Whether you use a smartphone, a tablet or a PC, so long as you connect to the internet, you need an internet service provider. We’re going to be looking at some 4G network providers in some selected countries.
This list is kind of biased. I picked the countries where I have the highest readership because it was the best thing to do.
We’re going to be looking at 4G network providers in some selected countries because network providers are very important. If you buy a phone and it has no access to a network, it is of no use as a communications device.
In my country, as it should be in yours, there are network providers that you prefer over the other ones. Knowing their allocated frequency bands and buying a phone that can take advantage of it is of the essence.
Recommended: What is a network frequency band?
4G network providers in selected countries
Nigeria
| Service provider | 4G Band |
|---|---|
| MTN Nigeria | 7, 20, 28 and 42 |
| Airtel | 3 |
| Glo | 3 and 28 |
| Smile | 20 |
| NTEL | 3 and 8 |
| 9mobile | 3 |
| Swift | 40 |
| Spectranet | 40 |
There are quite a number of network providers in Nigeria but MTN reigns supreme. Some other network providers like Airtel, GLO and 9mobile have had their time in the spotlight but have mostly gone quiet. Glo is very popular for giving out lots free data bonuses but their poor service can be a huge turnoff.
India
| Service provider | 4G bands |
|---|---|
| Airtel | 1, 3, 5, 8 and 40 |
| BSNL | 1 |
| Jio | 3, 5 and 40 |
| Vi India | 1, 3, 8, 40 and 41 |
India’s main network providers are Jio and Airtel. They both have the widest coverage of India’s four main providers.
USA
| Network provider | 4G bands |
|---|---|
| US cellular | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13 and 14 |
| C-Spire | 2, 12, 13, 14, 41 and 71 |
| T-Mobile | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 41, 46 and 71 |
| AT&T | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14 and 30 |
| Verizon | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 42 and 46 |
In the US, network providers also sell smartphones. The competition for subscribers is breakneck. The provider with the widest coverage is Verizon. Most people believe T-Mobile is the best while AT&T rakes in the largest revenues. Sprint no longer exists as it has been bought by T-Mobile.
Read: Why network frequency bands are important
UK
| Service provider | 4G bands |
|---|---|
| 3 | 1, 3, 20, 28 and 32 |
| EE | 1, 3, 7 and 20 |
| O2 | 1, 3, 8, 20, 28, 38 and 40 |
| Vodafone | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 32 and 38 |
Apart from Vodafone, UK network providers have the weirdest names. There are four main providers in the UK, the rest are virtual network operators who piggyback on the infrastructure of these four. Prominent virtual network operators include Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile etc.
Philippines
| Service provider | 4G band | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Globe Telecom | 1, 3, 7, 28, 38, 40 and 41 | |||
| Smart Comms | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40, 41 and 42 | |||
| Ditto Telecoms | 1, 28, 34, 41 and 52 | |||
| TM | Uses Globe Tel | |||
| Gomo | Uses Globe Tel | |||
| Cherry | Uses Globe Tel | |||
| TNT | Uses Smart Comms | |||
| Sun | Uses Smart Comms |
Just like in the UK, there are three main network providers in the Philippines. The rest simply piggyback on their infrastructure as well.
Thank you for reading to the end. As always, ensure to check out our links for more information and…
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