I previously had the Thunderbolt and went to the Maxx. I can say that in my area of El Paso, Texas/Fort Bliss, the signal has improved dramatically. I am stationed on the far East portion of Fort Bliss, and there were times with my Thunderbolt that I either would get no signal at work, 1X for a signal, or even roaming to a Mexico cell phone signal. Since I have moved to the Maxx, I have had a pretty steady 4G signal. There are times that it may cut out, but that is few and far between now. Just my experience.