Best Phone Coverage in San Luis Obispo, California: Plenty of Boutiques, Restaurants, and Cell Phone Coverage

Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with learning more about a new city and making the move to gain new experiences in life. San Luis Obispo, California is an incredible city specifically known for the boutiques and restaurants with tasty food that residents enjoy on a preserved Spanish Mission in the center of this great city.

For many people, moving all of their belongings is what they think about the most when it comes to moving, and they think less about the cell phone coverage available in the area. While living in San Luis Obispo, it’s important to get familiar with what network offers the best cell phone coverage so you can stay connected at all times.

Make sure to consider looking into the best cell phone coverage in San Luis Obispo, California!

In this article, we’ll discuss the options for the best cell phone coverage in San Luis Obispo, California and other crucial topics such as:

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

Phone Coverage in San Luis Obispo at a Glance

Choosing a cell phone network can be difficult if you’re not entirely sure where to start, but there are a ton of options to select when it comes to living in San Luis Obispo, California.

The best overall option to select for the best cell phone coverage in San Luis Obispo is Verizon Wireless. Residents that live in San Luis Obispo get 100% total coverage in the area, while also getting 99.95% 4G LTE and 84.40% 5G availability.

Another great option to select in San Luis Obispo is AT&T, who is right behind Verizon Wireless in terms of reliability and availability. AT&T customers also get 100% total coverage in San Luis Obispo, along with 4G LTE and 5G availability slightly behind it at 86.94%.

Last, but certainly not least is T-Mobile who is known to offer the best 5G coverage that anyone could receive throughout the United States. In San Luis Obispo, customers get 99.95% coverage for call and text performance, and will also receive 99.70% 4G LTE and 99.08% 5G availability.

It is crucial to also consider what the local residents think of the cell phone coverage with the carrier they currently have their plan with. For many, Verizon Wireless is overall the best option because they provide coverage with little to no dead zones, with AT&T following behind it. T-Mobile is good, but still has many spotty areas within San Luis Obispo for many people.

Local and National Cell Phone Carriers in San Luis Obispo

While getting a plan through Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile, also known as Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) is a great option, they can be expensive and continuously raise their prices. People are making the switch to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that can not only help someone save money, but also provide reliable service and coverage too.

MVNOs are on the rise in popularity. Customers who make the switch to a new plan through a MVNO can save upwards of $600 per year and still get connected to the best networks that the MNOs operate on.

Getting to know and understand what makes a MNO and MVNO different from one another is crucial before making your decision. For example, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless are Mobile Network Operators, which means they maintain their own networks. Mint 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, Mint Mobile uses the power of T-Mobile’s network to provide reliable coverage at a lower price.

While choosing a MVNO seems fine and dandy, it’s crucial to know the common issue that many customers experience while using them. Deprioritization is something that happens frequently in the world of MVNOs where customers will experience slow data speeds and service due to congestion during the busiest hours of the day. MNO customers do not experience this because they use the network that they have a plan through directly, and not secondhand like a MVNO.

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

#1 in San Luis Obispo: Verizon Wireless 

Best for 4G LTE and 5G Range in San Luis Obispo

If you’re thinking about selecting a MNO to use in San Luis Obispo, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pick Verizon Wireless! Verizon Wireless is known for its reliable 4G LTE and 5G coverage, and it covers most parts of rural America too. Verizon Wireless works the best at the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, the Performing Arts Center, and downtown San Luis Obispo.

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: Selecting a cell phone plan through Verizon Wireless is expensive simply because it is a MNO, but the more lines you add on any of their plans, the more money you’ll save in the long run. Customers of Verizon Wireless will typically pay around $35 to $50 per line per month for their plans, but this also depends on the one that you select too.

Plan: Verizon Wireless offers truly unlimited plans and customers will receive unlimited talk, text, and data on every plan offered. Depending on the plan that you choose, you will get certain features along with it, or you can add on streaming subscriptions and premium memberships for an extra fee per month. Some of the popular options to add onto your plan include Apple Music and Disney+, or even a Walmart membership.

👍 What We Liked

• Verizon’s Network Coverage. Verizon Wireless offers reliable network coverage on all of their plans and customers will receive the best service, 4G LTE, and 5G data range.
• 100% Unlimited Plans. All of Verizon Wireless’ cell phone plans include unlimited talk, text, and data to use all month long without any caps. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• More Expensive MNO. Since Verizon Wireless is a MNO, their plans are typically more expensive with more fees, and you’ll also be stuck in a two-year contract too.
• Pay More For Better Entertainment Perks. Entertainment perks are essential for any cell phone plan, but none of the ones you can add onto a Verizon Wireless plan are built into the price, but are an extra fee on top of what you pay.

#2 in San Luis Obispo: Net10 Wireless (AT&T)

Best for Connecting to All Networks in San Luis Obispo

If you’re interested in a plan that uses AT&T’s network coverage, Net10 Wireless is a great choice. Net10 Wireless allows its customers to connect to not only AT&T’s network, but also T-Mobile’s or Verizon Wireless’ depending on which signal is the strongest. Net10 Wireless is an excellent cell phone carrier to stay connected in many spots around San Luis Obispo, such as Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa 1772, and the Fremont Theater.

Features of a Net10 Wireless cell phone plan include:

• Access to T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon Wireless networks at all times
• Unlimited talk and text on each plan
• Set data allotment and unlimited plans available
• Extra data packages
• Global Calling Card Package
• Unlimited international calling on each plan
• Mobile hotspot available on unlimited data plans
• Auto-refill available each month
• No contract plans
• Smartphone plans, basic phone plans, home phone plans, and hotspot plans available
• Ability to add lines to your plan

Price: Many people love the affordable prices that are offered through Net10 Wireless and any plan can be made an individual or family plan. For as little as $20 to $65 per line per month, customers can get everything from unlimited talk, text, and even data on most plans offered.

Plan: Net10 Wireless offers its customer set data allotment plans that range from 2GB, 5GB, and at most 10GB, which can be great for those who don’t need a ton of data to get by per month. An unlimited option is also a great choice where you get to enjoy high-speed 4G LTE and 5G data coverage all month.

👍 What We Liked

• Connects to Any Network. Net10 Wireless has the unique ability to be able to connect to any network, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile.
• Affordable Plans. Many people choose Net10 Wireless for their affordability and customers can get access to plans running from $20 to $65 per month depending on how much data they need.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• Low Data Caps. While a set data allotment plan is a great way to save money per month, Net10 Wireless’ plans have very low data caps and at most you can get 10GB.
• Lack of a Cell Phone Selection. Net10 Wireless offers its customers reliable service and coverage, but not many options for a cell phone to choose from as Apple, Samsung, or Google aren’t options.

#3 in San Luis Obispo: Mint Mobile (T-Mobile)

Best for Affordability in San Luis Obispo

When choosing a cell phone plan to use in San Luis Obispo, one of the best to select is Mint Mobile, which relies on T-Mobile’s network . Mint Mobile is known for their no-contract cell phone plans where customers get access to the most affordable plans available that are as low as $15 per month. Most folks like using their Mint Mobile plan in San Luis Obispo  at the Sunset Drive-In, Madonna Inn, Bishop Peak, and even the Avila Valley Barn.

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:  For as little as $15 to $30 per month you can get a set data allotment plan, or even an unlimited option. It is also possible to make any cell phone plan into a family plan for an extra $15 per line if needed.

Plan: It is important to keep in mind that Mint Mobile’s cell phone plans are not monthly, and instead you have to choose if you want your plan to last for three months, six months, or for a full year. They also offer set data allotment plans running from 5GB, 10GB, and up to 20GB, or you can spend some more money for their unlimited option.

👍 What We Liked

• T-Mobile’s Network Coverage. T-Mobile’s network coverage is among the most popular to select throughout the country because you get access to high-speed 5G data and  reliable service and coverage.
• Affordable Plans for Everyone. Mint Mobile’s cell phone plans are perfect for single users or families and you can pay as little as $15 per month for a plan.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• No Monthly Plans Available. Mint Mobile only offers their plans in increments of three months, six months, or up to a full year instead of monthly no-contract phones like many MVNOs.
• No Truly Unlimited Plans. There may be an unlimited plan offered through Mint Mobile, but it has a set data cap for high-speed data and then speeds will significantly slow down.

Get to Know Your Local Carrier Options in San Luis Obispo 

It is important to find a reliable MVNO that you can use all across San Luis Obispo, and even throughout the nation with an affordable price, and some of the best to choose from are:

• 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 San Luis Obispo, Answered

Is There 5G in San Luis Obispo?

Since the rise of 5G coverage and its ultra fast speeds, you may be wondering if it is offered in San Luis Obispo, and it is! 5G coverage is available through Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and even T-Mobile. Out of the three, T-Mobile has the best 5G coverage while AT&T and Verizon Wireless fall just slightly behind. 

How to Determine Which Cell Phone Carrier Has the Best Coverage in My Area

There are many cell phone carriers out there, but only one works the best in the area you live. If you’re not sure how to figure this out, there is a simple way to do so, and that’s by looking at a coverage map. All you need to do is plug in your address to see where you can get the best network that works great in your home.

Is AT&T or Verizon Wireless Better in California?

California is a huge state and it may be important to consider if AT&T or Verizon Wireless works better. Overall, Verizon Wireless is the network that ultimately works the best in California with its reliable 4G LTE data range and its coverage that  covers most of the rural parts of the state too.

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for fast phone coverage in San Luis Obispo, California 

No matter if you’re at one of the many boutiques or restaurants in San Luis Obispo, California, it’s important to have the best cell phone coverage possible, and Verizon Wireless can give you and your family just that!

It can be difficult to find the best cell phone coverage available in your area if you’re not sure where to start first, but Really can take over and get all of the necessary information you need. Really’s professionals work with you to determine the best cell phone coverage in the area you live, along with finding a plan that is affordable and has the features you and your family need.