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Why More Cell Phone Companies Should Offer User 'Test Drives'
A true test of service
By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 7, 2021 12:28PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Phones Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
T-Mobile now offers iPhone users a 30-day 'test drive' of its network, using a limited-time app.While limited, experts say that programs like T-Mobile’s network test drive could give users a more realistic view of what to expect from the network’s coverage map.No other carriers currently offer similar options, but more widespread eSim support could open the door for more test drive plans in the future. Luke Porter / Unsplash Experts say widespread adoption of services like T-Mobile’s Network Test Drive app could make finding a cell phone carrier easier for users by giving them a more realistic way to test the network’s coverage. At the end of June, T-Mobile announced the launch of its Network Test Drive app on iOS devices, including the iPhone XS or newer. When downloaded, the app allows users to test out the network’s coverage in their area without replacing the SIM card in their phone. Instead, it uses the eSIM built into the iPhone, and while there are some limitations, many users, including myself, have used it to give the network a try in their area. It’s not a perfect solution, but experts say with more widespread adoption, it could change how we search for the perfect cell phone carrier. "It's super annoying when you can't get any signal bars in your town, let alone in your own backyard. The benefit of a 'try before you buy' program is it allows customers to test coverage before committing to any long-term contracts," Tyler Abbott, a wireless service expert with WhistleOut, told Lifewire in an email. "You can hit up your local haunts, make sure you can refresh your Instagram feed, and send out texts before committing to a plan. If you can't get a reliable signal, then you know to find a new carrier." Trust and Accuracy
Any consumers who have had to change cellular service in recent years know how frustrating it can be to spend hours looking over coverage maps just to find it isn’t as good as advertised. When this happens, you often have to return the phone that you’re using, pay back any return fees, and just go through the general headache of refunding the purchase. T-Mobile With systems like T-Mobile’s test drive network, users could try out any new networks without having to commit to a phone purchase or any kind of plan. The problem with coverage maps is they don’t always tell the full picture. Back in 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened an investigation into claims that bigger networks like AT&T, Verizon, and others were exaggerating the coverage that they offered. In 2019, the FCC released the full findings from that investigation. The report showed that cell carriers exaggerated their coverage roughly 40% of the time when creating coverage maps and advertisements. It’s unclear if the maps available in 2021 show more coverage than the carriers actually provide, as the FCC didn’t share any plans to fix the problem. However, providing the ability to test the network before switching would alleviate any concerns that consumers might have concerning accuracy. Universal Need
Without systems like the Network Test Drive, users are instead forced to rely on coverage maps and promises from advertisements. With no way to fully verify the findings showcased on that material, customers may end up subscribing to a carrier’s service that isn't a good fit for their area. Justin Paget / Getty Images Solving this issue can become especially important in more rural areas where high-speed broadband isn’t readily available, since many turn to their mobile phone as a way to access banking and other important information. With so much of our daily lives moving to the digital landscape, having consistently reliable access is essential. In fact, in many areas, home internet options that rely on mobile network coverage have become a good way for consumers to bring faster and more reliable internet into their homes, using the same networks you use to message or call your friends and family. As such, the need surrounding reliable network coverage has grown beyond the simple task that mobile phones were created to address. "T-Mobile is currently the only carrier that offers the try-before-you-buy feature, so it's an awesome opportunity to try out a cell phone plan before you commit to anything long-term. It'll be interesting to see if other carriers follow suit and offer a similar service," Abbott explained. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The 8 Best Cell Phone Plans of 2022 How to Switch Phone Carriers The 7 Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 7 Best Senior Cell Phone Plans of 2022 5G Availability Around the World T-Mobile 5G: When & Where You Can Get It Where Is 5G Available in the US? (Updated for 2022) The 7 Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 7 Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2022 8 Solutions for When Your iPhone Says No SIM 5G Cell Towers: Why You See Them and How They Work Where Is 5G Available in the UK? (Updated for 2022) How to Receive a Corporate Cell Phone Discount weBoost Home 4G Cell Phone Signal Booster Review: A Reliable Cell Booster at a Moderate Price Point How to Unlock a Phone From Any Carrier What Is An Unlocked Phone? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies