Mobile Network Performance Race is Neck-and-Neck in San Francisco, Says IHS Markit

BELLEVUE, Wash., April 4, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to RootMetrics®, an IHS Markit (Nasdaq:INFO) company, mobile carriers are offering a dependable mobile experience for consumers in San Francisco, with especially close races in Network Reliability as well as Call Performance. After only sharing one award in the previous testing period, T-Mobile makes impressive strides in the latest 1st Half 2017 San Francisco Metro RootScore Report, sharing three awards, including Network Reliability, Call, and Text Performance.

Meanwhile, Verizon earns outright awards in Network Speed and Data Performance for the fourth and third consecutive times respectively. Notably, the latest report from RootMetrics, the independent source for real-world mobile performance comparison, shows the carrier is making strides when it comes to data speeds, improving its median download speed from 25.2 Mbps to 31.2 Mbps since the last round of testing.

"As our latest testing shows, all four carriers are providing consumers with a strong mobile experience in San Francisco," said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. "Impressive scores in Network Reliability—which measures your ability to get connected and stay connected—as well as in Call Performance suggests the four major carriers are continuing to invest in new technologies that improve your mobile experience in San Francisco."

This is the twelfth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in San Francisco and issued findings for the metro area. RootScore Reports provide a scientific, independent, consumer-focused assessment of mobile network performance.

Mobile Performance You Can Depend on

Reliability and speed are crucial to a consistently good mobile experience. RootMetrics indicates performance in these key areas with its Network Reliability category, a combination of results from data, call, and text tests; and its Network Speed category, which examines results across testing of data transfers, downloading email, and web/app tasks.

T-Mobile shares the Network Reliability award with AT&T, marking the first-time T-Mobile has won or shared this award in San Francisco and the second consecutive testing period that AT&T has shared the award. Meanwhile, Verizon claims the Network Speed award for the fourth time in a row.

Data Performance

The Data Performance category reflects how well networks perform in downloading and uploading data, performing email tasks, and downloading files that approximate loading typical webpages or apps.

Verizon earns an outright win in the Data Performance category, which is an award the carrier has won or shared for four consecutive testing periods. Verizon also records the fastest median download speed at 31.2 Mbps, meaning consumers in San Francisco can download a song in about two seconds. Meanwhile, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon record the fastest median upload speeds, ranging from 13.0 Mbps to 13.8 Mbps.

Call and Text Performance

Call and text capabilities are fundamental to a strong mobile experience. Call Performance testing is based on how reliably each network can place and maintain calls, while Text Performance measures how reliably and quickly consumers can send and receive text messages.

When it comes to Call Performance, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint are in a three-way tie for the top spot. Meanwhile, all four carriers share the Text Performance RootScore Award for the second consecutive testing period.
 
Comprehensive Testing
 
To evaluate the mobile experience in San Francisco, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from March 3 through March 11. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 72 locations and while driving 1,609 miles. For details about RootMetrics testing, see the methodology section of the RootMetrics website.
 
About IHS Markit

IHS Markit (Nasdaq:INFO) is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 key business and government customers, including 85 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world's leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth.

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