Root Coverage Offers Detailed Crowd-Sourced Cellular Coverage Maps [Cell Phones]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/cfVAY0d-Lpc/root-coverage-offers-detailed-crowd+sourced-cellular-coverage-maps

The coverage maps provided by cellphone companies don't really tell you all that much about the quality of the coverage they offer. If you'd like a real-world look at coverage, you can check out Root Coverage.

Root Coverage takes data from actual users and compiles it into hexagonal overlays that provide a variety of information about the map you're looking at. You can check not only signal strength but also the quality of the data connection and transmission rate. You can also switch between map view, aerial view, and topographical view—handy for seeing if that odd deadzone here or there is caused by odd geographic features.

Root Coverage is a free service. You can currently check the coverage in several major US markets like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington D.C., and more. You can also sign up to participate in currently mapped markets or to be alerted when the service is rolled out where you live.

If Root Coverage doesn't cover your locale currently, you might want to check out similar services like previously reviewed GotReception, DeadCellZones, and SignalMap. Have your own trick or tool for making sure you're getting the carrier with the best coverage in your area? Let's hear about it in the comments.

Root Coverage [via JKOnTheRun]