Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility are the two largest wireless providers in the U.S. Both companies boast nationwide coverage, global roaming capabilities, a variety of calling plans and a wide variety of handsets. Verizon and AT&T have similar services; however, distinct calling plans, network exclusive handsets and differences in international roaming capabilities, reveal noticeable differences.
Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the largest mobile provider in the U.S. with 87.7 million subscribers in 2009 on a Code Division Multiple Access wireless network. Verizon provides wireless services in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Verizon offers voice and 3G data services including Push-to-Talk, SMS and MMS messaging, over-the-air downloadable applications, EV-DO and V-CAST, which allows customers to download video and audio content.
AT&T Mobility
AT&T Mobility is the second largest wireless provider in the U.S. with approximately 79.6 million subscribers in 2009. AT&T operates a nationwide global system for mobile 3G network that provides service in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AT&T offers numerous voice and data services including SMS and MMS messaging, over-the-air downloadable applications, AT&T Music download service, mobile TV and Push-to-Talk.
Domestic Coverage
AT&T and Verizon provide extensive network coverage in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Each company operates on a 3G network; however, 3G services are limited to urban areas.
AT&T and Verizon Wireless service differs slightly in Alaska, where Verizon has a greater imprint in the areas between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Otherwise, customers on both networks enjoy voice and data capabilities throughout the majority of coverage area.
International Roaming
Unlike most CDMA carriers, Verizon Wireless has sizable global coverage. Verizon offers CDMA international roaming services in more than 40 countries. Verizon subscribers with dual mode GSM/CDMA phones have international roaming coverage in 220 countries worldwide.
Since AT&T runs on a GSM network, all of its phones have global roaming capabilities. AT&T has international roaming agreements that provide coverage in more than 190 countries. AT&T sells tri-band and quad-band phones that are able to be used on the majority of wireless frequencies; therefore, regardless of where they travel, subscribers will have access to their mobile phone service.
Calling Plans
Verizon and AT&T offer a myriad of competitively priced calling plans for their subscription and prepaid services. Both companies offer expandable night and weekend hours for an additional fee. AT&T and Verizon also offer unlimited in-network, mobile-to-mobile calling.
The Friends & Family plan offered by Verizon Wireless gives customers unlimited calling to select numbers outside the Verizon network. The Friends & Family plan is a two-tiered subscription based service that is only open to single-line accounts. AT&T does not offer a comparable plan.
Handsets
ATT offers a variety of wireless phones including Sony, LG, Motorola, HTC, Nokia, Samsung and the largest selection of BlackBerry phones. AT&T also has exclusive rights to the wildly popular Apple iPhone.
Verizon offers a variety of wireless and smartphones including Palm, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Motorola, LG and Samsung.
Helpful Tips
3G service is limited to urban areas.
Both companies offer refurbished phones for half off the original price.
Coverage and call quality is depends on handset and location.
Tags: Verizon Wireless, international roaming, Both companies, Puerto Rico, roaming capabilities, Verizon offers, voice data
