families and businesses.

For more detailed comparisons and to find the best carrier for your needs, consider visiting the official websites of Verizon and US Cellular or contacting their customer service teams.