Best Phone Coverage in Norfolk, Virginia: The Country’s Largest Naval Base With Great Cell Phone Coverage

There are a ton of incredible places throughout the country where our active duty soldiers and veterans reside with their families, and one of the most popular includes Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk is home to the country’s largest naval base and even the North American Headquarters for NATO, plus it is becoming a booming area for  nightlife, retail, and fine dining.

Main image courtesy of iStorage. 

No matter where you live throughout the United States, it is important to find a reliable cell phone plan with service that has you covered 24/7. In Norfolk, Virginia, there are a few different options when it comes down to selecting a reliable plan, so it’s important to compare your options and choose one that appeals to your needs.

Check out the best cell phone coverage in Norfolk, Virginia and the many plans options that are available!

In this article, we’ll discuss the best cell phone coverage in Norfolk, Virginia, plus  other topics including:

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

Phone Coverage in Norfolk at a Glance

For people who live in Norfolk, it is important to consider your options for a cell phone plan. Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile are among the most popular networks that are available to provide customers with top tier data speeds and service performance.

Out of the options available, most customers prefer to go with Verizon Wireless simply because they are rated the number one best coverage throughout the United States. Verizon Wireless provides Norfolk residents with up to 99.67% coverage, plus the same amount of 4G LTE and 83.37% 5G availability.

Another great network to select is AT&T as they are another favorite to use in Virginia. AT&T is known for its 4G LTE data that is some of the best offered throughout the nation, and its reliable coverage where 99.93% of Norfolk residents can get it. They also offer 99.93% 4G LTE data availability, but barely any 5G at this time, only 0.72%.

A network that many people are raving about and can’t get enough of right now is T-Mobile, mainly because they offer the most 5G towers throughout the nation with the fastest speeds. In Norfolk, Virginia, T-Mobile customers can get access to 99.92% total coverage with 99.88% 4G LTE and 99.79% 5G availability.

It is important for some people to get a second opinion when it comes to getting a new cell phone plan in Norfolk, so consulting with the local residents is key. There are many customers that use Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile, and AT&T is good in certain areas, but often has dead zones. 

Local and National Cell Phone Carriers in Norfolk

With each Mobile Network Operator (MNO), such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile, there are fifteen more Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to go along with it. MNOs are  more expensive for many, and MVNOs are slowly making a change in the world of cell phone plans and providing a more affordable experience.

MVNOs are great for larger families, or even for single people who are looking to get their own cell phone plan. They allow customers to save money while also using the same network of the major MNOs that they are assigned to. Customers who are looking to add more money in their wallet can save up to $600 per year just by switching to a MVNO.

It’s important to get the proper definitions of MNOs and MVNOs to learn which one is a better option for you. Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile are Mobile Network Operators, which means they maintain their own networks. Tello 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, Tello Mobile uses the power of T-Mobile’s network to provide reliable coverage at a lower price.

While MVNOs seem like a simple answer to choose in terms of saving money on your cell phone plan, it’s important to know that they face a common issue called deprioritization. This is when there is congestion built up in your service, slowing down data speeds during the busiest hours of the day. Many customers face this issue with MVNOs, but MNO users get to use their service and data directly from the network without having to worry about this issue. 

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

#1 in Norfolk: Visible (Verizon Wireless)

Best 4G LTE and 5G Range in Norfolk

Customers that are looking for a MVNO option that uses Verizon Wireless’ network coverage will adore the features that are included in a Visible plan. Visible offers customers two truly unlimited data plans to choose from including all of the essentials, plus extra features if needed. Norfolk residents love their Visible cell phone plans and they believe it works best at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, the MacArthur Memorial, and the Waterside District. 

Features of a Visible cell phone plan include:

• Unlimited talk, text, and data
• 4G LTE or 5G nationwide coverage
• Unlimited mobile hotspot
• Spam protection
• Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
• 5G ultra wideband on their most expensive plan
• Unlimited roaming in Mexico and Canada on most expensive plan
• International calling and texting to 30+ countries
• International texting to 200+ countries
• 24/7 access to customer service
• Add a smartwatch for an extra $5 per month
• No hidden fees 

Price: Many potential customers are attracted to Visible simply for their low-cost prices where their base plan costs $30 per month, and the premium option with extra features is only $45. For a first time Visible plan user, they will even give you $5 off of whatever plan you choose for the first year. 

Plan: Visible offers customers two different cell phone plans to choose from, the base plan, or the premium option. The base plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data, while the premium option comes with extra features that include 5G ultra wideband, international features, and even a mobile hotspot.

👍 What We Liked

• Verizon Wireless’ Network. Verizon Wireless is the network that Visible uses and its customers get access to their one-of-a-kind network and 4G LTE and 5G data.
• Truly Unlimited Plans. Visible has two truly unlimited plans to choose from that include talk, text, and data. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• No Physical Stores. Visible doesn’t offer any physical stores to go to or even a phone number to call for issues with your plan. Customers are referred to their live chat option with an agent for any questions or concerns. 
• More Features on Premium Plan. For lots of people choosing a Visible cell phone plan, most choose the premium option because customers get more features, but it is more expensive.

#2 in Norfolk: AT&T

Best for its Local and Long-Distance Talk and Text Performance in Norfolk

There are plenty of options to consider when choosing a cell phone plan, but a MNO such as AT&T is one of the best to choose. AT&T provides high-speed 4G LTE data that is some of the best in the country, and even includes 5G in many places. Customers that use their AT&T cell phone plan in Norfolk, Virginia enjoy using it at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Virginia Zoo, and the Chrysler Museum of Art.

Features of an AT&T cell phone plan include:

• Unlimited talk, text, and data
• 50GB of premium 5G high-speed data and then slower unlimited data afterwards
• AT&T’s incredible 5G nationwide service and coverage
• AT&T ActiveArmor which protects you while using public Wi-Fi, Identity Monitoring, and more
• 15GB of a mobile hotspot available per line 
• Unlimited international talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico
• Unlimited texting from the United States to 200+ countries
• Standard definition streaming included

Price: Considering the price of any cell phone plan is important before signing up, so it’s crucial to keep in mind that AT&T’s plans are more expensive because they are an MNO. Their one-line plans can cost around $65 to $85 per month, but whenever you add more lines, the prices drop and can go as low as $30 to $60 each instead.

Plan: It’s important to consider all of your options when choosing a cell phone plan through AT&T. Each plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data, but there are more expensive plans with better features that can include streaming services, travel benefits, and a mobile hotspot with a set GB allotment.

👍 What We Liked

• AT&T’s Reliable Network. Throughout the United States, AT&T offers both reliable call and text performance as well as data speeds.
• Individual and Family Plans Available. AT&T offers both individual and family plans with tons of unlimited data and high-quality service no matter how many lines you need.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• More Expensive MNO. AT&T is considered a MNO since it owns its own network, which makes it more expensive. 
• Throttled Streaming Quality. Having reliable streaming is crucial for many people, and while AT&T’s is very good, the quality can become throttled after an extended period of time.

#3 in Norfolk: Tello Mobile (T-Mobile)

Best for its Affordable Prices in Norfolk

Choosing an affordable MVNO shouldn’t be that hard, and Tello Mobile is among the most notable options. Using T-Mobile’s reliable service and coverage, Tello Mobile provides cell phone plans that are extremely affordable and cost as low as $5 per month, while also supplying great 4G LTE and 5G coverage. Many Norfolk, Virginia residents love their Tello Mobile cell phone plan and they use it everywhere including the Nauticus Museum, Hermitage Museum and Gardens, and the Harbor Park Stadium.

Features of a Tello Mobile cell phone plan include:

• Free unlimited talk and text
• Set data allotment and unlimited plans offered
• 4G LTE and 5G coverage offered
• Free tethering using a hotspot
• Wi-Fi calling available
• Free calls to over 60 countries 
• Upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime
• Plans renew every thirty days
• Utilize 4G LTE/5G network
• Powered by T-Mobile

Price: Tello Mobile is among the most affordable MVNOs to select that uses T-Mobile’s network coverage. Their plans can cost as low as $5 to $29 per month and you can choose how many minutes and data that you need to make a plan that suits all of your needs. 

Plan: Choosing a Tello Mobile plan is an experience because of the many customization methods that they offer. Customers can choose how many minutes they want, along with data, which ranges from 500GB, 1GB, 2GB, 5GB, and up to 10GB. They also include an unlimited data plan option perfect for those who are willing to spend a little more every month.

👍 What We Liked

• T-Mobile’s Reliable Coverage. Tello Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network which provides top speed 4G LTE and 5G data plus reliable nationwide coverage and service. 
• Affordable Cell Phone Plans. Out of the many MVNOs that use T-Mobile’s reliable network coverage, Tello Mobile has some of the most affordable plans that are as low as $5 per month. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• Very Low Data Caps. Tello Mobile offers its customers low monthly prices for set data allotment plans, but their data caps are very low, ranging from 500GB, 1GB, 2GB, 5GB, and 10GB.
• Deprioritization Happens Often. Since Tello Mobile is a MVNO, customers often face slow data and service due to deprioritization during busy hours. 

Get to Know Your Local Carrier Options in Norfolk 

MVNOs are a great alternative when it comes to saving more money on plans that you love and some of the best ones to choose in Norfolk, Virginia consist of:

• 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
• Metro by T-Mobile
• And more!

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

Is AT&T Better Than Verizon Wireless in Virginia?

Throughout much of Virginia, Verizon Wireless and AT&T are top competitors. Out of the two, Verizon Wireless always seems to come out on top because they provide more nationwide coverage with reliable call and text performance, and even high-speed data no matter where you go. 

Which Cell Phone Network Has the Strongest Signal?

Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile are all great and reliable networks to select a cell phone plan through. Out of the three, Verizon Wireless provides the best signal possible and they are available throughout 70% of the United States, which is 2% more than AT&T and 8% more than T-Mobile.  

How Can I Determine the Best Network in My Area?

It can be difficult to find the best cell phone network in your area if you’re not sure where to start your search. The easiest and best option to select is a coverage map where they allow their customers to type in their address, and see which network will work most efficiently.  

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for fast phone coverage in Norfolk, Virginia 

If you’re looking for a new place to call home in Norfolk, Virginia, making sure that you have reliable cell phone coverage is key and Verizon Wireless will provide the best service and data speeds out there!

When looking into getting a new cell phone plan, it can be difficult to determine what is the best option with the wide variety of networks and plans available. The best resource to use is Really because their professionals can help you to determine the best cell phone coverage in your area, plus help you find and compare plans that are in your price range with the necessary features that you need.