In South Dakota, you’ll select from 8 mobile wireless carriers listed below. 99.8% of South Dakota’s land area is covered by some kind of wireless service, as are 99.99% of South Dakota’s 849,952 residents. 5G reception covers up to 90.03% of people while they are sitting at home. Note that we may have a financial relationship with some of the South Dakota providers below. This does not influence what data we show, and helps us provide high-quality, detailed information for free.
South Dakota Top Cell Providers
Plans include 5G where available.
Coverage:
T-Mobile Network
Data Speeds:
Same as T-Mobile below
Plans start at $15/mo.
View plans
Mint Mobile provides very affordable plans using the same network as T-Mobile throughout the United States.
Plans include 5G where available.
Coverage:
Verizon Network
Data Speeds:
Same as Verizon below
Plans start at $30/mo.
View plans
Visible offers unlimited data, talk and text for $30/month powered by Verizon.
T-Mobile 5G available in South Dakota
Coverage:
97.37% of South Dakota
99.34% of the USA
Data Speeds:
5G: 86.62%
4G: 96.69%
3G or 2G: 58.95%
Plans start at $30/mo.
More about T-Mobile in South Dakota
T-Mobile Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
T-Mobile covers 97.37% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 5G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
5G |
86.62% |
57.15% |
4G |
96.69% |
80.84% |
2G or 3G |
58.95% |
12.39% |
5G is the fastest wireless internet and data speed for 86.62% of homes. 4G is the fastest cell coverage for 10.07% of homes. 0.00% of homes can only receive 2G or 3G data. We rank T-Mobile as #1 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
T-Mobile Voice Quality in South Dakota
5G voice quality can be very clear, and is available to 86.62% of homes. 4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 96.67% of South Dakota homes. 58.95% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
AT&T Wireless 5G available in South Dakota
Coverage:
99.95% of South Dakota
98.83% of the USA
Data Speeds:
5G: 44.80%
4G: 99.69%
3G or 2G: 99.90%
More about AT&T Wireless in South Dakota
AT&T Wireless Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
AT&T Wireless covers 99.95% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 5G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
5G |
44.80% |
18.19% |
4G |
99.69% |
96.91% |
2G or 3G |
99.90% |
98.70% |
5G is the fastest wireless internet and data speed for 44.80% of homes. 4G is the fastest cell coverage for 54.89% of homes. 0.00% of homes can only receive 2G or 3G data. We rank AT&T Wireless as #2 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
AT&T Wireless Voice Quality in South Dakota
5G voice quality can be very clear, and is available to 44.80% of homes. 4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 99.69% of South Dakota homes. 99.90% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
Verizon Wireless 5G available in South Dakota
Coverage:
99.71% of South Dakota
98.82% of the USA
Data Speeds:
5G: 0.26%
4G: 99.68%
3G or 2G: 99.17%
Plans start at $35/mo.
More about Verizon Wireless in South Dakota
Verizon Wireless Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
Verizon Wireless covers 99.71% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 5G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
5G |
0.26% |
0.00% |
4G |
99.68% |
98.16% |
2G or 3G |
99.17% |
92.21% |
5G is the fastest wireless internet and data speed for 0.26% of homes. 4G is the fastest cell coverage for 99.42% of homes. 0.00% of homes can only receive 2G or 3G data. We rank Verizon Wireless as #3 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
Verizon Wireless Voice Quality in South Dakota
5G voice quality can be very clear, and is available to 0.26% of homes. 4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 99.68% of South Dakota homes. 97.65% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
Coverage percentages on this page are based on the percent of South Dakota homes that would be covered by cellular service of any kind, unless specified as South Dakota land area.
Fastest Cell Service Down to the South Dakota Neighborhood
The map below shows where Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile are faster in South Dakota. Areas with no clear winner are shown as ties.
Overall, South Dakota ranks #37 out of 52 states and territories for the fastest mobile internet network speeds in the United States.
Best South Dakota Cell Provider Key
The southeastern parts of the state feature better overall coverage for faster data. The opposite is true in the northwestern areas of South Dakota where mobile data speeds are generally slower.
Best Coverage & Data Speeds in South Dakota: T-Mobile
Among the largest cell phone companies in the United States, T-Mobile has the best speed and coverage in South Dakota. T-Mobile has 5G that covers 86.62% of the state. Cell service of any type reaches 99.95% of South Dakota homes.
Cheap Options for Mobile Service in South Dakota
If the price of a South Dakota mobile plan is a major concern for you, cheaper mobile plans are available as well. There are several options available in South Dakota including pre-paid, no-contract plans that start as low as $15 per line. Many of these providers such as Mint, Boost, and Cricket partner with the three major carriers to provide excellent coverage nationwide. With these discount options, the price of your South Dakota wireless plan will quickly rise if you add additional lines or features such as a hotspot or unlimited data.
Plans include 5G where available.
Coverage:
T-Mobile Network
Data Speeds:
Same as T-Mobile above
Plans start at $15/mo.
View plans
Mint Mobile provides very affordable plans using the same network as T-Mobile throughout the United States.
These providers all offer excellent coverage at a lower price compared to more well-known brands. Mint is generally regarded as the most affordable provider for unlimited data, with a high "throttle cap" of 35GB. Depending on where you live, you may prefer the AT&T network coverage offered by Cricket. Boost is a good option for international travelers.
Local Mobile Providers in South Dakota
The companies below provide service to areas smaller than the entire United States. For example, they may have a cell tower in South Dakota, and then partner with larger national companies to provide national service for traveling customers. We display network partners to the best of our ability but cannot guarantee coverage or charges outside of South Dakota and the providers’ coverage areas.
Coverage:
96.09% of South Dakota
0.02% of the USA
Data Speeds:
4G: 92.18%
3G or 2G: 93.85%
More about James Valley Telecommunications in South Dakota
James Valley Telecommunications Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
James Valley Telecommunications covers 96.09% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 4G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
4G |
92.18% |
83.40% |
2G or 3G |
93.85% |
74.47% |
4G is the fastest cell coverage for 92.18% of homes. 1.67% of homes can only receive 2G or 3G data. We rank James Valley Telecommunications as #4 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
James Valley Telecommunications Voice Quality in South Dakota
4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 92.18% of South Dakota homes. 93.85% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
Coverage:
91.29% of South Dakota
9.86% of the USA
Data Speeds:
4G: 91.28%
3G or 2G: 0.01%
Plans start at $30/mo.
More about US Cellular in South Dakota
US Cellular Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
US Cellular covers 91.29% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 4G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
4G |
91.28% |
52.18% |
2G or 3G |
0.01% |
0.11% |
4G is the fastest cell coverage for 91.28% of homes. 0.00% of homes can only receive 2G or 3G data. We rank US Cellular as #5 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
US Cellular Voice Quality in South Dakota
4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 91.28% of South Dakota homes. 0.01% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
More about Viaero Wireless in South Dakota
Viaero Wireless Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
Viaero Wireless covers 65.51% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 4G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
4G |
65.51% |
49.89% |
4G is the fastest cell coverage for 65.51% of homes. We rank Viaero Wireless as #6 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
Viaero Wireless Voice Quality in South Dakota
4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 65.51% of South Dakota homes. 0.00% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
Coverage:
88.99% of South Dakota
0.01% of the USA
Data Speeds:
4G: 34.89%
3G or 2G: 78.56%
More about Standing Rock Telecommunications in South Dakota
Standing Rock Telecommunications Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
Standing Rock Telecommunications covers 88.99% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 4G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
4G |
34.89% |
38.29% |
2G or 3G |
78.56% |
36.16% |
4G is the fastest cell coverage for 34.89% of homes. 43.67% of homes can only receive 2G or 3G data. We rank Standing Rock Telecommunications as #7 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
Standing Rock Telecommunications Voice Quality in South Dakota
4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 44.64% of South Dakota homes. 87.69% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
More about Union Wireless in South Dakota
Union Wireless Data Speeds and Coverage in South Dakota
Union Wireless covers 0.13% of homes in the state with mobile data. The fastest cellular data speed available is 4G. Coverage by homes and land mass (the % of acres with cell coverage versus the total acreage in South Dakota) is shown below.
Tech |
% Homes |
% Land |
|---|---|---|
4G |
0.13% |
0.12% |
2G or 3G |
0.13% |
0.12% |
4G is the fastest cell coverage for 0.13% of homes. 0.00% of homes can only receive 2G or 3G data. We rank Union Wireless as #8 out of 8 for a combination of coverage and speed among South Dakota mobile providers.
Union Wireless Voice Quality in South Dakota
4G voice is considered HD, and is available at 0.13% of South Dakota homes. 0.13% of homes can make calls using older 2G or 3G voice technology.
South Dakota Mobile Network Coverage Maps | Voice, 4G & 5G
South Dakota Fastest Speeds Key
Your mobile coverage in South Dakota may vary based on your provider and location. The map above shows the fastest mobile data speeds in and around the state. To see coverage for an individual provider, click the provider's availability maps above.
There are several types of mobile coverage to consider when evaluating a carrier’s geographic reliability. 5G is the fastest mobile data connection in South Dakota covering 90.03% of homes in the area while 4G covers 99.91% of the state. Overall, 99.99% of homes (850,370 people) and 99.8% of the land (75,650.1 square miles) are covered by some form of cell technology.
5G Coverage Map and Availability in South Dakota
South Dakota 5G Coverage Key
5G is currently the most advanced network available with speeds several times faster than 4G. 5G networks in South Dakota cover 90.03% of homes with 5G voice and data. In total 59.71% or 45,265.7 square miles of South Dakota are covered by 5G. The best 5G coverage in South Dakota comes from T-Mobile with 86.62% coverage.
4G Coverage Map and Availability in South Dakota
South Dakota 4G Coverage Key
4G/LTE networks have become one of the nation’s most common mobile coverage types for data, and in some locations, voice calls. In South Dakota, 99.90% of the area is covered by 4G data, and 99.91% is covered by 4G HD voice service. AT&T Wireless has the best 4G network in South Dakota with 99.69% coverage.
Selecting the Best Cell Provider in South Dakota for You
If you’re still struggling to choose a cell phone provider in the state, some of these facts may help you decide:
- Coverage to South Dakota houses is best with service from AT&T Wireless, with 99.95% of homes covered.
- The best coverage across all South Dakota land is provided by AT&T Wireless at 99.23% of land area covered.
- The current best 5G coverage comes from T-Mobile reporting 86.62% in South Dakota.
- The best 4G coverage is obtainable with AT&T Wireless, covering 99.69% of South Dakota.
- The top estimated average speed in South Dakota, estimated at 65.53, Mbps is available through T-Mobile.
Mobile Service Near South Dakota
If you live near South Dakota but aren’t technically in the state, or you like to explore the region a lot, your coverage availability and speeds may vary.
Enter your zip code here to find more precise mobile numbers on your exact location. Here are our mobile and cell phone guides for several popular locations in and around South Dakota:
States close to South Dakota
- Nebraska: worse mobile coverage
- North Dakota: worse mobile coverage
- Minnesota: better mobile coverage
- Iowa: worse mobile coverage
- Kansas: worse mobile coverage
- Wyoming: worse mobile coverage
- Wisconsin: worse mobile coverage
- Colorado: better mobile coverage
- Missouri: better mobile coverage
- Illinois: better mobile coverage
States with similar populations to South Dakota
- Delaware: better mobile coverage
- North Dakota: worse mobile coverage
- Alaska: worse mobile coverage
- Montana: better mobile coverage
- Rhode Island: better mobile coverage
- District of Columbia: better mobile coverage
- Vermont: worse mobile coverage
- Wyoming: worse mobile coverage
- New Hampshire: worse mobile coverage
- Maine: better mobile coverage