T-Mobile is calling itself the best mobile network in the United States, and it’s not being quiet about it. Backed by testing firm Ookla and a mountain of user data, the company held a flashy live event to crown itself the new wireless king. The self-congratulations were loud, and the announcements were even louder.
T-Mobile rolled out a nationwide launch date for its satellite-to-mobile service, T-Satellite, which goes live July 23. This will bring texting, picture messages, and short audio clips to remote areas where traditional towers fall short. According to the company, this service will reach more than 500,000 square miles across the country. A data-based service is coming on October 1. No special gear is required, and most phones from the past few years will work right out of the box.
They also introduced new perks for customers, including a free year of DashPass starting July 8. This means $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees through DoorDash. It’s another attempt by T-Mobile to turn phone service into some kind of lifestyle membership.
And for those stuck with Verizon or AT&T, the Un-carrier wants to make the jump easier. The new Easy Upgrade offer lets people switch, pay off their old phones (up to $800), and score a new iPhone Pro for nothing down. Families can trade four phones and get four iPhone 16s on T-Mobile for $100 per month.
That all sounds great on paper. But here on Long Island, for example, Verizon still seems to be the one to beat. The reality is, “best network” is a pretty meaningless title unless it applies to where you live and work. A strong signal in Wyoming doesn’t help you if you’re dropping calls in Suffolk County.
Yes, T-Mobile has made impressive strides with 5G and is doing interesting things with satellites. But even with half a billion tests and glowing praise from Ookla, the average person just wants their phone to work where they are. If that means Verizon is better on your block, that’s the one that matters.
T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan does offer a lot for those willing to go all-in, including Netflix, Apple TV+, free international data, and now this satellite stuff. And Metro by T-Mobile is also getting upgrades, with more premium data at the $50 and $60 levels.
But declaring a single “best network” in 2025 feels a bit silly. It depends entirely on geography, usage, and luck. T-Mobile may be right about its numbers, but out in the real world, your experience may tell a very different story.
