There's the reality and then there's the line of BS that gets frequently thrown around. Generally it's conceded that Verizon has the most robust network. AT&T (aka the Deathstar) has the campaign that won't die with the "more bars in more places." With that said you can really pretty much put all the claims in the trash since wireless reception is always variable and what may work great for one person in their circumstances (works great at home and at work) there are always things that will affect what kind of reception you will get in a particular circumstance. What ultimately affects what you get is proximity to the nearest base station as well as what the terrain is like near you and what obstacles may have to be breached (like living on the side of a hill for instance.)