When traveling to the United States, staying connected is important for getting around, exploring attractions, and capturing memories. To make sure you have a smooth connection throughout your trip, it’s important to choose the right mobile network.
In this article, we’ll show you the best mobile network operators in the USA.
Let’s get started!
I. The United States: A Leader in Mobile Internet
The United States has a strong mobile internet network and is one of the top countries in the world for mobile speeds. In April 2024, the U.S. ranked 8th globally for mobile download speeds, with an average speed of 232.83 Mbps. This shows the country’s powerful mobile network and widespread 4G/5G coverage.
However, there are still some challenges. While download speeds are fast, the average upload speed is only 18.24 Mbps, placing the U.S. in 11th place. This slower upload speed can be a problem for people who need fast uploads for things like video calls or sharing large files.
US mobile data prices
The USA’s average price for 1GB of mobile data is approximately $5.62, which is slightly higher than the North American average of $4.98. Comparatively, the global average price for the same amount of data is $3.12. These figures indicate that the cost of data in the USA is relatively higher than both the regional and global averages.
II. List of Mobile Network Operators in the US
The USA has a dynamic and highly competitive mobile telecommunications market with a diverse range of operators providing services to consumers. The country is served by three major nationwide mobile network operators, along with numerous Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that offer a variety of plans and services to cater to different customer needs.
1. Major players in the US
There are 3 major mobile network operators in the USA, including Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
- T-Mobile
T-Mobile US, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, is a prominent USA mobile operator alongside AT&T and Verizon. It offers wireless services, including voice, messaging, and data, under brands like T-Mobile, MetroPCS, and GoSmart Mobile in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
T-Mobile offers extensive coverage across the United States, serving both urban and rural areas. The company has made significant investments to expand and improve its network coverage, making it one of the major players in the U.S. telecommunications market.
- Verizon
Verizon Communications, headquartered in New York, is a prominent U.S. telecommunications operator and one of the top three in the nation, alongside AT&T and T-Mobile US. Verizon’s wireless network, previously known as Verizon Wireless, offers mobile services across the United States to both consumers and businesses.
Verizon offers one of the most extensive and reliable network coverages in the United States. Known for its robust network infrastructure, Verizon’s coverage spans urban, suburban, and rural areas, providing widespread connectivity.
- AT&T
AT&T, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a multinational telecommunications company offering services to both consumer and business clients. It holds a prominent position in the United States wireless market alongside Verizon Communications and T-Mobile US.
Focusing on its core strengths, AT&T aims to excel in next-generation networks, with 5G network quality becoming a central battleground. While T-Mobile US has led in 5G coverage and 5G download speeds, AT&T ranked second in 5G coverage in 2022 and third in a 2023 survey of typical 5G download speeds.
AT&T offers a comprehensive and well-established network coverage across the United States. As one of the major wireless network operators, AT&T’s coverage spans both urban and rural areas, providing connectivity to a wide range of locations.
2. Top MVNOs in the US
Note: A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a telecommunications company that offers mobile phone services without owning the underlying network infrastructure. Rather than possessing its own network, an MVNO leases network capacity from a primary Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and provides these services to its clientele under its distinctive brand identity.
There are approximately 100 MVNOs in the USA. However, most of them offer postpaid services that tourists like us cannot purchase. Additionally, many MVNOs only provide their SIM cards online and require a US address for purchase.
So, in this list, we focus on MVNOs that offer prepaid SIM plans for tourists and have numerous physical stores, making it convenient for us to visit and obtain SIM cards.
Refer to the table below:
| No | Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) | Host Network |
| 1 | Black Wireless | AT&T |
| 2 | Boost Mobile | T-Mobile |
| 3 | Consumer Cellular | AT&T |
| 4 | Cricket Wireless | AT&T |
| 5 | FreedomPop | AT&T |
| 6 | Good2Go Mobile | AT&T |
| 7 | Google Fi | T-Mobile |
| 8 | GoSmart Mobile | T-Mobile |
| 9 | H2O Wireless | AT&T |
| 10 | Lycamobile USA | T-Mobile |
| 11 | Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| 12 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile |
| 13 | NET10 Wireless | AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon |
| 14 | Red Pocket Mobile | AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon |
| 15 | Simple Mobile | T-Mobile |
| 16 | Straight Talk | AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon |
| 17 | TracFone | AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon |
| 18 | Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile |
| 19 | Unreal Mobile | AT&T or T-Mobile |
III. Best Mobile Operators in The US – Detailed Comparison
According to the USA Mobile Network Experience Report published in July 2023 by OpenSignal, each mobile operator in the USA demonstrates its strengths and weaknesses when it comes to mobile network performance.
Let’s explore the detailed comparisons of the top 3 mobile operators in the US – AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon – to help you pick the best one for your needs.
Download Speeds:
According to the latest USA Mobile Network Experience Report by Opensignal, T-Mobile has the fastest average overall download speeds at 113.1 Mbps. This is over 2.5 times faster than AT&T’s 45.5 Mbps and around 3 times faster than Verizon’s 38.1 Mbps. If you want to quickly download maps, upload photos or vidoes to social media, or stream video content, T-Mobile will give you the best performance.
Coverage:
When it comes to coverage across the country, Verizon has the widest geographic coverage and lowest chance of getting disconnected according to the Opensignal report. It takes the Coverage Experience award with a score of 9.5/10. T-Mobile follows in second with a score of 8.4/10. AT&T places third with a score of 8.1/10. So Verizon is generally the most reliable network if you’ll be traveling to rural areas off the beaten path.
International Roaming:
T-Mobile has various international roaming plans and destinations included with certain plans at no extra cost. This makes it very convenient for foreign tourists visiting the US. AT&T and Verizon plans involve either paying per day of international use or having separate international plans. So T-Mobile is the best option if you want to stay connected when traveling between countries.
On the 5G platform, video experience has improved, though it still remains at good levels, not yet reaching very good levels (68 points or more).
Mobile Operator Comparison Table:
| Operator | Download Speeds | Coverage | International Plans | Video Experience | Games Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Fastest – 113.1 Mbps | Second Widest – 8.4/10 | Best Options for Foreign Tourists | Highest Score – 62/100 | Highest Score – 71/100 |
| AT&T | Middle – 45.5 Mbps | Third Widest – 8.1/10 | Separate International Plans | Middle Score – 56.7/100 | Middle Score – 63.5/100 |
| Verizon | Slowest – 38.1 Mbps | Widest – 9.5/10 | Separate International Plans | Middle Score – 57.7/100 | Middle Score – 68.5/100 |
In conclusion, for the best balance of speed and coverage – along with seamless international connectivity – T-Mobile would be the top recommendation for most tourists visiting the United States.
IV. Do Mobile Network Operators in the USA support eSIM?
Yes, many mobile operators in the USA support eSIM technology. eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. With eSIM, users can switch between carriers and activate new plans without needing a physical SIM card swap.
Major mobile operators like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have adopted eSIM support for compatible devices. However, the availability of eSIM support may vary depending on the carrier and the specific device model you are using.
If you have a compatible device, you can check with your mobile operator to see if they offer eSIM support and what the process is for activating an eSIM on your device. It’s essential to ensure that your device is eSIM compatible and that your mobile operator supports eSIM activation before attempting to switch or activate a plan.
V. Where to buy USA SIM/eSIM for tourists?
1. Where to buy USA SIM cards
Tourists visiting the USA have several options for purchasing SIM cards. Here are some common places where you can buy a USA SIM card:
- Airports: Many international airports in the USA have stores that sell SIM cards for tourists. This option may be convenient if you want to get connected as soon as you arrive in the country.
- Mobile operator stores: Major mobile operators like AT&T and T-Mobile have retail stores across the USA. You can visit their stores to purchase a SIM card.
- Third-party retailers: Numerous retail stores and electronics shops across the country offer prepaid SIM cards. Places like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and electronics stores often have these options.
- Mobile operator websites: Many mobile operators have official websites where you can purchase prepaid SIM cards online and have them delivered to your accommodation in the USA.
Notes:
- When buying a SIM card, it’s important to have an unlocked phone compatible with mobile operators’ networks in the USA. To check compatibility, you can visit the official websites of Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
- Store representatives are usually available to help you set up the SIM and ensure its proper functionality.
- Remember that carrying your passport might be necessary for the registration process.
2. Where to buy USA eSIMs
Finding the right USA eSIM can feel overwhelming with so many options available. But don’t worry, there’s a trusted source for all your eSIM needs: esimusa.net.
Why Choose esimusa.net?
- Wide Variety of Plans: esimusa.net offers a range of eSIM plans to suit every traveler’s needs, from short trips to extended stays. Choose from plans with unlimited data, specific data allowances, and even options that cover both the USA and Canada.
- Simple and Convenient: Buying an eSIM from esimusa.net is a breeze. Simply select your preferred plan, make your purchase, and receive your eSIM details instantly via email.
Ready to Stay Connected in the USA?
Head over to https://www.simupdates.com/ and explore our range of USA eSIM plans. Enjoy seamless connectivity and stay connected with loved ones throughout your trip.