AT&T and Verizon are currently in a head-to-head advertising war with maps showing this and that coverage.  It has led to a huge misconception that needs to be clarified.

Problem 1:  The coverage maps.

Verizon touted thecoverage map showing they have more 3G coverage than does AT&T.  AT&T showed a coverage map showing they cover 95% of the country (or some such thing.)  This is very confusing for a non-tech consumer.

The two maps Verizon touts refer to 3G Wireless DATA  - NOT VOICE!  3G refers to "3rd Generation" wireless data, and it's strictly for having an Internet connection on the phone.  These maps have nothing to do with voice coverage, which is nearly identical between all wireless companies.

Many people mistakenly think that only Verizon offers voice coverage everywhere.  Verizon's advertising does not say that, but they don't disclaim that.  AT&T's map refers to voice and data coverage, which may not be as fast as 3G, but it's pretty ubiquitous.  Other carriers also offer nearly universal voice coverage too, through "roaming" agreements with other carriers using the same technology.

Problem 2:  Data Speed

Again this issue affects ONLY data connections on smart phones.  "3G" and "4G" represent 3rd and 4th generation of data transmission, and all the companies are rolling out newer, faster seeds.

At the moment, however, AT&T's claim to have the "Fastest 3G" network is absolutely true.  In our own testing we find that Verizon's 3G speed is between 300-500 kbps ("k"=thousand, "bps"=bits per second; a "bit" is a 1 or 0 that makes up digital information.)  AT&T's 3G speed in Columbus, Ohio and all metro areas we've tested is between 2,000 - 4,000 kbps.  That's nearly 10 times faster.  For reference, dialup speed is 54k,  DSL starts around 800k, T-1 is 1500k; and typical cable/fiber is around 5,000kbps. (For full disclosure, we have not tested Sprint "4G' speed.)

But that higher speed is not available everywhere,  If you're outside the "blue" areas of the AT&T map, your speed might be on the order of Verizon's.  Your phone will tell you whether it's in 3G or "Edge" - which is the slower speed.

Bottom line?

Don't be fooled by advertising.  If you are a long time Verizon customer - power to you.  If you like AT&T for its iPhone or the faster data speeds in town, go for it.  Just don't be fooled into switching because you think you won't be able to make calls anywhere.  This has nothing to do with voice, but everything to do with hype.