compare phone plans and save up to 80%
compare now
Coverage

Best Phone Coverage in Boulder Creek, California: A Small Rural Mountain Community With Great Cell Phone Coverage

By
Sara Nuss
August 17, 2023

Living in a tight-knit rural mountain community is one that many people thoroughly enjoy. Boulder Creek, California is a hot spot located in the coastal Santa Cruz Mountains, which is known for its entrance into the Big Basin Redwoods State Park, its local downtown restaurants and coffee shops, and having some of the friendliest people around.

Main image courtesy of Santa Cruz Mountains.

No matter where you decide to live, one thing to consider is finding the best service and coverage that works well with your cell phone. Cell phone coverage reliability is of utmost importance for you and your family to efficiently communicate with loved ones, work on-the-go, and even to stay connected around the country.

When it comes to cell phone coverage in Boulder Creek, California, make sure to consider the top mobile providers and plans that are available!

In this article, there are a few important topics to discuss for the best cell phone coverage in Boulder Creek, California:

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

Phone Coverage in Boulder Creek at a Glance

Before selecting any type of mobile provider for you and your family, it’s important to get an idea of who offers the best cell phone coverage in the area you live in.

In Boulder Creek, California, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile are all available, but there is only one that offers better cell phone service and coverage than the rest. Verizon Wireless is the best option in Boulder Creek simply because of their reliable call and text performance, and they also offer some of the best 4G LTE and 5G range throughout the country.

Verizon Wireless offers 97% of coverage, but since Boulder Creek is a small, mountainous community, it’s important to know that with all three major mobile providers, the 4G LTE and 5G coverage may not be the best compared to living in a major city. Despite this, the 4G LTE coverage is up to 74% of Boulder Creek, while 5G is at 49%.

After Verizon Wireless is AT&T. AT&T offers better service, covering up to 100% of Boulder Creek, but they fall short with the 4G LTE and 5G coverage. While they have 5G towers around the area, customers can get 95% 4G LTE and 41% 5G coverage.

Coming in third place is T-Mobile who is known for having some of the best cell phone coverage nationwide, but they really shine with their fast 5G speeds and coverage. Covering up to 96% of Boulder Creek with reliable call and text performance, and 81% 4G LTE coverage, it’s crucial to know that there is no T-Mobile 5G coverage offered in the area. 

For many citizens who live in or around Boulder Creek, California, many of them prefer Verizon Wireless  over anything else. This is due to many people stating that Verizon covers “every nook and cranny,” meaning that no matter if you’re in rural areas, or even in downtown Boulder Creek, you’ll be covered. AT&T is known to have some notable dead zones where T-Mobile only has a couple dead zones you may fall into. 

Local and National Cell Phone Carriers in Boulder Creek

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile are known to be expensive, but there is another option that people on a tight budget can consider.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are great options if you’re looking to consider a more affordable option for cell phone plans. Not only are they cheaper for many people to consider, but they also use the same network coverage as MNOs , sharing reliable service and coverage, and even 4G LTE and 5G range too.

AT&T and Verizon Wireless are carriers who are Mobile Network Operators, which means they maintain their own networks. Cricket Wireless, 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, Cricket Wireless uses the power of  AT&T’s network to provide reliable coverage at a lower price.

When it comes to choosing between a MNO or a MVNO, there is one main downfall of MVNOs and it is deprioritization. Deprioritization is where your service and 4G LTE or 5G speeds slow down significantly due to congestion during busy hours throughout the day. While customers of MVNOs will have to suffer with slower data speeds, and less reliable service, MNO customers will not experience a difference in their coverage or data speeds, which is also largely why they pay a bigger sum on their contract plan. 

Let’s take a look at which of these carriers use the network that gives people in Boulder Creek the most coverage no matter if you’re at Boulder Creek Antiques & Art, shopping at Springygirl, or getting your future read at Air and Fire.

Verizon 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Boulder Creek, California || Source

#1 in Boulder Creek: Visible (Verizon Wireless)

Best 4G LTE and 5G Range in Boulder Creek

Verizon Wireless offers a few different options when choosing an MVNO to save money for both you and your family. Visible is one of the best ones to choose in Boulder Creek because of Verizon’s fast 4G LTE and 5G range,  the reliable call and text performance, unlimited plans, and contract-free phones. 

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: For an MVNO that provides all unlimited cell phone plans for both you and your family, one of the best features about it is the price that is offered. Their base plan runs at $30 per month while the premium one with extra features is $45.

Plan:  Visible only has two options, which makes choosing your plan much easier. Both plans are truly unlimited where you can enjoy talk, text, and data with no set allotment for high-speeds. On the base plan, you get all of the essentials, while for the premium plan, customers can also receive 5G ultra wideband, international features, and even a mobile hotspot.

👍 What We Liked

  • Uses Verizon Wireless’ Network Coverage. Picking a cell phone plan with the best coverage is crucial and Verizon Wireless has some of the best nationwide, and Visible customers can take full advantage of this. 
  • Truly Unlimited Plans Available. While there are many MVNOs that provide unlimited plans, they usually have a set data cap for high-speeds. Visible is different because their plans offer truly unlimited data  using Verizon’s service. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • No Physical Stores or Customer Service Number. While every MVNO has some things their customers aren’t fully satisfied with, the biggest one is that there are no physical stores to go to, or a customer service number. Instead, customers have to take advantage of the customer service live chat option to resolve any issues they may have. 
  • More Features on Premium Plan. The premium plan on Visible is worth spending the extra $15 per month on according to many customers. While the base plan gives you all of the necessities you need, the premium one offers better 5G coverage and other options you may need.
AT&T 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Boulder Creek, California || Source

#2 in Boulder Creek: Net10 Wireless (AT&T)

Best for Connecting to All Networks in Boulder Creek

AT&T provides great cell phone service and coverage for many people within the United States, especially Boulder Creek. One of the best MVNOs that customers can get with AT&T’s coverage is Net10 Wireless, and while it may not be the most well known, it is unique because it allows you to connect to every network when the signal is strongest, connecting to Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

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: For being able to connect to any network throughout the United States with the strongest signal, Net10 Wireless also offers some affordable plans. From as little as $20 to $65 per month, customers can enjoy everything from unlimited talk, text, and data.

Plan: Net10 Wireless offers a little bit of everything when it comes to choosing a cell phone plan, including set data allotment ones, or even unlimited options. Customers can choose set data allotments from 2GB, 5GB, and up to 10GB that will also help to save a couple extra bucks per month.

👍 What We Liked

  • Connects to Any Network. Many people choose Net10 Wireless because of its flexibility with using the best service and coverage with the strongest signal depending on where you’re located.
  • Affordable Plans. Net10 Wireless offers reliable cell phone plans with affordable prices that customers will enjoy. From $20 to $65 per month, customers will be able to afford their plan with all of the essentials they need.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • Low Data Caps. While Net10 Wireless offers both unlimited and set data allotment plans, their data caps are relatively low compared to other MVNOs. They offer only 2GB, 5GB, and at most, 10GB.
  • Lack of a Cell Phone Selection. Since Net10 Wireless isn’t a super popular MVNO, they don’t offer some of the best cell phone options if you need a new phone. For example, they don’t have any Apple, Samsung, or Google phones, which are the most popular.  
T-Mobile 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Boulder Creek, California || Source

#3 in Boulder Creek: T-Mobile

Best for its Unlimited Cell Phone Plans in Boulder Creek

Sometimes choosing a cell phone plan straight through the mobile provider itself instead of going through an MVNO is a better option. T-Mobile offers a ton of amazing plans with their reliable network service and coverage, especially their Magenta plans that are fully unlimited.

Features of a T-Mobile Magenta plan include:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • Truly unlimited 5G data on all plans
  • International calling to Canada and Mexico
  • Up to 40GB of a mobile hotspot
  • Nationwide 4G LTE and/or 5G high-speed data
  • Taxes and fees included in monthly price
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Bring your own cell phone and number
  • Entertainment perks
  • Scam shield to protect you against scammers
  • T-Mobile Tuesdays for exclusive perks
  • Travel benefits

Price: Depending on how many lines on your cell phone plan that you need, T-Mobile can provide extremely affordable plans for families, and even for single-line plans too. While individual plans are more expensive, you can pay around $65 to $95 for a one-line plan or $105 to $185 for four-line plans.

Plan: There are a few different options for cell phone plans through T-Mobile. You can choose the Essentials plan with unlimited talk, text, and data, or one of their Go5G and Go5G Plus, which have extra features, such as mobile hotspots and even entertainment perks. 

👍 What We Liked

  • Reliable Network Coverage. The reason why many people choose a T-Mobile cell phone plan is because of the reliable network that they have, with some of the best 5G coverage nationwide. 
  • All Truly Unlimited Plans Offered. T-Mobile is known for their unlimited cell phone plans where customers have access to talk, text, and data. All of their plans offer the fastest 5G data speeds with no data caps.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • More Expensive. While choosing an MVNO is a cheaper option, T-Mobile provides exceptional service and coverage at higher prices upwards of over $100 per month. 
  • Mobile Hotspot Limits. Mobile hotspots are something that many customers have on their cell phone plans, but T-Mobile has data caps on how much you can use per month. 
Verizon 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Boulder Creek, California || Source

Get to Know Your Local Carrier Options in Boulder Creek 

While you can select a cell phone plan from one of the popular mobile providers in Boulder Creek, California, sometimes switching to an MVNO can be a better option that your wallet will thank you for.

Consider some of the best MVNOs available in Boulder Creek, California to sign up for:

  • Boost Mobile
  • Ting Mobile
  • Tello
  • US Mobile
  • Consumer Cellular
  • Red Pocket
  • Twigby
  • Good2Go Mobile
  • Pure Talk
  • Ultra Mobile
  • Straight Talk Wireless
  • Tracfone
  • Net10 Wireless
  • And more!
Boulder Creek, California is a beautiful rural mountain community known for nature, its local restaurants and activities, and even great cell phone coverage. Image courtesy of TripAdvisor.

FAQ: Your Questions About Cell Phone Coverage in Boulder Creek, Answered

How to Determine the Best Cell Phone Coverage in My Area

If you want to get the best cell phone plan for your area, it can be hard to pinpoint the best coverage specifically where you live. By looking at a coverage map and putting in your address, you can get a better idea of what MNO to get where they can also give you cell phone carriers to choose from.

What Carrier Gets the Best Overall Cell Reception?

Overall, many customers have stated that Verizon Wireless provides the best nationwide service and coverage to its people. Spanning across 70% of the country, it’s 2% more than AT&T and even 8% more than T-Mobile so you can enjoy some of the best call and text performance and 4G LTE and 5G range.  

Does AT&T Have Better Cell Service Than T-Mobile?

While Verizon Wireless seems to take the lead in almost every category, AT&T is known for providing better service than T-Mobile. While AT&T has some of the best 4G LTE coverage and overall reliable call and text performance, T-Mobile outshines them with their 5G coverage. 

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for fast phone coverage in Boulder Creek, California 

The best cell phone service and coverage in Boulder Creek, California shouldn’t be hard to find and Verizon Wireless offers the best there is with tons of plan options to choose from!

Trying to find the best cell phone plan for yourself and your family can be a challenge, but this is when you allow Really to help you make the best decision possible! Through Really, you can compare phone plans to stay within your budget and also get to know the best ones in your area with the best coverage. Customers also have the option to sort by price, check the best value, and even click on plans they want to learn more about too.

compare phone plans and save up to 80%

compare now

compare phone plans and save up to 80%

compare now
Sara Nuss
Sara Nuss is a journalist from Pittsburgh, PA that specializes in wireless, dewi, phone plan advice & blockchain.
Select your area of interest
tags

your questions,
answered

Does this phone service work everywhere?

Yep, we offer premium wireless service on the T-Mobile® 5G Network, the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network. If you are in our dewi coverage areas, you’ll also get access to our decentralized phone network powered by the people which will give you even faster speeds and better coverage.

Is there a contract?

Nope, it’s pay as you go.

Is this prepaid?

Yeah! You put your card on file and prepay each month so that you never experience any disruption.

Does my phone need to be unlocked?

Yep, but it’s super easy to unlock your device as long as it’s paid off. Chat with us and a real human can help you here.

What if I want a new phone?

We have some recommendations on what we think you should get, from iPhones to Droids. Check out our list here which includes affordable places online to get a good deal.

What does decentralized wireless (DeWi) mean?

It means we are building a phone network that is powered by the people. Your neighbors put small radios on their roof and help extend the phone network to cover deadzones™ and get even faster speeds. Right now our DeWi network is available in Austin, but we’ll be expanding to other cities REALLY soon. Learn more about DeWi here.

How many SIMs will I be installing?

Great question. If you’re in Austin, TX, you’ll install 2 new SIMs. The REALLY nationwide SIM as your first SIM, which will give you voice / text & data on the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network powered by T-Mobile®. Your 2nd SIM will give you access to the REALLY DeWi network in Austin, TX, which you’ll prioritize when available so that you get even faster speeds and better coverage. Depending on your device, you may be able to install eSIMs via a QR code.

Can I keep my phone number?

Yep, we are powered by T-Mobile®, the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network. If you are in Austin, TX you’ll also get access to our decentralized phone network powered by the people which will give you even faster speeds and better coverage.

How much data do you get on the unlimited plan?

The plan is unlimited, but once you reach 20GB you may experience slower speeds depending on network usage.

How much hotspot data do you get on the unlimited plan?

You get 10GB of hotspot data per month, but can add more if you need to.

How do I add more data to my plan?

You can chat with us, text us, or login to your account to top off. It only takes a few seconds.

start building a new era of connectivity

join REALLY DeWi