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Best Phone Coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan: A Globally Cultured City With the Best Cell Phone Coverage

By
Sara Nuss
October 5, 2023

There is no city quite like Ann Arbor, Michigan where everyone can feel included thanks to its global culture and welcoming appeal. This city is home to many renowned art galleries, museums, and even theaters that feature local, regional, and international artists for fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Main image courtesy of Trip Savvy.

When choosing a new city to live in, making sure that it is safe and has fun and exciting things to do is crucial, but making sure that it has reliable cell phone coverage is even more important. Ann Arbor, Michigan is known for having reliable cell phone coverage, but knowing the mobile providers that will give you the best experience is what you need to understand.

Consider checking out the best cell phone coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as some great plans to consider!

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most reliable coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan and more including:

  • Map of the fastest cell phone coverage in Ann Arbor
  • Local and national carriers that cover Ann Arbor
  • Frequently asked questions about phone coverage in Ann Arbor
Best Cell Phone Coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan || Source

Phone Coverage in Ann Arbor at a Glance

There are a ton of tourist attractions to visit in Ann Arbor, such as the Michigan Stadium, the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, the Hill Auditorium, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, and even the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, but making sure you have the best cell phone coverage while visiting them is crucial.

Out of the three top choices for mobile providers within the United States, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile, the one that offers the most reliable coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan is Verizon Wireless. Ann Arbor is 100% covered under Verizon and they also have the best 4G LTE and 5G data range. With 100% 4g LTE and 98% 5G availability, Verizon offers its customers the best experience with high-speed data 24/7.

AT&T is next in line in terms of reliable cell phone coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Through AT&T, Ann Arbor residents are also covered up to 100% in the city and their 4G LTE and 5G coverage is just as good as Verizon’s--both are at 100% availability for customers. 

Coming in third place is T-Mobile where their network coverage is specifically known for their ultra fast 5G data speeds and having the most towers covering the country. 100% of Ann Arbor is covered with their service, and they also offer 99% 4G LTE and 98% 5G availability in the city. 

One of the most important things to consider is what the residents of Ann Arbor think of their coverage instead of just relying on the numbers that are out there. Verizon Wireless and AT&T have been the top picks in Ann Arbor as they provide better coverage and more range for data as well. Many customers have experienced issues with T-Mobile having dead zones, even in the middle of the city. 

Local and National Cell Phone Carriers in Ann Arbor

While getting a cell phone plan through a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile is a great idea, sometimes opting for a Mobile Virtual Network Operator is  better.

MVNOs are the best alternative when it comes to cell phone plans that are more affordable, and people who make the switch can save upwards of $600 per year on their plan. You can also take advantage of the best networks that the country has to offer with ultra fast 5G coverage too. 

It is important to look more closely into what the difference between a MNO and a MVNO truly is. AT&T and T-Mobile 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.

Something to consider when it comes to MVNOs is deprioritization. This is when there is congestion during busy hours throughout the day, causing your data speeds to slow down drastically. While this is common for MVNO users, anyone with a MNO pays more for high-speed data directly through the network they are on.

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

Verizon 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan || Source

#1 in Ann Arbor: Visible (Verizon Wireless) 

Best 4G LTE and 5G Range in Ann Arbor

There are a few different MVNOs to choose from that use Verizon Wireless’ network, but one of the most notable ones is Visible because all of their plans are truly unlimited. These unlimited plans have access to Verizon’s exceptional 4G LTE and 5G range with fast data speeds all month long and great call and text performance too. 

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: Visible is one of the most affordable MVNOs, especially out of ones using Verizon Wireless’ network. Their base plan is only $30 per month where you get the essentials, and their premium plan is around $45, but includes some extra features. 

Plan: There are only two plans to choose from through Visible, which helps to make your decision much easier. The base plan comes with everything you will need, such as unlimited talk, text, and data, while the premium plan comes with some extra features. These features include everything from 5G ultra wideband, international features, and even a mobile hotspot.

👍 What We Liked

  • Verizon Wireless’ Network. Verizon Wireless’ network is the best to use throughout the United States because of their 4G LTE and 5G range and their reliable service, which Visible uses. 
  • Truly Unlimited Plans. Out of the two cell phone plans through Visible, customers can enjoy truly unlimited plans with access to fast 5G data all month long. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • No Physical Stores. While Visible is a great MVNO to choose from, they don’t have any physical stores to go to, or a customer service number to call for any issues. Customers will have to utilize their live chat option to get in contact with a customer service agent. 
  • More Features on Premium Plan. Paying extra for more features can sometimes be a drag if you’re on a tight budget, but many customers find it worth it to spend the extra money. 
AT&T 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan || Source

#2 in Ann Arbor: AT&T 

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

Getting a cell phone plan directly through a MNO is sometimes the best option to consider, like AT&T, where you can get the best service, coverage, and even 4G LTE and 5G data. AT&T is also known for having some of the best local and long-distance call and text performance if you’re someone who loves to travel. 

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: It is important to note that a plan through AT&T will be more expensive compared to a MVNO since it is a MNO with its own working network. It is a wise choice, as customers don’t have to face deprioritization, but plans will cost around $65 to $85 per month for an individual plan, and $35 to $50 for a family one. The more lines you add on your cell phone plan, the more money that you will be saving on your monthly plan.  

Plan: There are a few different cell phone options to choose if you’re interested in AT&T’s plans, but all of them include unlimited talk, text, and  data. The more money you spend on your plan, the more international features you’ll get, entertainment perks, and even streaming services as well. 

👍 What We Liked

  • AT&T’s Reliable Network. AT&T is one of the nation’s most reliable MNOs with  fast 4G LTE and 5G data, and some of the best call and text performance locally and long-distance too. 
  • Individual and Family Plans Available. No matter what kind of plan you are looking for through AT&T, they offer it. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • More Expensive MNO. Since AT&T is a MNO, your cell phone plan will be more expensive because you are using their network directly instead of going through a MVNO. 
  • Throttled Streaming Quality. Streaming services are extremely popular, but AT&T’s are known to become throttled if you're using yours a ton on-the-go. 
T-Mobile 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan || Source

#3 in Ann Arbor: Mint Mobile (T-Mobile)

Best for its Affordability in Ann Arbor

Trying to find the best MVNO to get that uses T-Mobile’s network can be difficult, but none of them compare to Mint Mobile. Owned and operated by actor Ryan Reynolds, his goal is to make sure that everyone across the United States can afford a cell phone plan, and you can end up paying  as little as $15 per month. 

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 offers some of the most affordable prices out of any MVNO and you can pay as little as $15  to $30 per month for your plan depending on how much data you need. More lines can be added to any plan for only an extra $15 per month as well. 

Plan: There are both set data allotment plans and one unlimited data one offered through Mint Mobile. The data for a set allotment plan ranges from 5GB, 10GB, and even 20GB, or you can spend a little bit of extra money to get unlimited data all month long. It should also be noted that Mint Mobile plans are not monthly and you need to choose if you want your plan for three months, six months, or a year .

👍 What We Liked

  • T-Mobile’s Network Coverage. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s reliable network coverage and high-speed 5G data at an even more affordable price. 
  • Affordable Plans for Everyone. The plans offered through T-Mobile are extremely affordable and they can cost as little as $15 to $30 per month, depending on how much data you need. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • No Monthly Plans Available. There are no monthly plans offered through Mint Mobile, so instead you need to choose a time length of three months, six months, or for a full year when signing up. 
  • No Truly Unlimited Plans. While Mint Mobile offers an unlimited data plan, it is not truly unlimited. This means that once you reach the data cap provided, you will still get free data to use, but at slower speeds. 
Verizon 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan || Source

Get to Know Your Local Carrier Options in Ann Arbor 

With a wide selection of MVNOs to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what is the best for your family and your wallet, so check out some of the best ones offered in Ann Arbor, Michigan:

  • Boost Mobile
  • 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
  • And more!
Ann Arbor, Michigan is a city known for its global culture in art and food, and even its reliable cell phone coverage. Image courtesy of Home & Money

FAQ: Your Questions About Cell Phone Coverage in Ann Arbor, Answered

There may be a ton of unanswered questions that you have pertaining to cell phone coverage in Ann Arbor, so here are the most frequently asked ones to check out!

Which Carrier Has the Best Coverage in Michigan?

Throughout the state of Michigan, Verizon Wireless and AT&T are named the top two MNOs providing the best cell phone coverage. One takes the lead over the other, and that is AT&T due to its  4G LTE and 5G coverage.

How to Determine the Best Cell Phone Coverage in My Area

Knowing what the best cell phone coverage in your city is crucial, but it’s important to think more so of where you specifically live. A coverage map can help you to determine which MNO offers the best network down to the street that you live on, and all you need to do is plug in your address. 

Does Ann Arbor Have 5G?

There are plenty of 5G towers in Ann Arbor through Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile and they offer reliable and high-speed data all throughout the city. 

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for fast phone coverage in Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for reliability and 4G LTE and 5G availability in Ann Arbor, Michigan!

It can be difficult to know where to start searching for a new cell phone plan, but Really has your back in terms of finding the best one for you and your family! Really can help you to find the best mobile provider that has coverage in your area, and even find plans that fit your budget and are priced at the best value.

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Sara Nuss
Sara Nuss is a journalist from Pittsburgh, PA that specializes in wireless, dewi, phone plan advice & blockchain.
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