Verizon Leads Mobile Performance Rankings in Los Angeles, Sweeping Awards for Third Consecutive Time

BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 9, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to RootMetrics®, the global standard for independent mobile performance information, Verizon leads new mobile network rankings in Los Angeles, sweeping the awards for the third consecutive testing period. Furthermore, the latest 2nd Half 2016 Los Angeles Metro RootScore Report reveals Verizon earns outright awards in five of the six categories tested, which is an increase from the carrier's three outright wins during the last round of testing. Notably, Verizon also recorded the fastest median data speeds throughout the Los Angeles metro area.

Though Verizon takes the lead throughout this latest report, the other mobile carriers are making strides when it comes to data speeds. In fact, this report from RootMetrics, an IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) company, shows AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon improving their median download speeds in Los Angeles. Additionally, all four carriers earned excellent scores of 97.7 and above in the Network Reliability category.
 
"Our latest testing reveals Verizon has a strong hold on the mobile performance rankings in Los Angeles," said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. "With AT&T and Sprint making important data speed gains, plus a close race in Network Reliability, it appears the mobile networks are working hard to provide a better overall experience for mobile users in L.A."
 
This is the eleventh time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Los Angeles and issued findings for the metro area. RootScore Reports provide a scientific, independent, consumer-focused assessment of mobile network performance.
 
The RootMetrics Overall Performance RootScore rankings for Los Angeles:
1 – Verizon (98.2)
2 – AT&T (97.4)
3 – Sprint (94.4)
3 – T-Mobile (93.7)
 
RootScores are on a scale of 0 to 100. A good Overall RootScore means strong all-around performance and a good consumer experience.
 
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.

Verizon took first place in Network Reliability, which the carrier previously shared with AT&T and T-Mobile during the last round of testing. Furthermore, Verizon took an outright win in Network Speed for the sixth consecutive testing period.
 
Network Reliability RootScore rankings:
1 – Verizon (99.4)
2 – AT&T (98.8)
3 – T-Mobile (97.7)
3 – Sprint (97.7)
 
Network Speed RootScore rankings:
1 – Verizon (95.0)
2 – AT&T (93.6)
3 – Sprint (83.3)
4 – T-Mobile (81.3)
 
Data Performance
Data Performance RootScores reflect how well networks perform in downloading and uploading data, performing email tasks, and downloading files that approximate loading typical webpages or apps.
 
In the Data Performance category, Verizon earned an outright win. Notably, this is an award the carrier has won or shared throughout every round of RootMetrics' testing. Verizon also recorded the fastest median download and upload speeds at 29.7 Mbps and 16.9 Mbps, respectively, meaning it would take less than five seconds to post a video to social media while on the network.
 
Data Performance RootScore rankings:
1 – Verizon (97.9)
2 – AT&T (97.3)
3 – T-Mobile (92.2)
3 – Sprint (91.9)
 
Call and Text Performance
Verizon took the top spot outright in Call Performance, which the carrier previously shared with AT&T and T-Mobile. Meanwhile, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon shared the Text Performance RootScore Award for the second consecutive testing period.
 
Call Performance RootScore rankings:
1 – Verizon (98.6)
2 – Sprint (97.5)
2 – AT&T (97.4)
4 – T-Mobile (95.1)
 
Text Performance RootScore rankings:
1 – T-Mobile (99.2)
1 – AT&T (98.6)
1 – Verizon (98.4)
4 – Sprint (97.7)
 
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Los Angeles, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from September 28 through October 4. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 93 locations and while driving 4,106 miles. For details about RootMetrics testing, see the methodology section of the RootMetrics website.

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 and companies make more informed mobile decisions. RootMetrics offers its RootScore® Report series for nations, states, metro areas, airports, campuses, venues, and transit stations, 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 smartphones most often.

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.

IHS Markit is a registered trademark of IHS Markit Ltd. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners © 2016 IHS Markit Ltd. All rights reserved.