BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 4, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest testing from RootMetrics®, the global standard for independent mobile performance information, Verizon holds onto its Overall Performance lead for the second time in a row in Boston. Meanwhile Verizon shares awards in three of the remaining five categories in the 2nd Half 2016 Boston Metro RootScore Report. After earning outright wins in both Network Reliability and Call Performance categories during the last round of testing, Verizon now shares these awards with AT &T and Sprint, respectively.
Meanwhile, when it comes to Network Speed and Data Performance, T-Mobile takes the RootScore Awards outright for the second time in a row. This new report from RootMetrics, an IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) company, also shows T-Mobile recording some of the fastest speeds in Boston.
"Looking at the mobile landscape in Boston, all the carriers made individual improvements in our latest rankings," said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. "While Verizon holds onto the top spot in four of the six categories tested, both AT &T and Sprint jumped up the rankings to share awards, while T-Mobile continues to demonstrate fast median data speeds. Consumers in Boston are encouraged to take a look at this new report to see how their carrier performs in the ways they use their phones most often."
This is the twelfth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Boston 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 Boston:
1 – Verizon (96.9)
2 – AT &T (96.1)
3 – T-Mobile (94.5)
4 – Sprint (90.8)
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 and AT &T shared the top spot for Network Reliability. Meanwhile, T-Mobile took the award for Network Speed outright for the second time in a row.
Network Reliability RootScore rankings:
1 – Verizon (98.3)
1 – AT &T (97.6)
3 – Sprint (96.9)
4 – T-Mobile (95.8)
Network Speed RootScore rankings:
1 – T-Mobile (94.2)
2 – Verizon (93.4)
3 – AT &T (93.0)
4 – Sprint (68.8)
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, T-Mobile took first place outright for the second consecutive testing period. T-Mobile also recorded the fastest median upload speed at 13.5 Mbps, meaning it will generally take about six seconds to upload a video on the network in Boston. Meanwhile, AT &T, T-Mobile, and Verizon recorded comparable fastest median download speeds between 20.3 Mbps and 21.3 Mbps.
Data Performance RootScore rankings:
1 – T-Mobile (97.5)
2 – Verizon (97.0)
2 – AT &T (97.0)
4 – Sprint (85.3)
Call and Text Performance
In the Call Performance category, Sprint and Verizon shared the RootScore Award, which Verizon previously held on its own. Meanwhile T-Mobile, AT &T, and Verizon shared first place in Text Performance for the second time in a row.
Call Performance RootScore rankings:
1 – Sprint (97.4)
1 – Verizon (96.7)
3 – AT &T (94.5)
4 – T-Mobile (89.9)
Text Performance RootScore rankings:
1 – T-Mobile (99.0)
1 – AT &T (98.7)
1 – Verizon (98.5)
4 – Sprint (97.8)
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Boston, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from August 8 through August 14. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 99 locations and while driving 3,907 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 expertise to forge 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.