What Is Verizon and US Cellular
Verizon is the largest wireless carrier in America. It has the largest coverage area and it uses its own cell phone towers. It is a wireless network operator that offers postpaid and prepaid services, numerous cell phone plans, a large selection of high-quality devices, accessories, and more. The company always offers special promotional deals and provides the possibility to pay for devices at low monthly installments.
United States Cellular Corporation or US Cellular, on the other hand, is a mobile network operator and the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the United States (after Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile). The company offers numerous plans, phones, accessories, and nationwide coverage. US Cellular also has its own network towers, as such, customers are unlikely to experience deprioritization. Nevertheless, US Cellular has a much lower following than Verizon.
Is There a Difference Between US Cellular Vs Verizon?
If you are currently choosing a new wireless carrier you may be deciding between two of the largest carriers in the country – the largest, Verizon, and the fourth largest, US Cellular. If so, you may be wondering if there is a difference between US Cellular vs Verizon.
Well, both are reputable wireless carriers that offer versatile plans, phones, accessories, and their own nationwide coverage. While both companies are popular and offer similar services and products, there are still plenty of differences between the two wireless providers. For example, there are differences between US Cellular vs Verizon networks, coverage, plans, prices, phones, video streaming quality, government discounts, promotional programs, etc. Take a closer look at all the differences between US Cellular and Verizon in the following chapters.
What Are the Differences Between US Cellular Vs Verizon Networks and Coverage?
When it comes to the differences between US Cellular vs Verizon networks and coverage, there is really no competition. Verizon has a superior network and coverage in almost all aspects. Nevertheless, US Cellular still provides great coverage in certain areas, such as Nebraska.
Who Has Better 5G Coverage – US Cellular or Verizon?
Verizon has better 5G coverage, simply because its 5G network is available in way more cities. Nevertheless, if you are looking for the very best 5G coverage, neither one of these carriers will do. Instead, consider switching to T-Mobile, which is currently the largest 5G provider in the country.
Verizon and US Cellular’s 5G network areas can be seen at uscellular.com/coverage-map and verizon.com/coverage-map.
Who Has Better 4G Coverage – US Cellular or Verizon?
Verizon wins this category as well. In fact, Verizon’s 4G network covers more than 70% of the U.S. area, while US Cellular’s 4G network only covers 10.27% of the territory. Verizon is known as the largest 4G network provider in the country and their 4G network is nationwide and reliable.
Nonetheless, US Cellular has ‘4G LTE data partner coverage’ agreements with Verizon and other providers to offer services to customers that are off-network. With the help of these agreements, US Cellular offers additional coverage outside of its network. However, in times of congestion, the customers of the owner of the network towers have priority over US Cellular subscribers.
Verizon and US Cellular’s 4G network areas can be seen at uscellular.com/coverage-map and verizon.com/coverage-map.
Who Has Better Rural Coverage – US Cellular or Verizon?
Generally, Verizon offers a much larger and better coverage than US Cellular. However, in specific locations, US Cellular may offer better coverage. In recent years, US Cellular did its best to include as many rural areas as possible. As such, it really depends on the exact area we are talking about. US Cellular is particularly focused on shining in rural areas of Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Northern California, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Who Has Better Metropolitan Coverage – US Cellular or Verizon?
Overall, Verizon has much better 4G and 5G coverage in metropolitan areas. Instead of large cities, US Cellular is more focused on providing the best coverage in rural areas. Nevertheless, US Cellular still offers decent coverage in most metropolitan areas.
Who Has Better Overall Coverage – US Cellular or Verizon?
Overall, Verizon has way better coverage than US Cellular. It offers larger 4G and 5G networks. Nevertheless, US Cellular offers better coverage in certain rural areas, plus, it makes up for its lack of coverage with the agreements that provide additional coverage.
You can see the differences in US Cellular vs Verizon networks and coverage in your area by comparing their coverage maps. Visit uscellular.com/coverage-map and verizon.com/coverage-map and provide your address or ZIP code to see each provider’s coverage in your area.
What Are the Differences Between US Cellular Vs Verizon Plans and Pricing?
When it comes to the differences between US Cellular vs Verizon plans and pricing, it’s important to point out that both offer lots of versatile plans, however, Verizon’s plans tend to be considerably more expensive. In addition, Verizon’s plans have more features and more options to fit your needs.
Best Unlimited Plans
Both Verizon and US Cellular offer unlimited plans. Verizon’s unlimited plans tend to be more expensive, however, they come with more perks, including the most hotspot data offered by any carrier, an international travel pass, wireless home internet, and up to 6 entertainment subscriptions. US Cellular unlimited plans depend on the location.
See US Cellular’s unlimited plans at uscellular.com/plans. First, sign in to your account or enter your ZIP code to see exactly what kind of plans the carrier offers in your area. Then, select either unlimited or prepaid plans, the number of mobile phone lines, and see the offers.
See Verizon’s unlimited plans at verizon.com/plans/unlimited. See the carrier’s mix and match options to make sure to only pay for what you need.
Best Prepaid Plans
Both Verizon and US Cellular offer prepaid plans, which allow you to pay before you talk, text, and stream. Both carriers offer unlimited prepaid plans and 5G nationwide prepaid plans.
US Cellular’s prepaid plans vary by location. They are less expensive and come with fewer advantages and extra features. See US Cellular’s prepaid plans at uscellular.com/plans.
Check out Verizon’s prepaid plans at verizon.com/prepaid.
Family Plans
Verizon has more straightforward shared plans. In addition, Verizon offers discounts for family plans.
US Cellular’s family plans, on the other hand, work much like other family plans. You simply add more lines to your account and the more lines you add, the bigger the discount.
Both carriers require you to first choose a plan that best fits your needs and then add lines.
Individual Plans
When it comes to individual plans, here is a simple distinction example.
Verizon has a total monthly bill of $100 for 12 GB. The overage penalty is $15 per GB. The access fee is more expensive when the phone is subsidized with a 2-year contract. In addition, the carrier offers no data rollover. The total cost per GB is $8.33.
US Cellular, on the other hand, has a total monthly bill of $65 for 4GB. They have no credit checks or contracts. They offer a BYOD program, and their data is throttled after 4 GB. The total cost per GB is $16.25.
Best Tiered Data Plans
A tiered data plan is a data service in which the user is charged for a differential or variable rate based on the amount of data he or she uses. These kinds of plans are rather rare nowadays, as such neither of the carriers offers tiered data plans per se.
Free Mobile Hotspot Data
Both carriers offer mobile hotspot data. However, the amount of hotspot data depends on individual plans. Verizon has an unlimited mobile hotspot. US Cellular also offers unlimited hotspot access, however, it applies to the old subscribers who are still on the old plans. Nowadays, US Cellular plans that offer extra hotspot access have capped high-speed data, ranging from 15 GB to 30 GB.
What Are the Differences Between US Cellular Vs Verizon Phones
New Cellular Phones
Both US Cellular and Verizon offer a large selection of high-quality cell phones from the most reputable brands, including Samsung, Apple, Motorola, Alcatel, and more. Both companies offer certain basic flip phones, user-friendly cell phones for seniors, as well as the most advanced and latest Android and iOS smartphones.
See the list of compatible smartphones that are currently available from Verizon at verizon.com/smartphones. See the list of US Cellular devices of compatible phone quality at uscellular.com/devicelist.
Bring Your Own Device
In addition to the huge variety of new devices, both companies also offer a ‘Bring your own device’ program, which allows customers to bring their own old devices instead of buying new ones. Learn more at verizon.com/bring-your-own-device and uscellular.com/owndevice.
Phone Upgrade Options
Both wireless providers offer the option to upgrade your device. To do so, you must meet each provider’s upgrade eligibility criteria. For example, you must be a Verizon/US Cellular customer, have a current account, have no past-due payments, own the current device, etc.
Read more about US Cellular’s upgrade options at uscellular.com/support/know-before-you-go/upgrade-phone and learn about Verizon’s upgrade possibilities at verizon.com/articles/upgrading-your-verizon-device.
Phone Replacement Process
Both providers offer an insurance option that enables customers to replace a lost, stolen, or broken mobile device.
You can submit a protection claim for a lost, stolen, or damaged phone at uscellular.com/support/current-customers/submit-claim.
To get a replacement phone at Verizon, go to verizon.com/support/how-to-replace-lost-stolen-broken-phone/.
What Are the Differences Between US Cellular Vs Verizon Video Streaming Quality
When it comes to video streaming quality, US Cellular and Verizon offer very similar services. Both companies support streaming beyond the DVD-quality resolution, which is the standard streaming resolution for prepaid plans.
US Cellular’s unlimited plans offer streaming in 720p and 1080p Full HD. In case you have a 5G network and a device that is advanced enough, you can even stream in 4K.
Verizon also offers HD streaming quality on unlimited plans. The company also offers 4K Ultra HD when on a 5G network and using a capable device.
What Are the Other Differences Between US Cellular Vs Verizon
Some other more and less important differences between US Cellular vs Verizon include:
- Verizon is a much larger wireless provider that offers many more services and devices.
- US Cellular tends to have lower prices.
- Verizon offers many more extra perks, such as entertainment subscriptions.
- Both companies offer locked devices. At US Cellular, phone unlock is available after 120 days, while Verizon enables customers to unlock eligible devices after 60 days.
- Both carriers use CDMA technologies.
- Both providers offer free phones when switching to their services, adding a line, trading in an old phone, etc. Learn more at verizon.com/shop/online/free-cell-phones and uscellular.com/deals.
- Both providers offer an excellent promotional program that offers numerous deals on plans and devices. Find the deal that best fits your needs and enjoy. Read more at verizon.com/deals and uscellular.com/deals.
- Both wireless providers are proud participants in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Verizon and US Cellular customers can save up to $30 a month on broadband services through their ACP programs. Find out more at verizon.com/home/promo/affordable-connectivity-program and uscellular.com/plans/specialty-plans/affordable-connectivity-program.
- Both carriers have reliable and responsive customer support services.
Can I Switch From US Cellular to Verizon? How to Switch?
Now that you know the differences between US Cellular vs Verizon and if you wish to switch from US Cellular to Verizon, you can do so at any time. Switching to Verizon is simple. All you have to do is to follow the instructions below:
- Check out Verizon’s service map at verizon.com/featured/our-network and make sure there is great coverage in your area of living.
- Choose a Verizon plan that best fits your needs. You can do so at verizon.com/plans.
- Choose a new Verizon device at verizon.com/smartphones or bring your own device at verizon.com/bring-your-own-device. As both US Cellular and Verizon use CDMA technology, your old US Cellular phone should normally work with Verizon’s network. However, make sure that the device you bring to Verizon is unlocked.
- If you decide to purchase a new mobile device, you may be able to get one for free when switching to Verizon. See the provider’s deals at verizon.com/shop/online/free-cell-phones.
- If you wish to keep your current phone number, you can do that as well. To keep your existing phone number, do not cancel service with your existing carrier before activating the service with Verizon.
Can I Switch From Verizon to US Cellular? How to Switch?
If after learning about the differences between the two carriers you wish to switch from Verizon to US Cellular, you can do so at any time. All you have to do is to follow the simple steps below:
- Check out US Cellular’s service map at uscellular.com/coverage-map and make sure there is great coverage in your area of living.
- Choose a US Cellular plan that best fits your needs. You can do so at uscellular.com/plans.
- Choose a new US Cellular device at uscellular.com/devicelist or bring your own device at huscellular.com/owndevice. As both US Cellular and Verizon use CDMA technology, your current Verizon device should normally work with US Cellular’s network. However, make sure that the phone you bring to US Cellular is unlocked.
- If you decide to purchase a new mobile device, you may be able to get one for free when switching to US Cellular. See the provider’s deals at uscellular.com/deals.
- If you wish to keep your current phone number, you can do that as well. To keep your existing number, do not cancel service with your existing carrier before activating the service with US Cellular.
US Cellular or Verizon Related FAQs
Is US Cellular Coverage Just as Reliable as Verizon?
No. Even though US Cellular partners with Verizon for additional coverage, its network still isn’t quite as reliable as Verizon’s. In addition, with Verizon, you won’t have to worry about dropped calls or spotty service while traveling and the same can’t be said for US Cellular.
Who Has Better North Central Region Coverage – US Cellular or Verizon?
When it comes to coverage in the North Central region of the United States, both carriers offer great coverage. According to their coverage maps, their coverage is basically identical. Both carriers offer reliable coverage in locations such as Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
What Phones Are Compatible With Verizon and US Cellular?
Verizon and US Cellular both use CDMA phones and technology. Therefore, most CDMA phones are compatible with both networks. In addition, most latest and most advanced devices that work with both CDMA and GSM technologies are also compatible with both carriers and their networks. Some of the devices that are compatible with both networks include Apple iPhone 13 (mini, Pro, Pro Max), iPhone 12 (mini, Pro, Pro Max), iPhone SE, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Samsung Galaxy A02, Samsung Galaxy A12, Samsung Galaxy A32, Samsung Galaxy A42, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung Galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy S20 5G, Samsung Galaxy Note 10, etc.
Does a Verizon Phone Work With US Cellular?
As both US Cellular and Verizon use CDMA technology, Verizon phones should normally work with US Cellular’s network and US Cellular phones should work be compatible with Verizon’s services. Even so, some phones are not compatible with the other provider’s network. The key is to make sure that the device you bring to another network is unlocked.