RootMetrics Report: Verizon and T-Mobile in Tie for the Top Ranking Mobile Network in Philadelphia

In a new report released today, Verizon and T-Mobile remain locked in a neck-and-neck tie for the title of top-performing overall mobile network in Philadelphia


BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a new report released today, Verizon and T-Mobile remain locked in a neck-and-neck tie for the title of top-performing overall mobile network in Philadelphia. Since the most recent RootMetrics testing in May, Verizon deployed its Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum in the area, and Verizon's median download speed improved compared to its speed in May. In fact, all four major carriers showed faster median download speeds compared to results found in May. That's according to independent mobile analytics firm RootMetrics®, which measures mobile performance of the four major national carriers with tests designed to replicate real-world consumer behavior.

The Overall performance category includes results across data, call, and text testing; the top-performing network(s) is awarded the Overall RootScore Award. A good Overall RootScore means strong overall coverage and a good consumer experience.

The final RootMetrics Overall Performance RootScore rankings for Philadelphia:

1 – Verizon (97.4)
1 – T-Mobile (97.3)
3 – AT &T (96.4)
4 – Sprint (94.3)

Network Reliability and Speed
 
RootMetrics measures network reliability and speed to give consumers a clear and holistic view of each network's performance in these key areas of mobile usage. The Reliability Index is based on a combination of results from data, call, and text tests, while the Speed Index includes data and text results. Looking at the network reliability and speed indices in conjunction with Overall RootScores offers the most comprehensive look at a typical mobile experience in Philadelphia.

Verizon edged past AT &T and T-Mobile to take the #1 position in network reliability with a score of 99.7. T-Mobile earned the top spot in network speed for the second consecutive time in Philadelphia, scoring 93.0.

Reliability Index rankings:

1 – Verizon (99.7)
2 – AT &T (98.8)
2 – T-Mobile (98.4)
2 – Sprint (98.4)
 
Speed Index rankings:
 
1 – T-Mobile (93.0)
2 – Verizon (88.0)
3 – AT &T (87.4)
4 – Sprint (79.8)
 
"This was the seventh time we've visited Philadelphia, and we're seeing high network reliability scores across the board," said Bill Moore, RootMetrics CEO. "While Verizon edged past the competition to earn distinction as the most reliable network, the competition remains close, with AT &T, T-Mobile, and Sprint all ranking second. This is great news for consumers in Philadelphia."
 
Data Performance: T-Mobile Delivers Fastest Data Speeds in Philadelphia

Data Performance RootScores factor in each network's reliability and speed when downloading and uploading data, performing email tasks, and downloading files that approximate using typical webpages or apps. T-Mobile and Verizon shared the RootScore Award for data performance in Philadelphia, each with a score of 96.6. T-Mobile recorded the fastest median download and upload speeds at 21.6 and 17.9 Mbps, respectively. Since previous testing in May, AT &T's median download speed increased from 7.7 to 10.2 Mbps. Sprint's median download speed increased from 5.1 to 7.4 Mbps. T-Mobile's median download speed improved from 16.6 to 21.6 Mbps, and T-Mobile's median upload speed increased from 15.8 Mbps to 17.9 Mbps. Verizon's median download speed increased from 13.2 to 15.2 Mbps.
 
Median download and upload speeds by network
T-Mobile: 21.56 Mbps download/17.92 upload
Verizon: 15.21 Mbps download/6.99 upload
AT &T: 10.16 Mbps download/4.30 upload
Sprint: 7.42 Mbps download/3.45 Mbps upload
 
Data speeds impact how quickly consumers can perform various tasks online. For example, in an ideal situation, uploading medium-sized pictures (1 MB) to Facebook or other online albums typically takes 25 seconds to 45 seconds on average at speeds below 3.0 Mbps. At speeds above 6.0 Mbps, uploading a similar picture generally takes less than 1 second.
 
Making the call

Making calls in Philadelphia should be a positive experience on any of the four networks. Verizon won the RootScore Award for call performance outright with a score of 99.6. AT &T, T-Mobile, and Sprint shared the #2 spot, all with scores of 97.7 or higher.
 
Text me

T-Mobile won the RootScore Award for text performance with a score of 96.5. With Text RootScores above 91 for all four networks, texting in Philadelphia should be a smooth experience.
 
More than 77,000 tests in Philadelphia

To evaluate the mobile experience in Philadelphia, RootMetrics conducted 77,410 call, data, and text tests on the networks of AT &T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon during all hours of the day and night from October 11 through October 18, 2014. The tests were conducted using the RootMetrics RootScout app running on Android-based, consumer smartphones purchased off-the-shelf from carrier stores. Tests were performed indoors (at 99 locations), outdoors, and during drive tests (covering 3,060 miles). For details about RootMetrics testing, see the methodology section of the RootMetrics website. Mobile performance varies depending on where people live, work, or otherwise spend time. Because a variety of factors can influence performance, examples that list what data speeds mean while performing various mobile activities are a general look at data speeds for illustrative purposes and aren't specific to Philadelphia.

About RootMetrics®

RootMetrics® is an independent mobile analytics firm that offers insights into the consumer mobile experience. RootMetrics provides data on mobile network performance to help people make more informed mobile decisions. The company offers its RootScore Report series for the nation, metropolitan markets, and airports, as well as its downloadable CoverageMap app. To ensure that RootMetrics testing reflects real-world mobile usage, testing is conducted based on where, when, and how consumers use their devices most often.  



            

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