T mobile vs. AT&T
By
HuutiMoney
This blog post will provide a detailed comparison between T-Mobile and AT&T. This comparison is based on several factors like mobile plans, coverage area, data rates, addon, etc. At the end of each category, we will summarize which is a better choice, either T mobile or AT&T.
T mobile vs. AT&T
The main differences between T-Mobile and AT&T are listed below:
| Parameter | T-mobile | AT & T | ||
| Ranking | It is the third-largest network provider in the USA | It is second largest network provider in USA | ||
| Highest data limit | Highest data de-prioritization point is 50 GB per month | For unlimited plan, the highest data limit is 22 GB per month | ||
| Network coverage | Excellent network coverage, especially for rural area | Excellent network coverage in the city area and suburbs | ||
| Taxes and fees | All plans are inclusive of taxes and fees | Taxes and fees are noninclusive | ||
| Scam ID and blocking | Available for all phones and it is free | HD voice capable device is required | ||
| Autopay discount | $5 per month | $10 per month | ||
| Data overages | No overages | Overages applicable after 10GB | ||
| Music | Unlimited | Data rates applicable |
Network carrier used
Basically, there are two network carriers, namely GSM and CDMA.
Both T-mobiles and AT&T are GSM network carriers and not CDMA network carriers. GSM is second-generation cellular technology used for mobile voice and data services. CDMA is code division multiple access.
History of GSM
GSM is second-generation digital cellular technology initially developed by “European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI). To create a common European mobile standard, a standardization group was established in 1982, named GMS.
Features of GSM
GSM makes use of SIM (Subscriber Identity Mobile). SIM is a storage device. It is available in the form of a smart card. It is portable and removable. National and international roaming facilities are available. When the data is transmitted on-air, data privacy and security are maintained using encryption. Cryptographic keys are known to the cellular device only, which provides additional security.
Factors affecting the choice between T mobile and AT&T
There is confusion if you want to opt for a new connection or switch from one network provider to another. Under such circumstances, we need to consider several factors.
Both the network carriers give unlimited offerings, which are impressive, having some great features and add-ons. You should keep in mind some essential factors while selecting a mobile phone provider. Some important considerations are as follows:
- Basics of network providers
- Mobile phone plans
- Network coverage
- 4G and 5G speed
- Availability of 5G
- Data plans
Basics of network providers
T-Mobile is the third-largest wireless network provider in the United States. T-Mobile is a German telecommunication industry, and it has some investments in other mobile communication industries in Europe and the United States.
T-Mobile USA has a network sharing agreement with Cingular Wireless, an American mobile operator. Due to this, T- mobile has access to some top markets in the USA.
AT&T is in the American Telephone and Telegraph industry. It is the second-largest telecom industry in the United States. It’s headquartered in Downtown Dallas, Texas. The technological invention of AT&T provided a base for the world’s telecommunication industry.
So as far as the basics of network providers are considered, both these network providers have a strong solid foundation.
Considering this factor, there is almost a tie between T- Mobile and AT&T.
Mobile phone plans
Under this category, we will consider the following significant plans
- Unlimited plans
- Family plans
- Prepaid plans
Unlimited plans
· Both AT&T and T-Mobile offer unlimited mobile plans.
What’s an unlimited plan?
It is a plan which gives unlimited text and voice for the entire month. It also includes unlimited data. But after reaching a specific data limit, the data speed is affected, and it is reduced. Comparing unlimited plans of both the network providers, T- mobile has an edge, some unlimited plans from T mobile are cheap, and you get more premium data.
What do you mean by premium data?
It is internet data that runs over 4G LTE and 5G networks. It provides data speed from 30 to 100 Mbps. Technically, these plans are unlimited, but the fact is that speed gets reduced as you go on using premium data.
Are there any exceptions?
Magenta plan of T mobile and Elite plan of AT&T have no restrictions as far as the use of premium data is concerned. T-Mobile provides three unlimited data plans: Essential, magenta, and magenta max.Magenta and magenta plus plans are cheaper than corresponding plans of AT&T. T mobile offers some amount of premium data on the Essentials plan, which you will not get in the AT&T plan.Magenta Max plan is the best plan for those who need vast amounts of data. It is unlimited, and there is no slow-down problem.
AT&T offers three unlimited plans: unlimited starters, unlimited extra, and unlimited Elite.
Comparing these three plans, the Unlimited Extra plan is better because it gives you a large amount of premium data with high speed. It also includes a good amount of hotspot data.
But if you need heavy data, the Unlimited Elite plan will be more efficient. For an Unlimited Starter plan, you will not get any fixed amount of high-speed data. It may slow down internet speeds.
As far as unlimited data plans are concerned, T mobile Magenta and Magenta Plus plans are cheaper than corresponding AT&T plans. You can save $5 per month by choosing any of these plans compared to corresponding AT&T plans.
Family plans.
Both network providers give reasonable offers for family plans. If you add lines, then the cost per line will get reduced.All family plans from T mobile are cheaper than AT&T family plans. For the magenta max family plan, if you add one line, the cost per line will be reduced by $15. If you add more lines, you can bring the cost down to $40 per line. It’s a perfect offer for totally unlimited and high-speed data. Speed up to 30 Mbps or even more can be obtained.
The Unlimited Starter plan is the cheapest AT&T family plan. It will cost you $30 per month per line. An unlimited Elite plan will be the most expensive; it will cost you $150 per month. If you add more lines, then in an AT&T plan, you will get more options to upgrade to a better plan.
If you add one line, you will get $10 off per month per line for the Unlimited Elite plan.
So, if you are concerned only about family plans, then almost all family plans of T mobile are cheaper and more flexible than corresponding AT&T plans.
prepaid plans
In the case of both service providers, AT&T and T-Mobile, you will get prepaid plans which are less expensive than the corresponding postpaid plans.
For a T mobile prepaid plan, you must pay $40 per month for 10 GB of data. While for the similar plan in AT&T, you need to pay $40 per month for 8 GB of data.
NETWORK COVERAGE
Presently, AT&T has significantly improved its coverage area. For the 4G network, AT&T covers 68% of the country whereas T mobile covers.62%. AT&T provides good network convergence for rural areas. While T mobile provides a good coverage network in city areas and suburbs.
Network coverage is one of the prime concerns when choosing a particular network provider.
There is not a significant difference as far as network coverage is concerned. But AT&T has more network coverage areas. If you are thinking of only coverage area and comparing the two network providers, then depending on your location, you need to take the decision.
4G and 5G speed
If you think of 4G LTE speed, AT&T has an edge compared to the T mobile. For 4G phones, having an AT&T network, average speeds around 35 Mbps can be expected. But the T mobile network average speed is only about 31 Mbps. Even if it is not a huge difference, if you are talking about 4G LTE speed, then AT&T should be preferred.
But if it is 5G, then the scenario is different. On average, the T-Mobile network provides much faster 5G speeds compared to AT&T. If you have a 5G mobile with a T mobile network, you can expect internet speeds of about 85 Mbps. While having 5G on AT&T network internet speed over just 52 Mbps. So, for 5G mobile phones, the T-Mobile network is much faster than AT&T mobile network.
Availability of 5G
For 5G connectivity, both T-Mobile and AT&T regularly set up new towers. However, T-Mobile has an edge compared to AT&T & T. Unfortunately; the 5G network has not yet reached every corner of the country.
Data plans
T-Mobile offers better deals for data plans, But AT&T’s unlimited data plans are a genuine cost saver. Taxes and additional fees are not included in AT&T plans, whereas T-Mobile includes fees and taxes. One plan of T-Mobile offers up to 50 GB of data for each month, which is significantly more than AT&T.
Recap: T-Mobile VS. AT&T
There is a neck-to-neck battle between T-Mobile and AT&T.We will prefer T-Mobile for its unlimited plans and good data speeds. AT&T provides better coverage, but its plans will cost you more. Even though we might prefer T-Mobile over AT&T because of its cost, you may prefer AT&T for superior performance. Comparing unlimited plans of both the network providers, T- mobile has an Edge. Some unlimited plans from T mobile are cheap, and you get more premium data.
As far as unlimited data plans are concerned, T mobile Magenta and Magenta Plus plans are cheaper than corresponding AT&T plans. You can save $5 per month by choosing any of these plans compared to corresponding AT&T plans.If you are concerned only about family plans, then almost all family plans of T mobile are cheaper and more flexible than corresponding AT&T plans.
For a T mobile prepaid plan, you have to pay $40 per month for 10 G.B. of data. While for the similar plan in AT&T, you need to pay $40 per month for 8 G.B. of data.Presently, AT&T has significantly improved its coverage area. For the 4G network, AT&T covers 68% of the country, whereas T mobile covers .62%.
AT&T provides a good network for rural areas. While T mobile provides a good coverage network in city areas and suburbs.If you think of 4G LTE speed, AT&T has an edge compared to the T mobile. For 4G phones, having an AT&T network, average speeds around 35 Mbps can be expected. But the T mobile network average speed is only about 31 Mbps. T-Mobile offers better deals for data plans, But AT&T’s unlimited data plans are a genuine cost saver.
Below are other T-Mobile articles you may be interested in:
Can you request text messages from T-mobile?
Can you see text messages on the T-mobile phone bill?
Does T- mobile unlock phones for free
Conclusion
This article helps us compare T mobile & AT&T mobile. This article outlines the importance of various factors like the Basics of network providers, Mobile phone plans, Network coverage, 4G and 5G speed, Availability of 5G, and Data plans.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) T mobile versus AT&T
What are Factors affecting the choice between T mobile and AT&T?
- Basics of network providers
- Mobile phone plans
- Network coverage
- 4G and 5G speed
- Availability of 5G
- Data plans
Which network provider is better for unlimited plans?
Comparing unlimited plans of both the network providers, T- mobile has an Edge. Some unlimited plans from T mobile are cheap as well as you get more premium data.
What do you mean by premium data?
It is internet data that runs over 4G LTE and 5G networks. It provides data speed from 30 to 100 Mbps. Technically these plans are unlimited, but the fact is that speed gets reduced as you go on using premium data.
Which network offers better family plans?
Both network providers give reasonable offers for family plans. If you add lines, then the cost per line will get reduced. All family plans from T mobile are cheaper than AT&T family plans.
Which network provider is better for network coverage?
Presently AT&T has significantly improved its coverage area. For the 4G network, AT&T covers 68% of the country, whereas T mobile covers .62%. AT&T provides a good network for rural areas. In comparison, T mobile provides a good coverage network in city areas and suburbs.
Which network provider gives 5G connectivity?
For 5G connectivity, both T-Mobile and AT&T regularly set up new towers. However, T-Mobile has an edge compared to AT&T.
References
AT&T Wireless vs. T-Mobile Review 2021
See which cell phone company is victorious and which one’s down for the count as AT&T and T-Mobile go head-to-head.
Data from Open signal’s Mobile Network Experience Report
July 2021, and 5G User Experience Report, July 2021.
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It’s time to see whether Big Blue or the Un-Carrier has your perfect plan.
By Ryan Haines, December 4, 2021,
T-Mobile Cell Phone Plans vs. AT&T Cell Phone Plans
U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission, but that in no way affects our editorial independence.
By Chazz Mair, May 11, 2021,
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