Cellular voice and data "coverage" maps for truck drivers

There are basically 3 recurring questions asked here:

a) What is the "best carrier." (usually related to "overall" including pricing, data plans, coverage, devices, service, etc.)
b) What is the "best device." (related to Apple vs Android vs Windows vs Blackberry, etc)
c) What is the "best coverage" or "who has the best coverage in XYZ place or region."

This post is only for addressing the coverage question.

Remember that your "happiness with coverage" also strongly relates to what you are using the cellular device FOR. If you are only making voice calls, then the 2G and 3G coverage is your biggest focus. If you are doing mild data surfing, then 3G/4G becomes more important. If you are doing heavy data tasks - like watching online TV or movies, video chatting, or dynamic gaming, then a strong 3G or 4G area is your biggest concern for coverage.

Here is the most accurate site that I have found because it uses their free cell phone app to feed the database continuously. Their phone app (for Android and iOS) gives you the coverage maps and wifi locations on your smartphone in return. And I'm not endorsing the app with this post - I'm endorsing their site map data that they get from the app. (However, the app gives the same info if you so desire to install it too.)

Link: http://opensignal.com/index.php?lat=34.7559&lng=-93.4761&initZoom=4&isHeatMap=1&netwkID[]=310004

You can use the little table in the bottom-right part of the map to click-compare between the cell companies. You can filter the map by 2g,3g,4g areas, and you can zoom the map to specific areas and regions. You can also type in an address or zip to zoom to that area.

SO, the bottom line is that this is a great resource to answer the question "who has coverage, and what kind, in XYZ area or city or region of the country."

(disclaimer: I have no relationship whatsoever with the site. I just use it a lot when drivers call with the coverage question and thought it would be good info here since that question is asked so often)

 

North of I-80 in Pennsylvania (Verizon)
North of I-80 in Pennsylvania (AT&T)
North of I-80 in Pennsylvania (T-Mobile)
North of I-80 in Pennsylvania (Sprint)

Yup. I would say that there isn't a lot of demand north of I-80 unless deer begin to buy cell phones.

But, that was a very good illustration of how that site works. For instance, you are really hurtin' even worse if your phone says T-Mobile on it in that area.

 

That site is based on actual data rates and speeds today. Not beginning of year. Not future. The data comes from their app (150,000+ downloads)

What were you trying to open it with? Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS? The web site opens with any browser on Windows or Mac. The apps are in the usual place for Android or iTunes.