Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
Verizon is fairly aggressively building out small cells in dense areas. It wouldn't surprise me if Austin's network is overloaded and they are planning to or already building small cells there. Verizon in Portland (Maine) is awful for data. I get usually 4Mb down and 1 up, while my colleagues with AT&T get 30+ down.
The "best network" nonsense is mostly marketing.
Agreed, there are too many variables. I'd say VZW/ATT are at the top as far as coverage goes, but it depends on where and how you measure.
My VZW 4G LTE hotspot has never been able to pull over 10Mbps down anywhere I've used it. Usually I'm closer to 3-4Mbps (i.e. 3G speeds). Thankfully I have an ATT phone which is significantly faster and has better service in the areas I go to. That's anecdotal I know, but you'll have to check the coverage maps to find which works for you.
Personally, I'd look at the MVNOs like Cricket. Many of the MVNOs lease their networks from VZW/ATT. SO they have the same coverage, and charge much lower rates for same services (as long as you don't need International). Wife is paying $35/mo on Cricket (down from $95/mo on VZW).