Where Is 5G Available in the US?

Posted on: 28 Oct 2023

Introduction

The advent of 5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology, has transformed connectivity across the United States. With faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity, 5G is enabling innovations like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, remote healthcare, and enhanced mobile broadband. As of July 2025, 5G coverage has expanded significantly, reaching both urban and rural areas, with major carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon leading the charge. This comprehensive guide explores where 5G is available in the US, detailing carrier coverage, regional differences, technological aspects, and recent developments. We also address common questions in an FAQ section to help you navigate the 5G landscape.

The State of 5G in 2025

By 2025, 5G has become a cornerstone of connectivity in the US, with coverage extending to over half of the global population in just five years since its commercial launch. In the US, major carriers have made significant strides in expanding their 5G networks, driven by advancements in 5G Standalone (SA) deployment and spectrum acquisitions. According to a January 2025 Opensignal report, T-Mobile leads in 5G coverage experience, while Verizon excels in speed and gaming performance. AT&T remains a strong contender with widespread coverage. The focus is not only on urban centers but also on rural areas, where carriers are working to bridge the digital divide.

Major Carriers and Their 5G Coverage

The primary providers of 5G in the US are T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, each offering distinct strengths in coverage, speed, and technology. Smaller carriers like UScellular, Cricket Wireless, and Metro by T-Mobile also provide 5G services, often leveraging the networks of these major players.

T-Mobile

Coverage: T-Mobile’s 5G network is the largest in the US, covering 98% of Americans as of mid-2025. Its Extended Range 5G reaches 325 million people across 1.9 million square miles, while its Ultra Capacity 5G, which offers faster speeds, is targeted to cover 300 million by the end of 2025.
Technology: T-Mobile uses a mix of low-band (for wide coverage) and mid-band (for speed) spectrum. Its acquisition of UScellular’s wireless operations, expected to close in mid-2025, will add spectrum in the 600MHz, 700MHz, AWS, 2.5GHz, and 24GHz bands, enhancing its mid-band capabilities.
Innovations: In December 2024, T-Mobile launched beta testing for its Starlink direct-to-cell satellite service, aiming to extend 5G coverage to remote areas without interfering with existing networks. This partnership with SpaceX could revolutionize connectivity in “dead zones.”
Performance: T-Mobile leads in 5G Download Speed (158.5 Mbps average) and 5G Coverage Experience (8/10 points), according to the January 2025 Opensignal report. Visit T-Mobile’s coverage map to check availability.

AT&T

Coverage: AT&T’s 5G network covers over 316 million people nationwide, making it a close second to T-Mobile. Its 5G+ network, which uses mid-band and high-band (mmWave) spectrum, is available in many urban and suburban areas.
Technology: AT&T has invested heavily in mid-band spectrum, particularly in the 3.45GHz band, to balance coverage and speed. Its 5G+ network delivers faster speeds in supported areas.
Recent Developments: AT&T acquired spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.45GHz bands as part of the UScellular deal, which will further strengthen its 5G network. Its subsidiary, Cricket Wireless, expanded 5G to over 120 cities by June 2022, leveraging AT&T’s infrastructure.
Performance: AT&T scores 7/10 in 5G Coverage Experience, trailing T-Mobile but offering reliable service. Check availability at AT&T’s 5G coverage map.

Verizon

Coverage: Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network is available in hundreds of cities, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, and Philadelphia. Its 5G Nationwide network (low-band) provides broader but slower coverage.
Technology: Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband uses C-band (mid-band) and mmWave (high-band) spectrum, delivering speeds up to 2,511 Mbps in some areas. Its 5G Nationwide network offers performance similar to 4G LTE.
Recent Developments: Verizon invested $1 billion in spectrum in the 850MHz and AWS bands, enhancing its mid-band capabilities. Its 5G Home Internet is available to millions across all states.
Performance: Verizon leads in 5G Upload Speed (20.4 Mbps) and 5G Games Experience (82.3 points), per the January 2025 Opensignal report. Verify coverage at Verizon’s coverage map.

Other Carriers

UScellular: Before its acquisition by T-Mobile, UScellular offered 5G in select rural and suburban areas. Its spectrum is now being integrated into T-Mobile’s network.
Cricket Wireless: Operates on AT&T’s network, providing 5G in over 120 cities as of 2022, with further expansion likely by 2025.
Metro by T-Mobile: Uses T-Mobile’s network, offering access to its extensive 5G coverage.
Boost Mobile: Provides 5G through DISH Wireless, with a focus on expanding nationwide coverage. Check Boost Mobile’s coverage map.
Mint Mobile: Leverages T-Mobile’s network, offering 5G at affordable rates. See Mint Mobile’s coverage map.
Visible: Uses Verizon’s network, providing access to both 5G Ultra Wideband and 5G Nationwide. Visit Visible’s coverage map.

Carrier	5G Coverage	Key Features	Performance Highlights
T-Mobile	98% of Americans	Extended Range and Ultra Capacity 5G, Starlink partnership	Leads in 5G Download Speed (158.5 Mbps) and Coverage Experience (8/10)
AT&T	Over 316 million people	5G+ with mid-band and mmWave	Strong coverage, 7/10 in Coverage Experience
Verizon	Hundreds of cities	5G Ultra Wideband (C-band, mmWave)	Leads in 5G Upload Speed (20.4 Mbps) and Games Experience (82.3 points)
Boost Mobile	Nationwide	Uses DISH Wireless network	Expanding 5G coverage
Mint Mobile	Nationwide via T-Mobile	Affordable 5G plans	Leverages T-Mobile’s network

5G Coverage by State or Region

5G coverage in the US varies by state and region, with urban areas enjoying more robust networks than rural ones. Below is an overview based on available data:

Urban Areas: Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, and Philadelphia have extensive 5G coverage from all three major carriers. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband is particularly strong in these areas, offering ultra-fast speeds via mmWave and C-band spectrum.
Suburban Areas: Suburban regions benefit from mid-band 5G, with T-Mobile and AT&T providing widespread coverage. States like California, Texas, and Florida have strong suburban 5G networks due to their population density.
Rural Areas: Rural 5G coverage is improving, particularly with T-Mobile’s Extended Range 5G, which covers 1.9 million square miles. However, states with large rural areas, such as Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska, may have limited 5G access. A February 2025 Ookla report highlights that some states lead in rural 5G connectivity, while others lag behind, indicating ongoing efforts to expand coverage.

To check specific coverage, use tools like WhistleOut’s interactive map or nPerf’s 5G map, which allow you to toggle between carriers and zoom into your area.

5G Technology and Types

5G technology comes in three main types, each with distinct characteristics:

Low-band 5G: Operates below 1GHz, offering wide coverage but speeds similar to 4G LTE (20–100 Mbps). T-Mobile’s Extended Range 5G and Verizon’s 5G Nationwide use low-band spectrum, ideal for rural and suburban areas.
Mid-band 5G: Uses frequencies between 1–6GHz, balancing coverage and speed (100–900 Mbps). T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity 5G and AT&T’s 5G+ rely on mid-band spectrum, making it the backbone of most 5G networks.
High-band 5G (mmWave): Operates above 24GHz, delivering ultra-fast speeds (up to several Gbps) but with limited range and poor penetration through obstacles. Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband uses mmWave in dense urban areas.

5G Type	Frequency	Speed	Coverage	Best For
Low-band	Below 1GHz	20–100 Mbps	Wide (rural, suburban)	Broad coverage
Mid-band	1–6GHz	100–900 Mbps	Moderate (urban, suburban)	Balanced speed and coverage
High-band (mmWave)	Above 24GHz	Up to several Gbps	Limited (urban)	Ultra-fast speeds

Carriers are increasingly focusing on mid-band spectrum due to its ability to provide both coverage and performance, supported by recent spectrum acquisitions.

Impact of Spectrum Acquisitions

Spectrum is critical for 5G networks, and recent acquisitions have significantly enhanced coverage and performance:

T-Mobile’s UScellular Acquisition: Expected to close in mid-2025, this deal includes ~30% of UScellular’s spectrum across 600MHz, 700MHz, AWS, 2.5GHz, and 24GHz bands. This will bolster T-Mobile’s mid-band capabilities, improving speed and coverage.
Verizon’s Spectrum Purchase: Verizon invested $1 billion in PCS licenses and spectrum in the 850MHz and AWS bands, enhancing its mid-band 5G network.
AT&T’s Spectrum Purchase: AT&T spent $1.01 billion on spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.45GHz bands, strengthening its 5G+ network.

These acquisitions, combined with the FCC’s efforts to make over 600 MHz available in the 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 3.7–4.2 GHz bands, are driving 5G expansion and performance improvements.

5G Device Availability

The adoption of 5G devices has surged, with a predicted 69% smartphone penetration by 2025. Over 89.5 million 5G smartphones were delivered to the US by 2021, and this number has grown significantly. Major carriers offer a wide range of 5G-capable devices, including:

Smartphones: Flagship models like the iPhone 16 series, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Google Pixel 9 support 5G across all major carriers.
Tablets and Hotspots: Devices like the iPad Pro and 5G mobile hotspots are widely available.
Laptops: Some laptops now include 5G connectivity for on-the-go access.

To access 5G, you need a compatible device and a plan that supports 5G, though most modern plans include 5G at no extra cost.

Recent Developments in 5G

T-Mobile Starlink Partnership: Launched in December 2024, this initiative aims to provide 5G coverage in remote areas via satellite, with beta testing underway.
5G Standalone (SA) Deployment: As of early 2025, 5G SA has improved network performance, offering lower latency and better efficiency.
Rural Expansion: Carriers are focusing on rural markets, with T-Mobile leading the way in extending 5G to less populated areas.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): The June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report notes that 51% of global CSPs with FWA offerings now include speed-based options, indicating growing 5G use for home internet.

Conclusion

As of July 2025, 5G coverage in the US is extensive, with T-Mobile leading in reach (98% of Americans), AT&T covering over 316 million people, and Verizon offering ultra-fast speeds in hundreds of cities. Urban areas enjoy robust 5G networks, while rural coverage is improving, driven by carrier investments and spectrum acquisitions. The adoption of 5G devices, advancements in 5G Standalone technology, and innovative partnerships like T-Mobile’s Starlink initiative are shaping a future where 5G is ubiquitous. To confirm 5G availability in your area, check carrier coverage maps or interactive tools like WhistleOut and nPerf. As 5G continues to evolve, it promises to unlock new possibilities for connectivity and innovation across the US.

Faq

Where is 5G available in the US?

5G is available in most major cities and many rural areas. T-Mobile covers 98% of Americans, AT&T over 316 million people, and Verizon in hundreds of cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Check carrier websites for specific coverage.

Which carrier has the best 5G coverage?

T-Mobile leads in coverage (98% of Americans), followed by AT&T (316 million people). Verizon offers the fastest speeds in supported areas but has less extensive coverage.

What types of 5G are there?

5G comes in low-band (wide coverage, slower speeds), mid-band (balanced coverage and speed), and high-band (mmWave, fast speeds, limited coverage).

Is 5G available in rural areas?

Yes, but coverage is less extensive than in urban areas. T-Mobile’s Extended Range 5G covers 1.9 million square miles, but some rural states like Montana and Wyoming may have limited access.

Do I need a new phone for 5G?