By
Angelo Ilumba Senior Writer
Updated

Cox, widely recognized for its strong foothold in cable and internet services, has expanded its offerings to include mobile service with Cox Mobile. Cox Mobile uses the Verizon cell network to provide its users with reliable connectivity, standing tall with the support of one of the nation's premier 4G LTE infrastructures. The only catch? Cox Mobile is exclusively available to Cox Internet customers.

Considering a switch or curious about its reach? We'll dive into how Cox Mobile's coverage compares with other leading networks across various U.S. regions to help you find out if the MVNO is right for you. 

Cox Mobile coverage map


Cox Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which means it buys service from a built network (in this case, Verizon's network) at a negotiated rate and sells that service to its customers, usually at much lower rates than you see directly from the major carriers.

Cox Mobile Coverage Map
Image source: Cox Mobile

Leveraging the Verizon network, Cox Mobile delivers coverage to over 70% of the U.S., which is slightly ahead of AT&T's 68% and T-Mobile's 62%. While Cox Mobile (on Verizon's network) doesn't have every inch of the country covered, its network, like the other big networks, has a strong presence where most people are. Cox Mobile has a strong presence in big cities and a relatively good presence in some of the more rural areas of the country.

Pivoting to the 5G arena, there's room for Cox Mobile to stretch its legs. With Verizon as its anchor, Cox Mobile's 5G blueprint currently reaches a mere 12.77% of American soil (still covering enough people to be considered "nationwide"). In contrast, T-Mobile, the front runner, comfortably sprawls across 53.79%, while AT&T claims its stake at 29.52%. Even though Verizon 5G has picked up steam recently, it's their blistering speeds on the mmWave ultra-wideband 5G spectrum that turn heads. Still, these turbo-charged zones can be somewhat elusive, given mmWave 5G's nature.

You can take a closer look at Cox Mobile's coverage by checking out Verizon's coverage map above.

More plans on the Verizon network 

Switching to Cox Mobile can be a great way to save money on your phone plan, but the service is only available to those with Cox Internet. If you don't have Cox Internet, you're not out of luck. There are several other MVNOs that use the Verizon network with affordable plans. Here are some of the most popular Verizon MVNO plans:

Cell Phone Plans

#1
Visible
Visible

$25 Visible Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot data
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
#2
XFINITY Mobile
XFINITY Mobile

Mobile Select Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot data
  • Deal: Get a FREE 1 year of Xfinity Mobile Select Plan with Xfinity Internet required
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
#3
US Mobile
US Mobile

Unlimited Starter Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • 10GB mobile hotspot data
  • whistleOut Exclusive: Get this plan for only $45 for 3 months ($15/mo.) with new number activation OR $5 off per month for 6 mo. (up to 3 lines) OR 30 Days FREE Trial
$25.00/mo
$20/mo. for 6 months; $25/mo. thereafter
#4
Twigby Mobile
Twigby Mobile

Unlimited Talk, Text and 2GB Data

  • 2GB of 4G LTE/5G data
  • 2GB mobile hotspot data
  • Deal: New Customers get 2GB of data for $5 a month for 3 months!
$5.00/mo
for the first 3 months then $15.00/month
#5
Spectrum Mobile
Spectrum Mobile

Unlimited Data

  • Unlimited Full speeds up to 30GB
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot data
$30.00/mo
+ $20 Upfront
#6
Cox Mobile
Cox Mobile

Gig Unlimited Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot data
$45.00/mo
+ $10 Upfront
#7
TracFone
TracFone

1GB Data 1-Month Smartphone Plan

  • 1GB of 4G LTE/5G data
  • 1GB mobile hotspot data
$10.00/mo
with Auto-Refill discount for the first 2 months
+ $4.99 Upfront
#8
Straight Talk
Straight Talk

$25 StraightSAVINGS! Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • 10GB mobile hotspot data
  • Deal: Get $50 bonus device credit after 12 months of service when you port-in your number and bring your own device.
$25.00/mo
+ $4.88 Upfront
#9
Total Wireless (previously Total by Verizon)
Total Wireless (previously Total by Verizon)

Total STARTER Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • 10GB mobile hotspot data
$35.00/mo
with AutoPay ($40 for the first month)
+ $0.99 Upfront
#10
Red Pocket
Red Pocket

Essentials Monthly Plan (CDMA)

  • 3GB of 4G LTE/5G data
  • No mobile hotspot data
$10.00/mo

Cox Mobile network coverage analysis


Given Cox Mobile's utilization of Verizon towers, it's a good idea to measure its coverage against the other major players like AT&T and T-Mobile, the primary rivals in the landscape. 

Cox Mobile coverage compared

Carrier 4G nationwide coverage 5G nationwide coverage Details
Cox Mobile (via Verizon) 70% 12% View plans
AT&T 68% 29% View plans
T-Mobile 62% 53% View plans

Cox Mobile's 4G LTE network

Year after year, Verizon's 4G LTE network takes the crown for unrivaled coverage—setting the gold standard for Cox Mobile's network. Here's a look at how Cox Mobile's coverage through Verizon stacks up against the other major carriers and any of their MVNOs:

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

Through Verizon, Cox Mobile emerges as the juggernaut over carriers on the other networks, offering unmatched and steadfast 4G LTE connectivity. Whether you're venturing into urban jungles or traversing quieter lanes in the U.S., you can bank on consistent signal strength with Cox Mobile's plans.

Cox Mobile's 5G network

Cox Mobile also taps into Verizon’s 5G spectrum, promising blazing-fast data speeds. While its 5G outreach isn't as extensive as its 4G footprint, there's optimism in the air, given Verizon's aggressive 5G tower deployment strategy. As it stands, Cox Mobile blankets approximately 12% of the country with its 5G coverage.

Cox Mobile phone plans


Cox Mobile streamlines its mobile offerings with a selection of two distinct plans. The Pay As You Gig plan is the ideal choice for the budget-conscious, low-data user. For just $15 per GB, it caters to individuals who prefer a more controlled spending structure and tend to primarily use data for essential tasks, all while leveraging Verizon's robust network. 

On the flip side, Cox Mobile has its Gig Unlimited Data plan for the data-hungry user. At a competitive rate of $45/month, this plan showers you with unlimited talk, text, and data. What makes this package particularly attractive is the 20GB of high-speed data that it boasts, allowing for seamless streaming, gaming, and more. After the 20GB usage, Cox caps data speed at 1.5Mbps.

Cell Phone Plans

#1
Cox Mobile
Cox Mobile

Gig Unlimited Plan

  • Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot data
$45.00/mo
+ $10 Upfront
#2
Cox Mobile
Cox Mobile

Pay As You Gig Plan

  • 1GB of 4G LTE/5G data
  • 1GB mobile hotspot data
$15.00/mo

Cox Mobile coverage vs. the competition


When it comes to the MVNO landscape, network coverage plays a vital role. Cox Mobile, via Verizon's infrastructure, holds a strong position against competitors.

Cox Mobile vs. Cricket Wireless coverage (AT&T network)

Cox Mobile Cricket
4G LTE coverage 70% 68%
5G coverage 12% 29%
Urban coverage Excellent Excellent
Rural coverage Good Good
5G bands Mid-band
High-band
Mid-band

Through Verizon's network, Cox Mobile has a small lead in the 4G LTE arena with 70% coverage, just a hair above Cricket's respectable 68%. But when it's 5G's time in the spotlight, Cricket, by way of AT&T (its parent company), charges ahead, boasting a coverage of 29%, quite a leap over Cox Mobile's 12%.

In urban settings, both providers shine brightly. Rural dwellers fear not! Both providers hold their own, ensuring reliable connectivity. 

Cox Mobile vs. Mint Mobile coverage  (T-Mobile network)

Cox Mobile Mint Mobile
4G LTE coverage 70% 62%
5G coverage 12% 53%
Urban coverage Excellent Excellent
Rural coverage Good Poor
5G bands Mid-band
High-band
Low-band
Mid-band

When it comes to 4G LTE, Cox Mobile has a slight upper hand, covering 70% of the territory, while Mint Mobile covers a commendable 62%. The 5G game, however, sees a role reversal. Mint Mobile takes the lead, covering more than half the terrain at 53%, significantly outpacing Cox Mobile's 12%.

Both providers excel in urban settings, ensuring consistent and strong signals. Contrastingly, in rural landscapes, Cox Mobile maintains a decent connection, but Mint Mobile faces challenges, often leaving users wanting more.

How good is Cox Mobile's coverage?


Cox Mobile, buoyed by its association with Verizon, showcases an impressive reach in terms of 4G LTE coverage. Touting a 70% coverage rate, it slightly edges out prominent competitors like AT&T and T-Mobile in the 4G domain. However, when it comes to 5G, Cox Mobile currently has room for growth.

Pros & cons
  • Superior 4G LTE coverage
  • Strong urban and rural connectivity
  • Competitive plans
  • Multi-line discounts available
  • Limited 5G 
  • Speeds reduced after 20GB (Gig Unlimited) or 5GB (Pay As You Gig)

Where is the best Cox Mobile coverage?


Coverage maps can be informative, but they don't always capture the full picture. These are the states where Cox Mobile offers top-notch 4G LTE service through the Verizon network: 

Best Cox Mobile 4G LTE coverage by state
State Percentage covered
Kansas 99.69%
Arkansas 99.53%
Georgia 99.07%
Indiana 98.86%
South Carolina 98.73%

For Cox Mobile 5G coverage, you'll get the best access and speeds in the following states:

Best Cox Mobile 5G coverage by state
State Percentage covered
Delaware 73%
New Jersey 65%
Maryland 53%
Connecticut 46%
Ohio 43%

How good is Cox Mobile's coverage in my area?

Taking a look at Cox Mobile's coverage map can give you a general idea of the coverage in your area but for a better idea about the strength of Cox Mobile's signals around you, check out our comparison tool. Enter your street address along with your desired limits on talk, text, and data (hint: most plans include unlimited talk and text), to find the right plan for you with the best coverage in your area. 

Cox Mobile coverage by state

Want to see where Cox Mobile has the best coverage? Here’s Cox Mobile's (Verizon’s) state-by-state service: 

Percentage of state covered by Verizon

State 4G Coverage 5G Coverage
Alabama 95.26% 39.19%
Alaska 4.67% 0%
Arizona 71.27%29.12%
Arkansas 98.27% 50.14%
California 74.73% 42.88%
Colorado 77.82% 23.37%
Connecticut 96.37% 81.08%
Delaware 98.78% 96.95%
Florida 96.27% 75.67%
Georgia 98.21% 41.94%
Hawaii 86.54% 19.51%
Idaho 50.23% 16.98%
Illinois 99.17% 71.53%
Indiana 99.77% 92.68%
Iowa 97.66%51.59%
Kansas 99.93% 33.72%
Kentucky 85.74% 56.72%
Louisiana 97.02% 27.98%
Maine 95.17% 3.33%
Maryland 88.64% 61.86%
Massachusetts 95.17% 72.45%
Michigan 88.26% 46.19%
Minnesota 91.85% 31.66%
Mississippi 96.76% 15.69%
Missouri 98.15% 41.25%
Montana 66.49% 14.22%
Nebraska 97.23% 27.99%
Nevada 52.24% 7.54%
New Hampshire 89.58% 19.89%
New Jersey 97.09% 82.33%
New Mexico 78.06% 16.42%
New York 87.04% 60.88%
North Carolina 93.15% 46.42%
North Dakota 97.87% 46.18%
Ohio 96.34% 88.08%
Oklahoma 81.21% 32.07%
Oregon 60.25% 12.74%
Pennsylvania 91.89% 66.18%
Rhode Island 89.62% 84.31%
South Carolina 98.28% 53.60%
South Dakota 96.38% 29.46%
Tennessee 91.98% 41.78%
Texas 91.35% 38.66%
Utah 58.55% 18.54%
Vermont 84.95% 14.85%
Virginia 91.68% 34.20%
Washington 65.54% 20.94%
West Virginia 49.71% 14.93%
Wisconsin 89.15% 43.71%
Wyoming 73.97% 11.56%

How to get a better signal with Cox Mobile


With Cox Mobile, you'll have access to one of the best overall networks in the country (Verizon's network). However, that advantage might be diminished if you don't have a phone that supports the latest network capabilities and frequencies. If it's time for a phone upgrade (your phone can't hold a charge, isn't compatible with the latest software updates, or is broken beyond repair), you can purchase a new phone with Cox Mobile. The MVNO's stable of phones includes the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices.

Check out some of the top Cox Mobile phones available:

Samsung

Galaxy A26 5G

  • 6.7 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
4 Plans from $15/mo + $249.99 Upfront
Apple

iPhone 17e 256GB

  • 6.1 inch display
  • Rear Camera: 48MP
4 Plans from $15/mo + $599.99 Upfront
Apple

iPhone 16 128GB

  • 6.1 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
4 Plans from $15/mo + $729.99 Upfront
Google

Pixel 10 128GB

  • 6.3 inch display
  • Rear Cameras: 48MP, 10.8MP, 13MP
4 Plans from $15/mo + $799 Upfront
Apple

iPhone 17e 512GB

  • 6.1 inch display
  • Rear Camera: 48MP
4 Plans from $15/mo + $799.99 Upfront

Cox Mobile coverage: FAQs


Where is Cox Mobile available?

Cox Mobile signals are available wherever the Verizon network has coverage, which is most of the country. However, keep in mind that Cox Mobile is only available to those with Cox Internet. This means that you'll only be able to join Cox Mobile if you are in an area that has Cox Internet. 

What network does Cox Mobile use?

Cox Mobile uses the Verizon network. This means that Cox Mobile customers get access to the largest 4G LTE network and an expanding 5G network.

Is Cox Mobile CDMA or GSM?

Cox Mobile is neither CDMA nor GSM. These network technologies have been terminated with the shutdown of 3G networks across the country. Cox Mobile offers 4G LTE and 5G through Verizon's cellular towers.

Is Cox Mobile owned by Verizon?

Cox Mobile is not owned by Verizon. However, Cox Mobile does sell service on the Verizon network.

Is Cox Mobile 4G or 5G?

Cox Mobile is both 4G and 5G, offering service on Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks.

Do you need to have Cox Internet to have Cox Mobile?

Yes, in order to switch to Cox Mobile, you will need to have Cox Internet. 

Angelo Ilumba

Senior Writer

Angelo Ilumba
Angelo is a highly experienced writer for WhistleOut, specializing in unraveling the complexities of the mobile and tech world so that readers can easily understand what is relevant to them. Angelo has been featured on several publications such as MoneyTalksNews, Yahoo Finance, NPR and more.

Read full bio


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