You’ve probably seen a network coverage map presented by a network carrier before. Supposedly, it shows you how good their coverage is across the country, where you can expect to get the most reliable connectivity and whatnot. But how accurate are the maps? Well, it’s complicated.
What is a Network Coverage Map?
A network coverage map is a visual representation of the areas where a mobile network provider claims to offer their cell service. These maps are typically available on company websites and are intended to provide consumers with an idea of where they can expect to have reliable voice, text, and data services. These maps are often color-coded, with different shades indicating varying levels of signal strength, such as4G, 4G LTE, or 5G connectivity.
Network coverage maps also serve as a powerful marketing tool for network providers, helping potential customers decide which carrier to choose based on the coverage in their area or areas they frequent often. Generally speaking, coverage maps offer a helpful overview for a customer but don’t consider them infallible. They aren’t 100% accurate, and the data they are presenting can be misleading if you don’t know what is really being said.
How Network Coverage Maps Are Generated
Network coverage maps are created using several different methods, such as predictive modeling and field-testing. Predictive modeling simulates how radio waves interact with other types of terrain while accounting for factors like building density, topography, and the locations of cell towers. This is the primary method for estimating coverage in rural or outdoor areas.
Another method is field testing. This involves driving or walking through physical areas with specialized equipment to measure both signal strength and quality, which can then be used to detail a network coverage map further. Unfortunately, field testing is not always carried out in particularly remote areas, meaning the accuracy of network coverage maps for those particular areas can be subpar, which leads us to our next point.
Network Coverage Maps Can Be Misleading
While advanced techniques are used to create network coverage maps, there are several reasons why the information they present can be misleading. For example, these maps often represent theoretical coverage rather than actual user experience. A coverage map may presenttheoretically strong 5G coveragein an area, but real-life factors like network congestion, physical obstructions, or weather conditions can negatively impact that coverage.
Network coverage maps also require a significant amount of time, effort, and money to update, meaning they are not updated very frequently. If a map is even just a few months old, it may not accurately reflect recent changes to its network infrastructure or environmental conditions affecting it.
Finally, these coverage maps are primarily marketing tools, and thus, they can exaggerate performance. For example, a coverage map may depict 5G connectivity in a rural area where it is actually spotty and inconsistent most of the time. They technically aren’t lying since all they claim is that 5G is available in that area, but not how reliable it is. This is a major reason you can’t fully trust the accuracy of coverage maps—marketing.
How Marketing Affects Map Accuracy
Companies that provide cell service are always competing for customer attention and retention. Naturally, they benefit from presenting network coverage maps in the most favorable way possible. Legally, they aren’t allowed to outright lie to you, but there are plenty of ways they can manipulate your perception of their data to seem more positive than it really is.
For instance, something as simple as the use of broader color gradients can make it seem like a provider’s coverage spreads farther than it really does or that the difference between a strong area and a weak area is not as significant. Carriers can highlight strong coverage areas, downplay weak ones, and play around with a number of other visual choices that can make them seem better than they are.
Many network coverage maps are designed to be visually appealing to the market rather than being openly transparent about data. This is why you have to be wary of these maps. It’s not much different than when you see food from restaurants in commercials—they look incredible in a commercial trying to sell them to you, but the real deal is often much less impressive.
Factors That Affect Real World Coverage
Remember, network coverage maps generally represent ideal conditions. They like to show where connectivity istheoreticallyexcellent, but they often don’t show how real-world factors in the area might impact that theoretical coverage. Even in an area where you should theoretically have reliable 5G coverage, certain things could significantly impact the quality of your connection.
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Terrain is one of the most significant factors. Mountains, hills, and valleys can block or weaken signals, leading to poor coverage in areas that appear well-covered on a map. Building materials also play a role, as structures made of concrete, metal, or energy-efficient glass can interfere with signal penetration. You’ve also got to worry about network congestion is another issue, especially in urban areas where many users may be connected to the same cell tower.
During peak times, heavy network congestion can result in slower data speeds or dropped calls, even in areas depicted favorably on a coverage map. Weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can also impact coverage by attenuating radio waves.
How Consumers Can Verify the Accuracy of Coverage Maps
As you may see, there are many reasons why network coverage maps shouldn’t be considered accurate at face value. This is not to say that all network coverage maps are misleading, but you should do what you can to verify the accuracy of their claims instead of believing them outright. There are a few ways that you can do this.
One of the best ways to do this is to use third-party coverage maps and tools. They aggregate data from multiple sources, including user-generated reports. Some popular options arewebsites like OpenSignaland RootMetrics, which provide crowd-sourced coverage maps that reflect real-world user experiences, not just the theoretical coverage that a carrier presents to you on a map.
You should also speak with friends, family, or neighbors who use the provider you are considering, especially if they live in the same area as you. Their first-hand experiences of coverage quality will likely be similar to what you’re able to expect yourself. You can also take advantage of provider offer trial periods or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test the service in their area before committing to a long-term contract with them.
Finally, you can useapps that measure signal strength and network performance on your device, which provide real-time data that can be compared to a provider’s network coverage map. By combining all of these methods, you can get a more accurate understanding of a provider’s network coverage than their maps may depict.
Ultimately, the main takeaway here is that network coverage maps are primarily marketing tools. They often represent a theoretical ideal coverage scenario that you aren’t likely to actually experience consistently in most areas. That’s why it is better to do your own research to confirm the accuracy of any network coverage map, though this is justone of many things you need to consider before you choose a network provider.
