Best Phone Coverage in Madison, Wisconsin: Shopping, Music, Arts, Festivals, and Great Cell Phone Coverage

Many people think of Wisconsin as the land of cheese because they are the nation’s leading dairy producer, but Madison is not only the state capital, but one of the most popular places to visit. Madison, Wisconsin is full of life and creativity where you can see plenty of art museums, go to concerts at many music venues, and shop at tons of local stores. 

No matter if you’re moving to a new state, or are looking into your options for cell phone coverage in Madison, Wisconsin, it’s important to try and find the best and most reliable for you and your family. There are plenty of options to choose in Wisconsin’s state capital, but which one is right for you?

Consider looking into your options for cell phone coverage in Madison, Wisconsin and cell phone plan options too!

In this article, we’ll talk about your options for the best cell phone coverage in Madison, Wisconsin and other important topics:

• Map of the fastest cell phone coverage in Madison
• Local and national carriers that cover Madison
• Frequently asked questions about phone coverage in Madison

Phone Coverage in Madison at a Glance

No matter if you’re visiting Madison, Wisconsin, or you’re simply checking out the area, it’s important to get to know your options when it comes to who has the best cell phone coverage in the area out of Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile.

In Madison and the rest of the state, Verizon Wireless is the number one choice when you want  the best cell phone coverage. Verizon Wireless has top coverage that expands out to 99.90% of the city with some of the most reliable 4G LTE and 5G data. Their 4G is available at 98.63%, while their 5G is at 58.36% of the city.

The next best option for choosing cell phone coverage in Madison, Wisconsin is through AT&T, a network that is usually neck and neck in terms of reliability and overall service with Verizon Wireless. AT&T offers coverage throughout 98.24% of Madison and their 4G LTE and 5G data range is even slightly better than Verizon’s. The 4G LTE availability is at 94.91% and  5G is at 83.71%, providing high-speed data no matter where you're at.

Another great option for choosing reliable cell phone coverage in Madison, Wisconsin is through T-Mobile, which is the most affordable out of the three, and has the best overall 5G coverage nationwide. T-Mobile has coverage throughout 97.20% of Madison with higher 5G availability than 4G LTE. 88.66% of 4G LTE is available and 5G clocks in at 90.59% in Madison.

There are many cell phone plan options to choose in Madison, Wisconsin, but there are some reasons why you should consider what the locals think of their current plan. In Madison, it is pretty mixed on who has the best network, but people love T-Mobile’s Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), such as Mint Mobile and Google Fi that provide reliable coverage and the same with Cricket Wireless that runs on AT&T’s network. 

Local and National Cell Phone Carriers in Madison

No matter what type of cell phone plan that you want to get for you and your family, you’ll want to make sure that it’s something affordable. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile provide the best service and coverage, but are more expensive compared to the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

Many people are saying goodbye to their MNO plan and switching to a MVNO because of the affordable prices that are offered through them. Customers that make the switch can save upwards of $600 per year on their plan and have that extra money back in their wallets to do the things they love while using the same network as their old MNO.

It is important to know all of the facts when it comes to comparing and contrasting MNOs and MVNOs. Verizon Wireless and AT&T are Mobile Network Operators, which means they maintain their own networks. Credo Mobile, on the other hand, is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means they buy minutes from an MNO with extra capacity and resell under their own brand. In this case, Credo Mobile uses the power of Verizon Wireless’ network to provide reliable coverage at a lower price.

While MVNOs seem like the ultimate deal, there is a reason why they are a much cheaper option. One of these reasons is due to deprioritization, which is the congestion of data during the busiest hours of the day, and causes slower data speeds and overall service. This can happen often to MVNO users, but for those who have stuck with the high price tag of a MNO, they will get access to the best service and fast 4G LTE and 5G data 24/7.

Let’s take a look at which of these carriers use the network that gives people in Madison the most coverage.

#1 in Madison: Verizon Wireless

Best for 4G LTE and 5G Range in Madison

Choosing the right MNO for you and your family can be difficult, but Verizon Wireless is ranked number one not only in Madison, but also the entirety of Wisconsin as well. Verizon Wireless offers some of the best reliability in coverage throughout the nation, along with providing high-speed 4G LTE and 5G data range that is at its best while in major cities. Verizon Wireless works best in Madison, specifically areas such as the Madison Ghost Walk Tours, the Madison Children’s Museum, the Dane County Farmers Market, and on State Street.

Features of a Verizon Wireless cell phone plan include:

• Unlimited talk, text, and data
• 4G LTE or 5G nationwide coverage
• Unlimited mobile hotspot available
• Spam protection
• Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
• 24/7 access to customer service
• Entertainment perks
• International features available

Price: There are a lot of cell phone plans to choose from through Verizon Wireless, but how many lines you need and how many extra features you add onto your plan can determine the price. Verizon Wireless plans cost around $35 to $50 per line per month depending on how many lines you need and which plan you select. They also offer food subscriptions and streaming services for an extra fee on your monthly bill as well.

Plan: It can be difficult to choose the right plan through Verizon Wireless, but there are many options depending on extra features you and your family need. Every plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data. As mentioned, you can add on extra entertainment perks for an extra monthly fee that can include Disney+, Apple Music, and even a Walmart membership.

👍 What We Liked

• Verizon’s Network Coverage. There are lots of folks who love Verizon Wireless’ network coverage because of their ultra fast data speeds and their availability nationwide. 
• 100% Unlimited Plans. No matter what Verizon Wireless plan you choose, all of them are 100% truly unlimited with talk, text, and high-speed data 24/7.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• More Expensive MNO. It is important to keep in mind that Verizon Wireless is a MNO, meaning that their cell phone plans are much higher in price than a MVNO and are among the most expensive to choose from. 
• Pay More For Better Entertainment Perks. Entertainment perks are something that can be added to any Verizon Wireless plan, but can be expensive depending on which one you choose and how many. 

#2 in Madison: Cricket Wireless (AT&T) 

Best for Full Service MVNO in Madison

Trying to find the most reliable MVNO to use in Madison, Wisconsin can be difficult if you’re not sure where to look, but if you love AT&T’s reliable coverage, then Cricket Wireless is the perfect option. Cricket Wireless provides a full service cell phone plan to its customers, while also saving them money every month. Cricket Wireless is the perfect plan with reliable coverage and fast data speeds that works well at the Geology Museum, Allen Centennial Garden, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and even the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Features of a Cricket Wireless cell phone plan include:

• Fast nationwide 5G coverage
• High-speed data access
• Unlimited talk, text, and picture messaging
• HD voice and Wi-Fi calling
• Cricket Call Defense to protect you from spam calls
• Affordable Connectivity Program if you’re eligible
• Mobile hotspot on most plans
• Max included in plan price
• Cloud storage available
• International calling to Canada and Mexico
• International text to 37 countries
• Save more money by adding more lines

Price: The best part about getting any Cricket Wireless cell phone plan is knowing how affordable they are compared to its competitors. They offer plans that range in prices from $30 to $50 per month and you can get some of the best features and as many lines as you need, which will determine your final price. 

Plan: Cricket Wireless offers both set data allotment plans and even an unlimited option for those who use a ton of data every month. They have relatively low set data allotments that range from 5GB to 10GB at most, but you can always pay extra to have unlimited high-speed data. 

👍 What We Liked

• AT&T’s Network Coverage. Many people make the switch to Cricket Wireless specifically for its reliable high-speed data and coverage on AT&T’s network. 
• Full Service MVNO. Cricket Wireless is a full service MVNO, which means that they provide set data allotment and unlimited plans with unlimited talk and text on all.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• Poor Customer Service. There are many customers who love Cricket Wireless, but not their customer service. Their customer service lacks in getting issues resolved fast and customers are often stuck waiting to talk to an agent for a long time. 
• Lack of a Cell Phone Selection. Customers may want to get a new cell phone through Cricket Wireless, but it’s important to note that they only offer Apple products with no Samsung or Google options. 

#3 in Madison: Mint Mobile (T-Mobile)

Best for Affordability in Madison

It can be difficult when trying to select the best MVNO for you and your family that fits right into your budget, but have no fear because Mint Mobile is among the best options to choose. Mint Mobile can help customers to save money on their cell phone plan by offering plans for as low as $15 per month using T-Mobile’s network. Mint Mobile works best at the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the Camp Randall Stadium, and even the Wisconsin Veteran Museum.

Features of a Mint Mobile cell phone plan include:

• Unlimited talk and text
• Set data allotment plans or unlimited plans offered
• Three-month, six-month, or year-long plans available
• T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G coverage
• High-speed 5G data 
• Free calling to Mexico and Canada
• Free 3-in-1 SIM card included when you sign up
• Free mobile hotspot included in all plans
• Wi-Fi calling and texting
• Keep your current phone or buy a new one
• Keep your current phone number or get a new one
• Keep your contacts, photos, and apps when you switch plans
• Mint Mobile app available to make payments and more

Price: Mint Mobile plans are low in price compared to many other competitors that use T-Mobile’s network coverage. Their plans start at around $15 to $30 per month but you can easily turn any plan into a family one. There is a $15 charge for every line that is added on your plan, and each line can choose how much data that they want. 

Plan: Mint Mobile offers prepaid three month, six month, or twelve month plans, but they don’t have any monthly options available. They also have set data allotment plans ranging from 5GB, 10GB, and up to 20GB, or you can select an unlimited option for high-speed data all month long. 

👍 What We Liked

• T-Mobile’s Network Coverage. Many people love T-Mobile’s network coverage that Mint Mobile uses because of its reliability and high-speed 5G data nationwide.
• Affordable Plans for Everyone. All of Mint Mobile’s plans are extremely affordable and they cost as little as $15 per month and at most $30 for the unlimited option.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• No Monthly Plans Available. Mint Mobile only offers prepaid plans that last for three months, six months, or up to twelve months and monthly plans are not an option. 
• No Truly Unlimited Plans. While Mint Mobile states that they have an unlimited data plan option, they have a data cap on how much high-speed data you can use before it starts to slow down. 

Get to Know Your Local Carrier Options in Madison 

Throughout the state of Wisconsin, and especially in Madison, there are a good amount of MVNOs to choose from:

• Boost Mobile
• Cricket Wireless
• Ting Mobile
• Tello Mobile
• Mint Mobile
• US Mobile
• Consumer Cellular
• Red Pocket
• Twigby
• Good2Go Mobile
• Pure Talk
• Ultra Mobile
• Straight Talk Wireless
• Tracfone
• Net10 Wireless
• Google Fi
• And more!

FAQ: Your Questions About Cell Phone Coverage in Madison, Answered

Is AT&T or Verizon Wireless Better in Wisconsin?

Throughout not only Wisconsin, but in the nation as well, Verizon Wireless offers the best and the most reliable service and coverage. They work the best in Wisconsin because they cover almost 100% of the state and their service ranking at the top of the charts, along with their fast 5G data range.

How to Determine the Best Cell Phone Coverage in Your Area

It can be hard to pinpoint the best cell phone coverage in your specific area, but looking at a coverage map can help you out. All you need to do is plug in your address into the coverage map and it can tell you the best network to go with and even give you some cell phone plans to choose from too. 

Is There 5G in Madison?

For people who have the newest smartphones that are compatible with 5G, this high-speed data is available on all three networks in Madison, Wisconsin. All three networks provide excellent 5G coverage but T-Mobile provides the most coverage and the fastest speeds throughout the nation.  

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for fast phone coverage in Madison, Wisconsin 

There are a few options of cell phone networks to choose from in Madison, Wisconsin but one through Verizon Wireless will provide you the best overall coverage and data range!

It can be difficult to find the best cell phone coverage where you live, but you’ll never have to struggle with the help of Really! The professionals at Really are great at guiding you in the right direction in terms of finding the best cell phone coverage for you and your family in your area, along with providing options on the lowest priced plans with the best features included.