Key takeaways from the test

I assessed 5G performance on rural roads and farmland over three days.
Verizon topped overall network quality, with AT&T in second and T-Mobile third.
Only T-Mobile consistently detected 5G signals.

My ongoing 5G testing adventure has included stadiums and long highway stretches from Chicago to Nashville. For each outing, I transport phones from the top three U.S. carriers to compare coverage. This latest trip followed a similar pattern, but with key adjustments.

I loaded up the car for a getaway weekend, placing three phones in the rear. Using the nPerf app, I monitored carrier and network metrics nonstop. Instead of highways, I opted for scenic backroads - think John Denver vibes. Carriers prioritize dense populations and interstates, so I aimed for remote spots.

I switched devices too. Previously, I used Google Pixel phones; now, three Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultras took over. One was a Samsung loaner, the others from AT&T and T-Mobile, all on carrier eSIMs.

The setup

The rig was improved from last time. Before, a makeshift board with battery and clamps sufficed.

I secured phone mounts to PVC pipe on a tripod, strapped down firmly. It let me check all screens via the rearview mirror. Bonus: nPerf was stable on the S26 Ultra, unlike the Pixel. Frequent stops on the prior trip helped resets; no issues now.

As before, an Anker Solix C1000 battery powered everything, with USB-C and AC ports - even my daughter's blanket. Plenty of juice left over.

Destination anywhere

Lower speed limits meant shorter daily drives, but I covered solid mileage in low-population zones. Douds, Iowa, was the highlight - a tiny spot founded by my ancestor in the 1800s. Unincorporated, but it once boasted a post office and rail stop.

Returning, we hugged southern Wisconsin: Platteville (site of old Bears training camp - Go Cubs!), then Janesville, where a bolt punctured our tire, requiring four replacements before reaching Chicagoland.

The results

nPerf supplied over 52,000 data points on network type, level, and strength across carriers during the 15-hour drive.

Categories: LTE/LTE-Advanced/5G (standalone/non-standalone); bars (level); dBm (strength, less negative is better). Highlights:

T-Mobile alone logged standalone 5G, dominating at nearly 90%. Non-standalone 5G relies on 4G, with higher latency - more transitional than true 5G.

Yet Verizon excelled in network level, AT&T close behind. Signal strength was middling overall; Verizon hit decent levels 44% of the time, others trailed slightly.

T-Mobile shone on 5G presence, but Verizon and AT&T offered superior reliability elsewhere.

Anecdotal evidence

I drove to Iowa City, rode back. Pre-loaded podcasts for expected weak signals. Tethering from my phone for work en route.

Only southern Wisconsin saw total dropouts.

Speeds dipped occasionally, especially over Wisconsin fields - about 20 minutes total across two spots. Not terrible. Note: Used an Oppo Find N6, not optimized for U.S. bands.

T-Mobile (my carrier) showed level 1 for 52% - concerning on paper. But real-world held up. All carriers falter off highways; rural gaps persist despite hype.

Lessons: Backroad dwellers face challenges. Progress needed, but better than feared. No more pre-downloaded podcasts required.