Bellevue, WA, Oct. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new report from RootMetrics®, the independent source for real-world mobile performance comparison, Verizon pulls ahead of the pack in in Boston, sweeping the RootScore awards for the first time since 2012. Notably, the latest 2nd Half 2017 Boston Metro RootScore Report reveals Verizon claims outright wins in network reliability, network speed, data performance, and call performance. Although Verizon ultimately takes the network reliability award outright, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint also provide strong network reliability.
When it comes to data speeds in Boston, AT&T records the fastest median download speed at 31.7 Mbps, allowing subscribers to download a high-definition TV show in less than three minutes. Meanwhile, T-Mobile records the fastest median upload speed at 12.7 Mbps, meaning uploading a photo to social media would take less than three seconds on the network.
“The race to provide a stellar mobile experience to Bostonians is as fierce as the New England winter,” said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. “While Verizon swept the mobile performance awards, our latest testing reveals strong network reliability from all the major carriers, meaning consumers can rely on their providers for a reliable mobile experience.”
This is the fourteenth 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.
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 takes the Network Reliability RootScore Award outright, an award the carrier has won or shared for four testing periods in a row. Verizon also claims the Network Speed RootScore Award outright, an award the carrier previously shared with T-Mobile.
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. Verizon earns the top spot outright in the data performance category; however, AT&T records the fastest median download speed, while T-Mobile records the fastest median upload speed.
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. Verizon wins the Call Performance RootScore Award outright, while the text performance category results in a three-way tie between Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Boston, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from September 7 through September 15. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 181 locations and while driving 2,943 miles. For details about RootMetrics testing, see the methodology section of the RootMetrics website.
About RootMetrics®
RootMetrics®, an IHS Markit company, is an independent mobile analytics firm that measures mobile network performance and offers insights into the consumer mobile experience. RootMetrics provides data on mobile network performance to help the networks improve and give consumers an end-to-end look at mobile performance. 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.
© 2017 RootMetrics. All rights reserved.
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