Cellcom Vs. Verizon: How Do These Wireless Carriers Compare?

When it comes to choosing a cell phone carrier, two big names often top the list: Cellcom and Verizon. But which one is better for your needs?

This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between Cellcom and Verizon, including coverage, data plans, phone selection, customer service and more.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Cellcom	Verizon
Coverage Area	Regional – mainly WI, MI, IN	Nationwide
Network Technology	CDMA + GSM	CDMA
Cellular Bands	700MHz, 850MHz, 1900MHz	700MHz, 850MHz, 1900MHz, 1700/2100MHz
Plan Highlights	1GB basic plan for $35/month	4GB basic plan for $55/month
Phone Selection	Smaller selection of Androids, no iPhones	Extensive Android and iOS options
Customer Service	50 Midwest stores, limited hours	2,300+ stores nationwide, 24/7 support
Prices	Typically cheaper plans and phones	Premium pricing, but more expensive
Perks	Free DIRECTV streaming	Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple Music access

Overview Of Cellcom

Founded in 1985, Cellcom is the largest wireless carrier in Wisconsin. They offer coverage in WI as well as parts of MI and IN. Some key facts about Cellcom:

• Parent company is Nsight Telservices
• Uses a mix of CDMA and GSM technology
• Runs on 700MHz, 850MHz and 1900MHz frequency bands
• Offers prepaid and postpaid plans
• Has approximately 1.4 million subscribers

Overview Of Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is currently the largest wireless carrier in the U.S. They offer nationwide coverage. Here’s an overview:

• Parent company is Verizon Communications
• Uses CDMA technology
• Runs on 700MHz, 850MHz, 1900MHz and 1700/2100MHz bands
• Offers prepaid and postpaid plans
• Has over 150 million subscribers nationwide

So in summary, Verizon offers wider overall coverage while Cellcom focuses more regionally in the Midwest. Now let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two carriers.

Cellular Coverage Comparison

When it comes to coverage, Verizon is the clear winner on a national scale. They offer coverage across the entire continental U.S., plus Alaska and Hawaii. Verizon currently has the most extensive 4G LTE network, available to over 98% of Americans.

Cellcom offers strong regional coverage, but can’t compete nationwide. Their 4G LTE signal reaches across most of Wisconsin as well as into parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Indiana. But travel outside these areas and you’ll quickly lose service.

So Verizon is the better choice if you need coast-to-coast coverage for travel or business. But Cellcom can serve well if you mainly stick to the Midwest.

Data Plans Comparison

Both Cellcom and Verizon offer a range of shared data allowances suitable for individuals or families. Here’s a breakdown of their current data plan options:

Cellcom Data Plans

XS – 1GB high-speed data
S – 3GB high-speed data
M – 10GB high-speed data L – 20GB high-speed data XL – 30GB high-speed data

Prices range from $35/month for XS up to $110/month for XL. You can connect up to 10 devices on the larger plans. Unlimited 2G data is available after the high-speed allotment is used up.

Verizon Data Plans

S – 4GB shared data M – 8GB shared data L – 16GB shared data XL – 30GB shared data

Prices range from $35/month for S up to $110/month for XL. You can connect up to 10 devices. Unlimited 3G hotspot data is available after the high-speed allotment is finished.

The plans are quite similar, so choosing between them comes down to your data needs.

Verizon offers bigger starting data allowances, while Cellcom has a cheaper 1GB basic option. For most users, performance will be comparable. Watch this video to better understand their plans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsI_MB1XUuE&pp=ygUYVmVyaXpvbiBXaXJlbGVzcyBDYXJyaWVy

Phone Selection Comparison

Verizon offers subscribers a much wider selection of phone models to choose from compared to Cellcom. As one of the major national carriers, Verizon offers the latest flagships like the iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23 series and Google Pixel 7 immediately upon release.

Cellcom has a decent selection of Android devices from makers like Samsung, Motorola and LG. But they don’t sell iPhones. So if you need the latest iOS device, Verizon is the better choice. Cellcom may be a few months behind on releasing the most current Android flagships too.

The phone selection angle gives Verizon a major advantage for those wanting the widest array of device options. But if you’re fine with a more limited Android selection, Cellcom can still meet your needs.

Customer Service Comparison

How do Verizon and Cellcom compare when it comes to customer service and support? Here are some key points:

• Store availability – Verizon has 2,300+ company-owned stores nationwide. Cellcom has under 50 branded stores, all located in Wisconsin. So Verizon wins for brick-and-mortar access.
• Support hours – Verizon offers 24/7 customer service via phone, chat or social media. Cellcom’s support hours are more limited.
• Claim response times – Verizon has faster average claim response times (2 hours Vs. 10 hours for Cellcom).
• Satisfaction rating – Verizon tends to rate higher in customer satisfaction, though both carriers receive their share of complaints.

While not always perfect, Verizon does seem to edge out Cellcom when it comes to service accessibility, responsiveness and keeping customers happy. But Cellcom still maintains solid Midwest-focused support.

Also Read: Is Windstream Better Than Mediacom?

Pricing And Affordability Comparison

In terms of overall pricing and affordability, Cellcom tends to be cheaper than Verizon on most comparable plans. Here are some examples:

• Cellcom’s base 1GB plan starts at $35/month Vs. $55/month for Verizon’s cheapest offering.
• Unlimited talk/text and 15GB of data costs $70 on Cellcom Vs. $80 on Verizon.
• Leasing the iPhone 14 costs $26/month through Cellcom Vs. $33/month on Verizon.

So while Verizon has better coverage and phones, you’ll pay a premium price for it. Cellcom provides a more budget-friendly option if you don’t need nationwide reach.

However, take note that promotional pricing and new customer incentives can affect real-world costs for both carriers.

Perks And Extras Comparison

A few other perks and extras that may sway your decision:

• Verizon includes access to Amazon Prime and Disney+ with higher-tier unlimited plans.
• Cellcom offers free DIRECTV streaming with higher-tier plans.
• Verizon provides free Apple Music access on unlimited plans.
• Cellcom has a “Worry-Free Data” feature that provides unlimited 2G service after high-speed data is used up each month.

So media streaming perks are a wash – both carriers provide them on premium plans. But the extras like 2G data and Amazon Prime membership could be differentiating factors.

Which Carrier Is Better Overall?

So when all is considered, is Cellcom or Verizon the better overall carrier? Here’s a quick recap:

• Coverage – Verizon is better for nationwide connectivity.
• Plans – The plans are broadly similar, so it’s a tie.
• Phones – Verizon has a much wider device selection.
• Customer service – Verizon rates higher in service quality.
• Affordability – Cellcom is generally cheaper.
• Extras – Both offer media streaming; Verizon adds some useful perks.

We have to give Verizon the slight edge for superior coverage, phone selection and customer service. The experience is very premium and polished. But Cellcom remains a solid budget-friendly alternative if you primarily need regional Midwest connectivity. They offer excellent local service and competitive plan pricing.

So weighing your specific needs around coverage area, device selection, budget and more will point you towards the right carrier. Both Cellcom and Verizon have their strengths suited for different audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Choose Between Consumer Cellular And Xfinity Mobile.

The Bottom Line

When choosing between Cellcom and Verizon, the right pick depends on your budget, coverage needs and device preferences. Verizon excels for nationwide service, phone selection and customer support.

Cellcom stands out for regional Midwest coverage and affordability. Carefully weigh which factors matter most to you to determine the better fit. But either provider can capably meet your basic wireless needs.