How to check cell coverage on the FCC map

Look up your address on the FCC National Broadband Map before you switch.

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Search your address

The FCC says to "Search for your address on the map." If you do not have an address, it says you can enter a town name and state.

Use the mobile map

The FCC says the Mobile Broadband Map "shows the 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage of each mobile provider for the area displayed."

Outdoors, not indoors

The FCC says the coverage areas "represent where mobile users can get a connection when outdoors or in a moving vehicle, but not indoors." If indoor signal matters, ask the carrier about its trial or return terms.

Check the places you go

Look up home, work, school, and the roads you drive. A plan is only as useful as its coverage where you spend time.

If the map looks wrong

The FCC says you can dispute mobile coverage data "by taking outdoor (or in-vehicle) speed tests on your mobile phone with the FCC Mobile Speed Test App."

This is general information, not legal advice. Plan terms come from the carrier.

Sources: FCC, Broadband Data Collection Consumer Information; FCC, National Broadband Map.

FAQ

Does the FCC map show MVNOs?

The FCC says the map shows coverage reported by mobile providers. An MVNO may not appear under its own name, so ask which network it uses, then look up that network.

Is a carrier's own map the same?

Not always. Compare the carrier's map with the FCC map for your address.

What is an MVNO?

Service on a borrowed network.

Low-cost phone plan checklist

A short list before you switch.

How much phone data do you need?

Read your usage first.

Next: mvnos explained