Is it worth switching to AT&T from Verizon?
It is a typical question every smartphone user asks themselves especially when considering a Verizon to AT&T conversion. Some important things to look at when thinking about making the transition are the coverage, data speeds, plan costs, and much more.
Coverage and Reliability
Verizon boasts of providing the largest and most dependable 4G LTE network in the United States, which spans 2.4 million square miles. It also covers large portions of the rural areas, which are not well served by competitors in the industry. AT&T currently operates 4G LTE networks in over 2 million square miles; however, they are behind Verizon in terms of reliability. For those who often travel to areas that have limited Internet connection options, it is better to stay with Verizon. However, in the case of AT&T, the coverage provided is sufficient in the suburban and urban settings for the majority of the population.
Data Speeds
In their latest carrier comparison tests, RootMetrics concluded that Verizon was on top in national download speed with AT&T on par. Nevertheless, when it came to the uploads, AT&T Internet was more favorable with upload speeds which are crucial when sharing videos/photos from your device. Both networks should be sufficient for most simple internet usage, such as web browsing, streaming, and social media. However, power users might find it useful to go to Verizon if they employ applications that transmit huge files.
Plan Options & Pricing
Both carriers now have “unlimited” plans with a few asterisks. All in all, the cost may fluctuate greatly based on your requirements for the particular features. However, AT&T is more flexible than Verizon including the aspect of rolling over of the unused data in some of its plans. They also offer promotional discounts for those who subscribe to both their wireless service and their home TV/internet products which Verizon does not have. It would be wise to do a cost distribution analysis of your anticipated monthly data usage and device preferences before deciding.
5G Access
Verizon today has the largest next-gen 5G network coverage available with a speed of over 10 times that of 4G LTE (though the actual speed varies). However, it is only available if you sign up for one of their expensive premium unlimited plans and a 5 G-compatible device. Verizon currently has a more extensive 5G network compared to AT&T, but the latter provides it on all current unlimited plans for free. Consider these points as 5G unfolds over the next 2-3 years.
Device Selection
The two companies provide the latest models of the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy series. But Verizon has always had a first or second crack at some phones such as Google’s Pixel. They also tend to frequently offer promotions that involve gifting devices to new subscribers. While AT&T’s device selection is not as wide, it does offer most of the major flagship devices the average customer would want.
Customer Satisfaction
According to J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Wireless Purchase Experience studies, Verizon and AT&T are very close in overall satisfaction. Also, AT&T was slightly better than Verizon in cost of service but Verizon was better in the quality and coverage of the network. If budget is an issue, AT&T looks better; on the other hand, if the goal is to achieve pure performance numbers, Verizon has the better claim.
Switching Bonuses & Perks
To acquire new customers, both AT&T and Verizon encourage consumers to switch by offering incentives such as bill credits, free devices, and compensation for terminating the previous service. These are not constant throughout the year and may mean you could change at the right time to benefit from this. Make sure to call both to find out what sort of discount may be in effect at the current time. Bringing your phone and porting your number may also gain further incentives as well.
Taking all these factors into consideration, Verizon lands itself in a position to offer the overall ‘best’ network and service provisions in most areas. However, based on the coverage area, data consumption patterns, device preferences, and budgetary control, AT&T can be a reasonable option. Do not make your move to the rural areas without ensuring that your plan and plan rates are as you expected on Verizon. While many suburbanites and city dwellers can switch to maximize savings while maintaining sufficient connectivity, for others, it is entirely feasible as well. Discuss your preferences based on the current promotions that both carriers offer to decide if the switch is good for your smartphone needs.
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