Playing hooky from the office just got even easier. Whether you’re looking to join video calls from the road or totally disconnect from the grid, our new, enhanced Cell Coverage maps are here to help.
Just check out the Cell Coverage map for your phone carrier (we’ve got AT&T, Verizon, US Cellular, T-Mobile, and a general cell coverage option) and these color-coded maps will quickly tell you where you will have cell service, and how good it will be.
Unprecedented Accuracy and Specificity
Based on carrier data, our new Cell Coverage maps are our most accurate and specific yet. Color-coded hexagon-shaped tiles show you whether you will have voice service, 4G, 5G (up to 5 Mbps, which is fast enough to stream 720 HD video, Netflix, etc.), 5G (over 35 Mps, which should be more than enough bandwidth than you could ever need), and no coverage at all.
As you zoom into the map, the level of cell coverage specificity goes all the way down to 100 square meters, or about the size of a single-family house.
These enhanced maps provide an unprecedented level of accuracy and specificity:
Green indicates voice service only.
Light purple shows where you can expect to have 4G
Purple shows 5G Data up to 5 Mbps min download
Dark purple 35 Mbps min download
All of our Cell Coverage maps cover the continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Take Video Calls or Make a Call for Help
Understanding where you will at least have voice service can help you be prepared to make an emergency call, if needed. However, we also recommend that you bring a backup satellite communication device when traveling into the backcountry, as well as download your maps for offline use so you can find your way back if coverage drops out.
And whether you’re looking to work remotely from the trailhead or stream Netflix from your tent, look for dark purple tiles to give you a sense of where you can expect to join video calls, download files, communicate with our coworkers online, and pull up your favorite tv show.
How to Use the Cell Coverage Maps
View the Cell Coverage maps on the big screen at gaiagps.com or on your phone with the iOS or Android app. To find these maps, tap the layers icon on the left sidebar on your desktop or in the bottom left hand corner of your app. You can also find them here.
Next, select “Add Map Layers” and search for “Cell Coverage.” Select AT&T, Verizon, US Cellular, T-Mobile, or All Carriers.
Pair the Cell Coverage maps with any basemap, such as Gaia Topo, Gaia Winter, or Gaia Overland, to see exactly where you will and will not have cell service (and how good it will be) along your route. Use the slider to make the basemap more or less visible under the Cell Coverage map shading.
Cell Coverage Maps Are Available with Gaia GPS Premium
All Cell Coverage maps are available with a Gaia GPS Premium or Outside+ membership. With Premium or Outside+, you get access to our entire 300-plus map catalog, including our proprietary Gaia Winter and Gaia Overland maps, as well as our suite of National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps, high res satellite imagery, USGS and USFS maps, and MVUM.
You can also download maps for offline use—including the Cell Coverage maps—so you can find your way and quickly reference when you will next hit cell service. Plus stay safer with our suite of weather features and safety tools including air quality, wildfire maps, and slope angle shading.
