You're Not Alone: Spotty Mobile is a Big Pain for On-the-Go Workers

If you're reading this, you probably know too well the feeling of having 2 bars and a signal too weak to make a call or send a message. Feeling like it's your bad luck? It's not. 

Spotty mobile service is easy to find in all pockets of America. Our co-founder Jeff has talked a lot about it—in this post he uses real data to illustrate the quality of service for the big 3, and here he tackles variance in indoor coverage (spoiler alert—it only gets worse indoors).    

This is Shannon from the marketing team, here to share "you're not alone"—and we have the data to prove it!

The Problem is Bigger Than You Think

Launching a new mobile service is no easy feat—especially when you're trying to change the game and deliver unbeatable mobile reliability. Coming from the mobile industry, we knew first hand that quality of service was the number one issue for mobile customers. But we did our homework to validate our beliefs. Analysis of FCC coverage data showed that by delivering on our promise—access to all major networks with real-time switching to the best connection—we could provide dramatically better service for on-the-go business workers:

• 22% more high-reliability coverage from the #1 nationwide carrier  
• 2X more high-reliability coverage than the #3 nationwide carrier 
• And, once live and factoring in indoor coverage gains—we’d blow this away!  

What we didn’t know? Was the frustration of poor mobile service great enough for people to give Pronto a try? 

Before we buckled down to bring Pronto to life—inevitably skipping holidays, burning the candle at both ends—we needed reassurance.

Finding our Pronto Peeps

Our first step was extensive qualitative research. We talked to pretty much anyone who’d listen: from industry experts to neighbours. All conversations led towards small business—and most notably so, when we spoke with small business owners. So, in February 2024, conducted a detailed 20-minute online study. The results were amazing! 

804 people completed the study. All were self-employed or employees of businesses with fewer than 50 employees, 24-65 years of age, that use their phone for work, and have moderate or serious concerns about poor mobile service. But even before diving into the responses from these respondents, the results were compelling. Of the 2,711 business respondents who completed our screener, poor mobile service was a major issue for 42% and a moderate issue for 20%. 

Ouch! 42% of business respondents said poor mobile service was a major problem—and that's before focusing specifically on small business workers who frequently work on-the-go. 

A Closer Look at Who We Builder Pronto For: On-the-go Small Business Pros

We built Pronto for highly mobile small business pros. Our data was clear: these are people who can’t wait until they’re back in the office to make a call or send a quote. They need mobile connectivity now, wherever they are. 

The Mobility Factor:  

• 96% rely on their mobile phone service most days for work; 72% every day of the week 
• 69% work while commuting each week; 49% daily
• 70% are in client or field locations each week; 39% daily
• One-third take overnight business trips monthly 

The Poor Mobile Pain Factor: 

• 62% say poor mobile service is a major problem 
• 63% experience mobile service issues impacting important calls or work at least weekly; 22% experience issues daily.

The Impact is Immediate and Measurable:

• 70% say "It directly impacts my income."
• 80% say "It seriously reduces my productivity."
• 84% say "It’s a major stress when working.” 

It’s Worse for People in Some Jobs: 

All of the numbers above, skew higher for people in the jobs below who are hit harder by hit-or-miss mobile, than the 21% of respondents with other job types.  

• Trades professionals (21%): Construction workers, skilled trades, and field technicians, who work in challenging locations most frequently experience spotty mobile service.  
• Sales professionals (24%): Account managers, sales reps, real estate agents who need to connect with clients and close deals on the go, report poor mobile reliability directly impact their income in higher numbers. 
• Knowledge workers (34%): Consultants, project managers, IT professionals, and trainers who work remotely and need reliable connections for travel, and rely more heavily on video calls and file sharing.

The Problem Isn’t Just One Carrier 

• Here's what might surprise you: Despite shopping around, 70% believe "All carriers have quality issues." They feel stuck because, hit-or-miss mobile is much better than no mobile at all. 
• And, after those numbers, I’m guessing this won’t surprise you: 80% say "I'd switch for better network coverage and service."  

The Bottom Line

The data is clear. If you're frustrated with dropped calls, failed connections, and the stress of unreliable mobile service, you're definitely not alone. The problem is real, it's widespread, and it's costing people a serious amount of money and time daily. 

You're part of a massive group of hardworking Americans who depend on mobile connectivity to earn their living—and who deserve better. At Pronto, we’re here to help!