RootMetrics Report: Verizon Named Leading Wireless Network in Los Angeles; Wins Top Honors in Categories of Reliability, Speed, Overall, Data and Call Performance
Bellevue, Wash (PRWEB) May 28, 2014 -- Verizon has earned recognition as the top-performing mobile network in Los Angeles. In fact, the carrier took first place in the categories of Reliability, Speed, Overall, Data, and Call Performance, and tied for first with T-Mobile for Text Performance. That’s according to independent mobile analytics firm RootMetrics®, which measures mobile performance of the four national carriers with tests designed to replicate real-world consumer behavior.
The Overall performance category includes results across data, call, and text testing. A good Overall RootScore means strong overall coverage and a good consumer experience. Verizon took first place in Overall performance, while T-Mobile and AT&T tied for second place.
The final Overall Performance RootScore rankings for Los Angeles:
1 – Verizon (96.9)
2 – T-Mobile (94.7)
2 – AT&T (94.6)
4 – Sprint (80.9)
RootMetrics offers two indices within RootScore Reports that give consumers a clear view of each network’s performance in the key areas of network reliability and speed. 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 Los Angeles.
Verizon ranked highest in both network reliability and speed, while AT&T and T-Mobile were neck-and-neck for second and third in a close race in both categories.
Reliability Index rankings:
1 – Verizon (98.6)
2 – AT&T (97.8)
3 – T-Mobile (96.7)
4 – Sprint (86.4)
Speed Index rankings:
1 – Verizon (91.2)
2 – T-Mobile (89.2)
3 – AT&T (84.7)
4 – Sprint (64.3)
Verizon and T-Mobile Deliver Fastest Data Speeds in Los Angeles
Since previous testing in September 2013, all four networks had improved Data RootScores, which factor in each network’s reliability and speed when downloading data, uploading data, performing email tasks, and handling files that represent elements of a webpage, among others. Verizon recorded the fastest median download speed in LA at a blazing-fast 16.3 Mbps, and T-Mobile’s lighting-fast median upload speed of 14.6 Mbps was easily the fastest in the City of Angels.
"This time around, we’re seeing strong Data RootScores across the board in LA,” said Bill Moore, RootMetrics CEO. “All four major networks are showing improved data performance since our previous visit to LA, which means consumers have multiple options to consider when choosing the right carrier for them.”
Median download and upload speeds by network
Verizon: 16.3 Mbps download/9.2 Mbps upload
T-Mobile: 12.1 Mbps download/14.6 Mbps upload
AT&T: 9.2 Mbps download/6.4 Mbps upload
Sprint: 1.5 Mbps download/1.0 Mbps upload
Data speeds affect 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 LA should be a smooth experience on any of the four networks. Verizon leads the charge with a score of 97.7, but AT&T and T-Mobile registered statistically comparable speeds and tied for second place with scores of of 95.6 and 94.0, respectively. Sprint came in fourth place with a score of 81.7.
Text me
In LA, T-Mobile and AT&T shared the Text RootScore Award, but with Text RootScores above 93 for all four networks, text service was strong across the board.
More than 77,600 tests in LA
To evaluate the mobile experience in LA, RootMetrics conducted 77,673 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 February 16 to 24, 2014. The tests were conducted using the RootMetrics RootScout app running on Android-based, off-the-shelf consumer smartphones purchased from carrier stores. Tests were conducted both indoors (at 108 locations) and outdoors during drive tests (covering 3,197 miles). Mobile performance varies depending on where people live, work, or otherwise spend time. Because a variety of factors can influence performance, examples that show what data speeds mean while performing various mobile activities are a general look at data speeds for illustrative purposes and aren’t specific to LA. For details about the results, see the methodology section of the RootMetrics website.
About RootMetrics™
RootMetrics®, based in Bellevue, WA, is an independent mobile analytics firm that offers insights into the consumer mobile experience. With its downloadable CoverageMap app for Android or iOS, RootScore Reports for 125 U.S. markets, and an online CoverageMap, RootMetrics provides data on network performance to the public to help people make more informed mobile decisions. 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.
Ann Marie Ricard, Rootmetrics, +1 (206) 683-0552, [email protected]
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