BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new report released today, T-Mobile and AT &T shared the RootMetrics RootScore Award for overall mobile performance in Phoenix for the second consecutive time. In Fact, T-Mobile won or shared awards across all six RootMetrics test categories, and AT &T did so in four categories. 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, and the top-performing network 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 Phoenix:
1 – T-Mobile (97.5)
1 – AT &T (97.2)
3 – Verizon (96.9)
4 – Sprint (89.4)
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 mobile performance in Phoenix.
It was a three-way tie between Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT &T for the #1 position in network reliability. During previous testing in March, Verizon and AT &T both ranked first for network reliability. Additionally, T-Mobile ranked first on the Network Speed Index for the third consecutive time.
Reliability Index rankings:
1 – Verizon (99.5)
1 – T-Mobile (99.2)
1 – AT &T (99.2)
4 – Sprint (95.8)
Speed Index rankings:
1 – T-Mobile (91.1)
2 – AT &T (89.8)
3 – Verizon (87.2)
4 – Sprint (66.0)
"Results from our recent visit to Phoenix show the increased emphasis that all four carriers are placing on improving both overall performance and network reliability," said Bill Moore, RootMetrics CEO. "This is great news for consumers, as people in Phoenix have multiple options for choosing a mobile network that can accommodate their specific needs."
Data Performance: T-Mobile wins second consecutive Data RootScore Award in Phoenix
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 won the Data RootScore Award in Phoenix for the second consecutive time, scoring 96.1. The "Un-carrier" recorded the fastest median download and upload speeds at 12.4 Mbps and 8.9 Mbps, respectively.
Since previous testing in March, there were several notable changes to the data performance landscape in Phoenix. For example, Sprint officially launched LTE in the Phoenix area since March. T-Mobile's median upload speed increased from 6.6 Mbps to 8.9 Mbps. Verizon deployed its Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum in the area since the previous test period. Subsequently, Verizon's median download speed increased from 6.5 Mbps to 10.3 Mbps, and Verizon's median upload speed increased from 3.8 Mbps to 5.8 Mbps.
Median download and upload speeds by network
T-Mobile: 12.35 Mbps download/8.86 upload
AT &T: 10.37 Mbps download/5.62 upload
Verizon: 10.28 Mbps download/5.77 upload
Sprint: 3.06 Mbps download/0.78 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 Phoenix should be a positive experience on any of the four networks. Verizon, AT &T, and T-Mobile shared the Call RootScore Award, each with scores above 98. Sprint followed with a score of 96.1. In March, Verizon and AT &T shared the Call RootScore Award.
Text me
T-Mobile and AT &T shared the Text RootScore Award, with scores of 97.2 and 97.1. With Text RootScores of 96 or higher for all four networks, texting in Phoenix should be a smooth experience.
More than 50,000 tests in Phoenix
To evaluate the mobile experience in Phoenix, RootMetrics conducted 51,619 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 December 3 through December 9, 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 72 locations), outdoors, and during drive tests (covering 2,406 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 Phoenix.
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.