BELLEVUE, WASH., May 1, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to RootMetrics®, an IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) company, the mobile performance race remains close in Philadelphia across most categories tested while T-Mobile sets the pace when it comes to data speeds. The latest 1st Half 2017 Philadelphia Metro RootScore Report reveals a three-way tie for the Call Performance RootScore Award between Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. Additionally, Verizon and AT&T tie for the Network Reliability RootScore Award with T-Mobile and Sprint close behind.
Looking at data performance in Philadelphia, T-Mobile builds on its continued excellence in the category, claiming the Data Performance RootScore Award outright for the fifth consecutive testing period. The carrier also improves on its median download speed from the previous testing period with a lightning-fast 35.6 Mbps, up from a speedy 29.0 the previous half. T-Mobile also clocks the fastest median upload speed in the first half of 2017, at 18.4 Mbps. At these first-half 2017 speeds, T-Mobile customers can expect to download a song or upload a photo in about two seconds.
"As our latest round of testing shows, consumers in Philadelphia have a lot to be excited about when it comes to their mobile network," said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics Director. "Close races in network reliability and call performance, plus improvements in download speeds across the board, suggest that mobile consumers in Philly have some excellent carrier options depending on how they use their mobile phones the most."
This is the twelfth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Philadelphia 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. All four major carriers turn in excellent performances in the network reliability category, but Verizon and AT&T ultimately share the award. Meanwhile, T-Mobile takes the Network Speed RootScore Award outright for the seventh testing period 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. T-Mobile records the fastest median download and upload speeds at 35.6 Mbps and 18.4 Mbps, respectively. At T-Mobile's median download speed, subscribers can expect to download a high-definition TV show in less than three minutes, and at T-Mobile's upload speed, uploading a picture to social media will take about two seconds.
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. All four carriers post excellent scores in the call performance category, but Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint ultimately share the Call Performance RootScore Award. The text performance category results in a four-way tie, marking the first time all four carriers share the award since RootMetrics began testing in this category.
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Philadelphia, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from March 22 through March 30. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 200 locations and while driving 4,214 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.
IHS Markit is a registered trademark of IHS Markit Ltd. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners © 2017 IHS Markit Ltd. All rights reserved.