Consumer Cellular is a wireless service that uses both the AT&T and T-Mobile towers to provide coverage. With those networks combined, Consumer Cellular covers about 99% of the country with the caveat that, as a customer, you get access to one of those two networks—you won't get to switch back and forth between them. In our Consumer Cellular review, we liked its excellent customer service, solid lineup of plans, and attractive AARP discount.
Consumer Cellular's footprint is large, but depending on your location, you might be better off with one of its networks over the other. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the Consumer Cellular coverage map.
Consumer Cellular 4G LTE coverage maps
Consumer Cellular and the AT&T 4G LTE coverage map
When it comes to 4G LTE, AT&T has some of the best coverage in the country. That means Consumer Cellular customers on the AT&T network benefit from excellent service in most major cities and good service in rural areas. AT&T covers about 68% of the country with its 4G LTE, only trailing Verizon, which covers 70%.
Consumer Cellular will assign you to the AT&T network if it has stronger coverage than T-Mobile in your area.
Consumer Cellular and the T-Mobile 4G LTE coverage map
T-Mobile is another major U.S. carrier that provides service for Consumer Cellular customers. These customers can expect excellent 4G LTE coverage in most metropolitan areas, but service can be spotty in rural areas. T-Mobile's 4G network covers about 62% of the country—right behind AT&T.
If you are in an area where T-Mobile's coverage is stronger than AT&T's, Consumer Cellular will assign you to the T-Mobile network.
Is Consumer Cellular's coverage good?
Overall, Consumer Cellular offers good coverage. Because it uses both T-Mobile and AT&T's networks, it covers over 99% of Americans. Just note that you don't get access to BOTH networks at once; instead, Consumer Cellular will determine which network is strongest in your zip code, and assign you that network.
Consumer Cellular 5G coverage maps
Consumer Cellular and the AT&T 5G coverage map
Ever the first runner-up, AT&T 5G has the second-largest 5G network, covering 29% of the country. As a Consumer Cellular customer on the AT&T network, you'll get access to 5G in nearly all of the large cities and their suburbs. However, AT&T falls short for coverage in rural areas of the country.
Consumer Cellular and the T-Mobile 5G coverage map
If we were to crown a king of cellular coverage, we'd already have a royal ceremony for T-Mobile's 5G network. T-Mobile reigns supreme regarding 5G coverage, with a footprint that spans around 53% of the country. Consumer Cellular customers benefit from that coverage, which is strongest in big cities and the surrounding areas. T-Mobile has better 5G coverage in rural areas than AT&T, but it too has room to grow.
Consumer Cellular coverage breakdown
Consumer Cellular nationwide coverage compared
| Carrier | 4G coverage | 5G coverage | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | 70% | 12.77% | View Plans |
| Consumer Cellular via AT&T | 68% | 29.52% | View Plans |
| Consumer Cellular via T-Mobile | 62% | 53.79% | View Plans |
Consumer Cellular 4G LTE network
See how Consumer Cellular's coverage stacks up to Verizon's:
- Verizon: 70%
- Consumer Cellular via AT&T: 68%
- Consumer Cellular via T-Mobile: 62%
Having a Consumer Cellular plan means getting access to one of two big 4G LTE networks in the United States. The network you get service from depends on your location. However, Consumer Cellular customers will miss out on access to Verizon's leading 4G LTE network, which covers 70% of the country.
Consumer Cellular 5G network
Here is how Consumer Cellular's network coverage via AT&T and T-Mobile stacks up against Verizon and other Verizon MVNOs:
- Consumer Cellular via T-Moble 53.79%
- Consumer Cellular via AT&T: 29.52%
- Verizon: 12.77%
The awesome news for Consumer Cellular customers is that they get coverage on one of the country’s two biggest 5G networks. Those on the T-Mobile network get access to 5G in nearly 54% of the country, outperforming AT&T by over 20%. Meanwhile, Verizon only covers about 13% of the U.S. with its 5G network, falling to last place for customers who desire a speedy mobile experience.
Consumer Cellular vs. Verizon MVNO carriers
Consumer Cellular is a unique MVNO in that it sells service on two of the big three networks. If you compare Consumer Cellular to other T-Mobile MVNOs and AT&T MVNOs, you'll find that it has the same coverage. However, Verizon MVNOs will rely on Verizon’s services to get connected.
| Consumer Cellular (AT&T) | Consumer Cellular (T-Mobile) | Verizon MVNOs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE coverage | 68% | 62% | 70% |
| 5G coverage | 29.52% | 53.79% | 12.77% |
| Urban coverage | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Rural coverage | Good | Poor | Strong |
| 5G bands | Mid-band |
Low-band Mid-band |
Mid-band High-band |
Verizon has the largest overall network in the country due to its vast 4G LTE network. It’s also the best for rural coverage, where AT&T and T-Mobile could use improvements. But for 5G, T-Mobile and AT&T have substantial edges over Verizon.
Consumer Cellular international coverage
Consumer Cellular plans include service in Mexico and Canada. International roaming is available in most of the world, but rates vary by country and can be very high. So if you are traveling abroad with a Consumer Cellular phone, you might want to look into getting an international SIM and plan.
Consumer Cellular plans
You can score a $20/month option with 1GB of data on Consumer Cellular or spring for the $55/month plan with unlimited data. Each plan includes unlimited talk and text. AARP members can get the same already affordable plans at an even lower price with a 5% monthly discount. Our favorite Consumer Cellular plan is its 15GB package sets you back $40/month and is an excellent value. The best cheap Consumer Cellular plan is its 5G $25/month tier. For families, we recommend the Consumer Cellular 2-line unlimited plan bundle for $65/month.
If you're ready to switch to Consumer Cellular, check out our picks for the best Consumer Cellular plans to get started, or take a look at the top Consumer Cellular phone plans:
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#1
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Consumer Cellular
Unlimited Talk & Text + 1GB Data Plan
$20.00/mo
($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)
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#2
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Consumer Cellular
Unlimited Talk & Text + 5GB Data Plan
$25.00/mo
($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)
|
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#3
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Consumer Cellular
Unlimited for Ages 50+ Plan
$35.00/mo
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#4
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Consumer Cellular
Unlimited Talk & Text + 10GB Data Plan
$35.00/mo
($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)
|
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#5
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Consumer Cellular
Unlimited Talk & Text + 20GB Data Plan
$45.00/mo
($5 Autopay/ E-bill discount included)
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Consumer Cellular coverage: FAQs
Does Consumer Cellular have coverage in my area?
Check out the map below with AT&T and T-Moble selections to see if you get Consumer Cellular coverage in your area.
How good is Consumer Cellular's coverage area?
Consumer Cellular covers over 99% of Americans via its access to the AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
Which cell towers does Consumer Cellular use?
Consumer Cellular uses the T-Mobile and AT&T towers. Customers will be assigned a network based on the best coverage in their area.
Does Consumer Cellular work out of state?
Yes, Consumer Cellular offers nationwide coverage that works across the entire United States.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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