Verizon Wireless took the in an semi-annual test of wireless service by , a research firm that conducts real-world tests of mobile phone service.
But Verizon got the top honor just barely. According to the score, Verizon came in with a performance score of 96.6, compared to T-Mobile’s 96.1. With the scores so close, RootMetrics called it a tie.
“We’re seeing strong scores for network reliability across all four carriers in Denver,” Bill Moore, RootMetrics CEO, said in a statement. “With Verizon and T-Mobile neck-and-neck for distinction as most reliable network in the area, and AT &T and Sprint close behind, the competition is tight and that’s great news for mobile consumers.”
The company tests locations twice a year, using smartphones purchased off-the-shelf — just like consumers. For the study, the company performed 25,492 data, call and text tests in the . The score tallied up results in those three service areas to come up with its rankings (the higher the score, the better the consumer experience):
1 – Verizon (96.6)
1 – T-Mobile (96.1)
3 – AT &T (93.9)
4 – Sprint (92.3)
Wireless performance has improved dramatically since the first time RootMetrics tested the Denver area. , Verizon ranked at the top but with a mere 88 rating. Sprint scored the lowest at 41.8.
This fall, RootMetrics tested speeds as well. Sprint, which in Denver, saw its speed jump from a median of 0.8 Mbps to 6.8 Mbps. Sprint’s upload speed also sped up to 4.4 Mbps, compared to 0.7 Mbps last spring.
But T-Mobile came in at the top in the speed test, with a median download speed of 10.5 Mbps. Here’s where the Big 4 carriers landed in RootMetrics Speed Index:
1 – T-Mobile (88.7)
2 – Verizon (86.8)
3 – AT &T (79.2)
4 – Sprint (79.0)
Interestingly, Verizon and T-Mobile also took the , but Verizon was several points ahead of the Un-Carrier. AT&T and Sprint placed third and fourth, respectively.
Sound about right? Tell us about your own wireless performance.
