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Best Phone Coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia: The Longest Beaches on the Planet with Incredible Cell Phone Coverage

By
Sara Nuss
October 26, 2023

Many areas around Virginia are fun to experience, and one of the hottest beach spots to check out is Virginia Beach. This is particularly a popular area as it is a major city in Virginia, and there are over 35 miles of beaches to check out for a fun-filled day of soaking in the sun, enjoying a game of volleyball, or just dipping your toes in the sand.

It can be very difficult to adjust when moving to a new area, and one of the most important options to consider is your cell phone network. Choosing the best coverage for where you live, or are planning to move to is crucial, especially when there are a few options to choose from. 

Check out some of the best cell phone coverage options in Virginia Beach, Virginia and some plans to choose from too!

In this article, we’ll talk about cell phone coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia and more information including:

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

Phone Coverage in Virginia Beach at a Glance

Choosing a new cell phone plan can be difficult if you’re new to Virginia Beach, but there are many options to choose from through Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or even through T-Mobile’s networks. 

It is first important to get to know who provides the overall best service and coverage in Virginia Beach, and Verizon Wireless takes the lead. Verizon Wireless provides customers with up to 99.88% coverage across all 35 miles of beaches in Virginia Beach, while providing the best 4G LTE and 5G range as well. 4G LTE coverage is up to 99.85% and 5G is at 94.17% availability in Virginia Beach. 

Another great option to consider in Virginia Beach in terms of great cell phone coverage is AT&T as they have slightly better coverage than Verizon Wireless at 99.91%, but they don’t have almost any 5G data. Their 4G LTE is among the best of the best at 99.47% availability, but 5G is only at 0.60%.

T-Mobile is also another fantastic mobile provider to get a cell phone plan through. They are mainly known for their reliability in terms of 5G data coverage because they have the most towers scattered throughout the nation. In Virginia Beach, their coverage is at 99.92% availability with 4G LTE at 98.54% and 5G at 96.45%.

It is also important to consider what the residents of Virginia Beach think of their cell phone plan through whatever network that they have. Many overall love their service with Verizon Wireless as it works best in major cities and even in rural areas of Virginia. T-Mobile is also a great option, but for many, it doesn’t work as well outside of popular cities in or around Virginia.

Local and National Cell Phone Carriers in Virginia Beach

There are plenty of reasons to choose a cell phone plan through a Mobile Network Operator (MNO), such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or T-Mobile, but they are known to be very expensive and out of price range for many Americans. A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) may be a better option because they are more affordable and use the same network as the MNOs. 

People throughout the United States are frequently saying goodbye to their plan with their MNO and switching to a MVNO because of how affordable it is. Anyone who makes the switch can save upwards of $600 per year all while getting to take advantage of the same network that they loved from their previous MNO. 

It is important to select the proper MVNO if you’re interested in making the switch but it’s also crucial to know the difference between that and a MNO. For example, AT&T and T-Mobile are Mobile Network Operators, which means they maintain their own networks. Straight Talk 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, Straight Talk Wireless uses the power of AT&T’s network to provide reliable coverage at a lower price.

There are also many other reasons to consider your options before selecting a MVNO because they often suffer from deprioritization. This is when there is congestion with your cellular service during the busiest hours and data speeds will slow down drastically. This is typical for a MVNO user, but since MNO customers have a plan straight through their network, they will also get the best overall service and coverage. 

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

Verizon 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia || Source

#1 in Virginia Beach: Verizon Wireless

Best for 4G LTE and 5G Range in Virginia Beach

A MNO is sometimes the best option because it provides you with the best experience in terms of cell phone coverage and data range, and Verizon Wireless is among the most popular options. Verizon Wireless is the best in Virginia Beach because of its reliable call and text performance and that it covers dead zones in rural areas. This MNO works best when folks are laying out on 35 miles of beaches, hiking through First Landing State Park, and checking out Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. 

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: Choosing the best plan through Verizon Wireless can sometimes depend on the price of it. Verizon Wireless’ plan prices are determined by how many lines that you need, and the more lines you have, the more money you will save. Their plans range from $35 to $50 per line per month, and you can also spend more money on subscriptions and streaming services.

Plan: There are a few options for cell phone plans through Verizon Wireless depending on how many extra features you will need. All of their plans offer unlimited talk, text, and data on them and you can also add entertainment perks for a monthly fee. Entertainment perks range from Disney+, Apple Music, and even a Walmart membership. 

👍 What We Liked

  • Verizon’s Network Coverage. Many people nationwide love Verizon Wireless’ cell phone plans because of the reliable service and coverage that is rated number one around the nation. 
  • 100% Unlimited Plans. Verizon Wireless’ cell phone plans all include unlimited talk, text, and data so you get the most out of your experience with the network. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • More Expensive MNO. Since Verizon Wireless is a MNO, their cell phone plans will be significantly more expensive compared to a MVNO. Verizon Wireless is also the most expensive network, but worth it for many people. 
  • Pay More For Better Entertainment Perks. No matter how much you pay for your cell phone plan, if you want to add Apple Music, Disney+, or even a Walmart membership, you will pay more per month on your plan. 
AT&T 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia || Source

#2 in Virginia Beach: Cricket Wireless (AT&T)

Best for Full Service MVNO in Virginia Beach

There are many options for cell phone plans in Virginia Beach, but if you’re interested in a full service MVNO, Cricket Wireless is the best choice to make. Cricket Wireless runs off of AT&T’s network coverage providing reliable coverage and 4G LTE data speeds, since there is no 5G offered throughout Virginia Beach. Residents of Virginia Beach are pleased that the service is great at the Cape Henry Lighthouse, hiking through False Cape State Park, and even checking out Tarnished Truth Distilling Co.

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: There are many cell phone plans to choose through Cricket Wireless that are great for both single users and families that need multiple lines. Their plans range from costing around $30 to $50 per month where you can select a plan that has more features on it, or add lines as needed to determine the price. 

Plan: No matter if you know specifically how much data you need, or even want an unlimited option, Cricket Wireless has it. Cricket Wireless offers set data allotment plans ranging from 5GB or up to 10GB at most, or you can pay extra money for unlimited high-speed data all month. 

👍 What We Liked

  • AT&T’s Network Coverage. Cricket Wireless uses AT&T’s network and customers can take advantage of their reliable call and text performance and high-speed data.
  • Full Service MVNO. All of Cricket Wireless’ plans come with unlimited talk and text, and a set amount of data to use per month, while it also includes essential features needed on any phone plan.

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • Poor Customer Service. Long time customers of Cricket Wireless don’t like the long wait times to get ahold of an agent, or not having their issues resolved in a timely manner.
  • Lack of a Cell Phone Selection. New cell phones are sometimes essential when getting a new plan, but Cricket Wireless only offers Apple products, not Samsung or Google.
Verizon 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia || Source

#3 in Virginia Beach: US Mobile (T-Mobile)

Best for its Affordability in Virginia Beach

A cell phone plan that is affordable is crucial to have, and US Mobile is a great MVNO to consider. US Mobile is a great option to have because of its affordability, and they also use T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless’ network coverage depending on the closest signal. US Mobile works great while exploring the shops at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum, and even while at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.

Features of a US Mobile plan include:

  • Uses Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile’s 5G nationwide coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text plans
  • Set data allotment plans and unlimited data plans available
  • Free SIM card with phone purchase
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • Mobile hotspot available on most plans
  • 24/7 customer service available
  • Entertainment perks for video streaming, music, and gaming
  • Discounts on more than two-line plans

Price: US Mobile’s cell phone plans are extremely affordable and customers can pay as low as $10 to $45 per month for one of their plans. With hundreds of plans, the customer can choose the best plan for their needs within their price range. 

Plan: There are both set data allotment and unlimited plan options to choose from through US Mobile. Set data allotments range from 5GB, 15GB, and up to 25GB, or you can spend a little more money for an unlimited plan with high-speed data all month long. 

👍 What We Liked

  • T-Mobile’s Network Coverage. US Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network coverage and they offer the most 5G data throughout the United States, along with reliable call and text performance.
  • The Best Affordability. Many people are making the switch to US Mobile because they offer more affordable cell phone plans as low as $10 to $45 per month. 

👎 What We Didn’t Like

  • Poor Customer Service. US Mobile is an incredible option to choose from, but they are said to have poor customer service with long wait times.
  • Excessive Number of Plans. There are hundreds of cell phone plans to choose from through US Mobile, which can be very intimidating for many people. 
Verizon 4G (Light Purple) and 5G (Dark Purple) Coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia || Source

Get to Know Your Local Carrier Options in Virginia Beach 

Finding the best cell phone coverage is crucial in Virginia Beach, so check out some of the best MVNOs available to choose from:

  • 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!
Virginia Beach, Virginia is a beautiful place to visit with 35 miles of beaches and great cell phone service. Image courtesy of The Agency

FAQ: Your Questions About Cell Phone Coverage in Virginia Beach, Answered

Who Has the Best Coverage on the Eastern Shore of Virginia Beach?

Out of the three main cell phone networks provided in the United States, Verizon Wireless works the best on the Eastern Shore of Virginia Beach because of its reliable coverage and data range. AT&T comes in second place and then T-Mobile comes in third in terms of coverage in Virginia Beach. 

What Carrier Has the Best Cell Phone Coverage in Virginia?

Throughout many states and even in Virginia, Verizon Wireless offers the most reliable coverage. In Virginia, 99.14% of the area is covered with their reliable 4G LTE data. 

How to Determine the Best Cell Phone Coverage in My Area

It can be difficult to pinpoint the most reliable service in your area, but a coverage map can make your decision easier. If you are looking to have the best coverage in Virginia Beach, all you need to do is plug in your address and it will provide you with the network that is recommended for you to use and some options of plans to choose.

Verizon Wireless is your best bet for fast phone coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia 

When selecting a cell phone coverage in Virginia Beach, Virginia, make sure to look into Verizon Wireless’ prices, plans, and their coverage in the area!

Really is one of the best resources to utilize when it comes to determining the best cell phone coverage in your area. Not only can they recommend what network to choose, they can also point you in the right direction with plans that are available at your price point, best value plans, plans great for international use, and even ones perfect for the whole family.

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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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