Why is Consumer Cellular coverage different on two different phones

[Lorne Tweed]

My spouse and I share a Consumer Cellular phone and data plan. I have an unlocked Samsung S5 mini, she has a 3rd Gen Moto G LTE that we bought from Consumer Cellular and is locked to their network. When we're traveling, I generally get much better phone reception (4 bars vs none) than she does. I've tried fiddling with the APN settings and have not been able to improve her reception. I've noticed that the APN on the MotoG is locked to "wholesale" and the Samsung is set at "att.mvno" is this the reason for the difference?

 

[Premium1]

Could be the different bands. Being the s5 mini is unlocked it could have more bands that are getting service compared to the Moto g. That is weird though especially since the moto g is a consumer cellular device.

 

[PapaGary]

Consumer Cellular offers service on both AT&T and T-Mobile. Your wife's Moto G has a T-Mobile SIM and yours has the AT&T.

Consumer Cellular Now Offers Service on Both AT&T and T-Mobile | Prepaid Phone News

 

[BayK]

The Different bands is probably an issue. Cell towers can work on different bands, it is normal case.
Consumer Cellular using both AT&T and T-Mobile infrastructure. Their SIM cards should work with both providers.