Best Phone Coverage in Providence, Rhode Island: The Best Cell Phone Coverage Right in the Capital of RI

Providence, Rhode Island, the state capital, is an incredible city full of opportunities with many places to be and people to meet. It is one of the first cities in the United States to industrialize, and is considered the best place for jewelry, machine tools, textiles, and silverware to be made.

If you’re making the big move to Providence, Rhode Island, one of the many things to keep in mind is your current cell phone coverage. There is a chance that you may need to update your plan, or even switch to a better network that is available in Rhode Island. 

Check out your options for the best cell phone coverage in Providence, Rhode Island and some of the top plans residents love!

In this article, we’ll cover the basics for cell phone coverage in Providence, Rhode Island and other topics including:

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

Phone Coverage in Providence at a Glance

There are a ton of options to choose from for reliable cell phone coverage throughout Providence, Rhode Island, but out of Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile, there is only one option that works the best.

For many residents throughout Providence, Rhode Island, Verizon Wireless offers the best cell phone coverage due to their service in rural areas and  their excellent 4G LTE and 5G data range. People who live in Providence can get up to 99.95% coverage to make phone calls and send texts with ease, and you can also get 99.78% 4G LTE and 71.71% 5G data range as well.

AT&T is the next best option that is available throughout Providence, Rhode Island, and they are also ranked number one in the state too. Providence residents can take advantage of the 99.97% coverage in the city that will work no matter where you’re located, which also includes 99.69% 4G LTE and 95.32% 5G data range and speeds too.

Another incredible network that is also available to use in Providence, Rhode Island is T-Mobile, and they are the most affordable of the bunch who provide the best 5G data speeds too. For many, fast data speeds are crucial and the 4G LTE availability is at 98.36% while 5G is at 97.86% in Providence, and the overall coverage is at 99.98%.

While looking at the numbers can be convincing enough for many, sometimes getting some feedback from the locals in Providence can make choosing your new cell phone network so much easier. T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless are among the best options to choose because they have perfect coverage with absolutely no dead zones and top notch 4G LTE and 5G data range. 

Local and National Cell Phone Carriers in Providence

No matter what Mobile Network Operator (MNO) you choose, such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile, they are all going to be expensive options. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are  much more affordable for folks.

MVNOs make for a great alternative for single users and families to switch to just because of how much more affordable they are. Not only can customers save up to $600 per year depending on the carrier and plan you choose, but you can also take advantage of the reliable network through one of the MNOs as well.

When deciding on a MNO or a MVNO, it is important to make sure that you got all of the correct information to make the best decision for you. AT&T and T-Mobile are Mobile Network Operators, which means they maintain their own networks. Cricket Wireless, on the other hand, is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that buys minutes from an MNO with extra capacity and resells them 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.

There are many reasons why people love MVNOs and while the price is the main factor, there is one major con that customers can experience called deprioritization. This is a common occurrence for many MVNO users and they can experience slower data speeds and service due to congestion during the busiest times of the day. While this can happen frequently with MVNO users, MNO customers get access directly to the network their plan is through for reliable service and data coverage 24/7.

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

#1 in Providence: Google Fi (Verizon Wireless) 

Best Unlimited Plans in Providence

Sometimes unlimited data cell phone plans are the best of the best, especially when it’s from a MVNO such as Google Fi. The best part about Google Fi is that they can connect to any network with the strongest signal, providing top notch data speeds and reliable service no matter where you go. This MVNO specifically works best in the Providence Performing Arts Center, The Providence Athenaeum, and the ever-so-popular Waterplace Park. 

Features of a Google Fi cell phone plan include:

• Unlimited talk and text
• Unlimited high-speed 5G data
• T-Mobile’s 5G nationwide service and coverage
• No contracts or activation fees
• Built-in VPN and spam blocking
• Data budgets available
• Contact controls available
• 24/7 customer support
• Easily switch plans whenever you want to
• Use Fi app to manage your account anytime
• Mobile hotspot available on some plans
• Entertainment perks available
• 100GB of cloud storage available on some plans
• Free unlimited international talk and text to Canada and Mexico
• Free talk and text to over 200+ countries on some plans

Price: Google Fi gives you the opportunity to choose between their pay-per-GB cell phone plan, which costs $17 per month plus an extra $10 for every GB used, or between one of their two unlimited plans. Their unlimited options cost $20 for the cheaper one, or you can splurge a little bit more and spend $40 to get a ton of extra features on your plan. 

Plan: While two of the three Google Fi cell phone plans include unlimited talk, text, and data, customers can also take advantage of their many other features offered. Travel perks, streaming services, and over 100GB of storage are among their most popular features included in their cell phone plans. 

👍 What We Liked

• Uses Any Network Available. Customers love Google Fi and that their service allows customers to connect to Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile depending on who has the best signal. 
• Truly Unlimited Plans Offered. All of Google Fi’s cell phone plans include unlimited talk, text, and data all month long with absolutely no data caps. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• Expensive Pay-Per-GB Plan. Google Fi is mainly known for their affordable unlimited plans, but they do offer a more expensive pay-per-GB plan that is $17 plus $10 for every GB you use. 
• Can’t Purchase Certain Cell Phones. Since Google Fi is owned and operated by Google, they only sell their own cell phones and no Apple or Samsung products are offered. 

#2 in Providence: Cricket Wireless (AT&T)

Best for Full Service MVNO in Providence

Choosing the best MVNO can be difficult if you’re not sure where to look, but if you love AT&T’s reliability throughout Rhode Island, including Providence, then Cricket Wireless is the best option. Cricket Wireless provides affordable plans to those who are looking for a full service MVNO that has all of the basic essentials. Cricket Wireless is at its best whenever you’re in or around the Lippitt House Museum, on a haunted boat tour downtown, or looking at art at the RISD Museum. 

Features of a Cricket Wireless cell phone plan include:

• Fast nationwide 5G coverage
• High-speed data access
• Unlimited talk, text, and picture messaging
• HD voice and Wi-Fi calling
• Cricket Call Defense to protect you from spam calls
• Affordable Connectivity Program if you’re eligible
• Mobile hotspot on most plans
• Max included in plan price
• Cloud storage available
• International calling to Canada and Mexico
• International text to 37 countries
• Save more money by adding more lines

Price: Choosing the best priced plan all depends on how much data you need and how many lines. Cricket Wireless offers affordable plans that are great for those who need a single-line plan, or even for families because they only cost around $30 to $60 per month. 

Plan: Cricket Wireless offers everything from numerous set data allotment plans and even an unlimited option for those looking to get the most out of their cell phone plan. Each plan comes with unlimited talk and text, but you can choose to have 5G, 10GB, or unlimited high-speed data no matter where you go. 

👍 What We Liked

• AT&T’s Network Coverage. Many people enjoy Cricket Wireless because of their affordability and being able to use AT&T’s network coverage. 
• Full Service MVNO. Cricket Wireless is a full service MVNO that provides high-speed data and reliability in service and coverage throughout the nation. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• Poor Customer Service. There are many issues with Cricket Wireless’ customer service and many customers complain about long wait times on the phone and issues not getting resolved quick enough. 
• Lack of a Cell Phone Selection. While a new cell phone may be necessary for you, Cricket Wireless doesn’t have a ton of options to choose from. They only have Apple products with no options for Samsung or Google phones. 

#3 in Providence: T- Mobile

Best for its Unlimited Cell Phone Plans in Providence

When trying to determine the best MNO to use for your city, it can be difficult since all three have their pros and cons, but T-Mobile is ranked the best. T-Mobile provides great 5G data speeds that are ultra fast with the help of the many 5G towers. T-Mobile’s network works best no matter if you’re exploring Brown University, The Stephen Hopkins House, or even Federal Hill.

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: While T-Mobile is a MNO, their cell phone plans are much more affordable compared to its competitors. The more lines that you add on a T-Mobile plan, the more money you save and their single user plans cost between $65 to $95 per month, while their four-line plans can amount to $105 to $185.

Plan: T-Mobile offers cell phone plans called Magenta Plans, and each one has unlimited talk, text, and data on them among other necessary features. Depending on how much money you’re willing to spend on a plan, the more features you’ll get, such as international benefits, and even a set GB of a mobile hotspot allotment. 

👍 What We Liked

• T-Mobile’s Network Coverage. T-Mobile’s coverage is known to be the best when it comes to reliability and its fast 5G data speeds. 
• All Truly Unlimited Plans Offered. All of T-Mobile’s cell phone plans have unlimited talk, text, and data on them, but each one can come with additional features the more money you spend.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

• More Expensive. T-Mobile is considered a MNO, which means that you will pay more money for a plan, but won’t have to worry about slow service or data speeds.
• Mobile Hotspot Limits. Mobile hotspots are crucial for many people to have on their cell phone plan, but T-Mobile only gives a set amount of GBs worth of one on each of their plans. 

Get to Know Your Local Carrier Options in Providence 

MVNOs are a great alternative to save money in Providence, Rhode Island and you can choose one of the following options for you and your family:

• 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 Providence, Answered

How to Determine Which Cell Carrier is the Best in My Area

There are many options when selecting a cell phone plan in Providence, but there is only one option that works the best where you live. By simply looking at a coverage map, you can get a better understanding of the cell phone service around your area and find the best option for you and your family. 

What is the Best Cell Phone Carrier in Rhode Island?

Out of the three main mobile providers offered in Rhode Island, statistics show that AT&T is the best option for many. AT&T covers Rhode Island with impeccable service and coverage and they are available throughout 99.98% of the state. 

Does Verizon Wireless Work in Rhode Island?

. Their network coverage works great in Rhode Island and it is considered to be one of the best options for many people.  

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for fast phone coverage in Providence, Rhode Island 

Out of the three main mobile providers offered throughout Providence, Rhode Island, there is none quite like Verizon Wireless with the service and coverage they offer!

It can be difficult to know where to look to find the most reliable service and coverage down to the street you live on, so if you’re stuck, Really may be the best option to check out! Really’s professionals can help you determine the best cell phone coverage where you live, and even help you to find some of the most affordable plans with all of the features you need for everyone in your household.