The City Dweller's Cell Phone Dilemma

In a world where we can launch rockets to Mars, why can’t your phone hold a signal downtown? Spoiler alert: It’s not just you, and the reason will blow your mind. Get ready for some revelations about your city’s cell coverage. Prepare for discoveries that’ll change the way you see (and use) your phone in the big city!

The Big Picture: Our Eye-Opening Research

Let’s dive into the facts. We evaluated cell coverage in 20 major metro areas across different states in the U.S. Thanks to our partners at M2Catalyst, we’ve got the inside scoop on which carriers are delivering top-notch service and which ones might need to step up their game. This isn’t just about dropped calls – it’s about understanding how well your phone really works in the big city you call home.

The Great Carrier Face-Off

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the main event! We’re comparing the coverage performance of the major carriers in 20 major cities to provide a clear view of their strengths and weaknesses. And trust us, the results are anything but predictable.

Take a good look at this map – it tells a story of winners, losers, and a few surprising underdogs. Here are some quick takeaways that might just make you rethink your carrier loyalty:

1. The carrier with the highest percentage of good coverage in these 20 metro areas is… drumroll please… T-Mobile!
2. Despite its reputation for strong coverage, Verizon had the highest percentage of bad signal in 8 out of the 20 cities analyzed.
3. A city-specific shock comes from San Francisco, where there’s a whopping 18.3% difference between the best and worst carriers. AT&T leads with 86.5% good coverage, while T-Mobile lags behind at just 68.2%.
4. The “Closest Competition” award goes to Indianapolis, Indiana. Here, the difference between the best and worst carriers is a mere 2.5%, with AT&T and T-Mobile tied for the top spot at 71.5% good coverage, and Verizon close behind at 69.0%.
5. Jacksonville, Florida takes the honor of having the worst overall signal coverage among the cities measured. Even the best carrier there (AT&T) only manages 67.7% good coverage, while the city’s overall rate of poor or no signal is a staggering 35.7%.

Stay tuned as we dig deeper into these findings. The cell world is full of surprises, and we’re just getting started!

The State of Cell Affairs

Now, let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. This map reveals which metros are cell paradise and which ones are… well, let’s just say you might want to invest in some carrier pigeons.

This map isn’t just pretty colors; it’s a snapshot of cell health across major U.S. metros. We’ve taken the average signal strength from the Big Three – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – to give you the real scoop. Here’s how to interpret our map:

• Green dots: These cities are living large with >80% excellent signal. It’s smooth sailing in the data stream.
• Orange dots: With 75-80% good signal, these cities are doing alright, but there’s room for improvement.
• Red dots: Yikes. These <75% poor signal cities might make you nostalgic for the days of landlines.

Let’s break it down:

‍

The Cream of the Crop

Houston, Chicago, Dallas, New York, San Antonio, Philadelphia, and Denver are the overachievers of the cell world. Your phone is living its best life here, with over 80% good signal coverage.

‍

The Middle of the Pack

San Francisco, Austin, Charlotte, Columbus, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City are not bad, but not great either. You’ll probably get by but don’t expect any cell miracles.

‍

The Signal Strugglers

Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Jose, Indianapolis, Seattle, San Diego, and Jacksonville are in the red zone. If you live in one of these cities, it’s looking bleak. But, Goji is here to help you find a better plan with our Plan Finder and the ever-helpful ChatBarry. Check out tip #8 and download Goji to switch today.

‍

A City-by-City Breakdown

Interested in the nitty-gritty stats? Check out this breakdown of cell coverage across major U.S. cities. This table gives you a detailed look at how cell coverage varies across different cities, showing the best and worst performers in each location.

Here’s what each column in the table represents:

• City and State: The metro and its corresponding state.
• Overall Good Signal %: The average percentage of coverage with a good signal across all carriers in that city.
• Best Carrier (% Good Coverage): The provider offering the highest percentage of good coverage in the city.
• Worst Carrier (% Good Coverage): The provider with the lowest percentage of good coverage in the city.

‍

‍

So, there you have it, folks. The good, the bad, and the “why won’t my call go through?” of America’s metro cell coverage. Whether you’re riding high on the green wave or stuck in the red zone, remember: there’s always Wi-Fi calling!

The Plot Thickens: Brace Yourself for 8 Metro Cell Coverage Truths

You’ve seen the big picture, folks. Our carrier coverage comparison and state-by-state breakdown have set the stage. But hold onto your smartphones, because we’re about to zoom in and expose the nitty-gritty details. These 8 truths about your city’s cell coverage might just make you see your beloved metro in a whole new light.

‍

1. Your Skyscraper is a Signal’s Worst Nightmare

Ever wonder why your call drops just as you’re stepping into that gleaming high-rise? Here’s the scoop:

• Tall buildings are secretly sabotaging your calls. It’s like they’re playing an elaborate game of keep-away with your signal.
• Those sleek skyscrapers? They’re basically signal kryptonite. The materials used in modern buildings can block or scatter wireless signals, turning your office into a dead zone.

2. You’re Sharing Your Signal with a Small Army

Think you’re alone with your full bars? Think again.

The shocking math: In busy areas, thousands of people might be fighting for the same cell resources. It’s like trying to sip from a fire hose with the entire neighborhood.

‍

3. Going Down? Your Signal Sure Is!

Elevators and basements: where good signals go to die.

• The subterranean signal struggle is real, and no, it’s not just you.
• Your subway commute is basically time travel to the 1G era. Underground, you’re lucky if you can send a text, let alone stream your favorite podcast.

4. Not All Carriers Are Created Equal

Remember our carrier face-off? Well, it’s time to spill the tea on who’s really bringing their A-game to your city.

Let’s break it down by carrier:

• T-Mobile:
  • Shines bright in Houston (88.6% good coverage), Chicago (86.1% good coverage), and Dallas (85.2% good coverage).
  • Also takes the cake in Denver, Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, San Jose, and San Diego.
  • But watch out in Philadelphia and San Francisco – it’s not T-Mobile’s turf there.
• AT&T:
  • Dominates in Philadelphia (87.2% good coverage) and San Francisco (86.5% good coverage).
  • Also rules the roost in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Jacksonville.
  • However, it’s the underdog in San Jose and Fort Worth.
• Verizon:
  • Takes the crown in New York (87.0% good coverage) and San Antonio (87.9% good coverage).
  • Also victorious in Austin, Charlotte, and Columbus.
  • But it’s struggling to keep up in Jacksonville and San Diego.

So, before you commit to a carrier, check out how they perform in your specific city (more on that soon…). After all, you wouldn’t buy shoes without trying them on, right? Same goes for your cell service!

‍

5. Your State’s Cell Coverage Report Card

Some states are cell overachievers, while others struggle to keep up.

‍

‍

The Straight-A Students. Based on our data, here are the top 5 states where your phone is living its best life:

• Texas: With multiple cities (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio) showing strong coverage, the Lone Star State is shining bright in the cell world.
• Illinois: Chicago’s impressive 82% good-to-excellent signal coverage puts Illinois in the honor roll.
• New York: The city that never sleeps also rarely drops a call, with 81% good-to-excellent coverage.
• Pennsylvania: Philadelphia’s solid performance earns the Keystone State a spot in the top tier.
• Colorado: Denver’s mile-high city must be closer to those satellites, with over 80% good-to-excellent coverage.

‍

‍

‍

‍The “Needs Improvement” Squad. Now, for the states where phones go to sulk:

• Florida: Jacksonville’s struggle with a 35.7% poor or no signal rate puts the Sunshine State in the cell shade.
• California: Despite its tech reputation, cities like San Diego and San Jose face significant coverage challenges.
• Washington: Seattle’s 29.8% poor or no signal rate suggests the Emerald City might need to polish its cell performance.
• Indiana: Indianapolis ties with Seattle in the “needs improvement” category.
• Arizona: Phoenix’s 25.9% poor or no signal rate lands it in our bottom five.

The Surprise Performers: Some cities are defying expectations. Houston, Texas, boasts the lowest poor or no signal rate at just 14.7%. On the flip side, Jacksonville, Florida, might want to have a chat with its carriers, sporting the highest rate of poor or no signal at 35.7%.

‍

‍

6. Wi-Fi Calling: Your Secret Weapon in the Cell Warzone

Wi-Fi calling isn’t just for saving money – it’s a powerful tool for better connectivity.

• Wi-Fi calling can keep you connected in areas with poor cell coverage.
• To enable Wi-Fi calling:
  • iPhone: Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling
  • Android: Settings > Networks > Wi-Fi Calling (may vary by device)
• Once enabled, your phone automatically switches to Wi-Fi calling when the cell signal is weak.
• Use Wi-Fi calling abroad to avoid roaming charges (check with your carrier for specifics).

‍

7. Your Dream Neighborhood Might Be a Cell Nightmare

Before you sign that lease or mortgage, consider how your new neighborhood might affect your cell service:

• Infrastructure Disparities: Lower-income areas often have fewer base stations and at greater distances, potentially leading to weaker signals for residents.
• Natural Obstructions: Trees, hills, and large buildings can block or weaken cell signals. Living in the shadow of a skyscraper? Your reception might suffer.
• Building Materials Modern construction materials like metal, concrete, and energy-efficient glass can interfere with cell signals. That sleek new apartment might look great, but your calls might drop more often

‍

8. Goji Mobile: Your Urban Cell Survival Guide

We’re not just here to point out problems – we’re here to solve them. Goji Mobile offers tools to navigate the cell jungle:

‍

‍

• Coverage Map:
  • Visualize signal strength across your city
  • Identify the best carrier for your frequent locations
  • Make informed decisions before moving or traveling
• ChatBarry Plan Finder:
  • Compare plans based on your unique needs and wants
  • Factor in coverage quality at your most important locations
  • Discover plan and carrier options you might have overlooked
• Network Performance Meter:
  • Test your current connection speed and reliability

Don’t let poor cell service control your life. With Goji Mobile, take charge of your connectivity and enjoy the coverage you deserve.

‍