How to Tell if You Are in a 3G Area
- 1). Ask to see a coverage map of the area you live in before you purchase a cell phone and plan in order to determine if you will be in a 3G area once your phone is activated. Most cell phone providers have a map available in their stores that will show you the boundaries of the 3G network. If you do not live or work in this area, you will not be able to use 3G features of your phone.
- 2). Check a nationwide coverage map before you travel to determine if you will be going to a 3G area. Many providers have a coverage map on their website, or you can go to a site that shows many different providers' coverage maps, such as Cellular Maps.com (see Resources). You can determine where you will get 3G coverage on your trip.
- 3). Look at your phone's status bar if you did not have time to check a coverage map before you left. The status bar is generally at the top of the phone's home screen and has icons that represent different items. Next to the network strength bars will be an icon that indicates the type of network you are in. For instance, with Sprint service, you will see a "3G" icon next to the bars if you are in a 3G area.
- 4). Attempt to use the phone as normal if you are still unsure if you are in a 3G area. Voice calls and text-messaging will be accessible regardless of whether you are in a 3G area or not. If you are not in a 3G area, Internet capability may not work or will move extremely slow. Try to open a Web page with your phone's browser. If it will not load or takes much longer than normal, you are not in a 3G area.
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