BELLEVUE, Wash., May 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RootMetrics®, the standard for independent mobile performance information, today released a new report recognizing Verizon and T-Mobile as the top-performing mobile carriers in Minneapolis for the second consecutive report. The RootMetrics 1st Half 2015 Minneapolis RootScore® Report highlighted the carriers' continued success in the area, as both ranked first in overall performance, network reliability, network speed, call performance, and text performance. Verizon edged past T-Mobile to win the data performance category outright. Sprint and AT &T were not far behind the top two for overall performance, sharing third place in the category.
With more than 335 million mobile subscriber connections in the U.S. , mobile network performance insights and comparisons are critical elements to a positive consumer experience. RootScore® Reports provide an independent and consumer-focused assessment of mobile network performance in the 125 largest metro areas across the US, the 50 busiest US airports, major event venues across the country, as well as at state and national levels.
The final RootMetrics Overall Performance RootScore rankings for Minneapolis:
1 – Verizon (98.5)
1 – T-Mobile (98.2)
3 – Sprint (96.4)
3 – AT &T (96.1)
The overall performance category includes results across data, call, and text testing; the top-performing network is awarded the Overall RootScore Award. A good Overall RootScore means strong overall performance and a good consumer experience."
Network Reliability and Speed
RootMetrics measures network reliability and speed utilizing two distinct indexes to offer the most comprehensive look at the consumer mobile experience in Minneapolis. The Network Reliability Index is based on a combination of results from data, call, and text tests, while the Network Speed Index examines data and text results. For the 1st Half 2015 Minneapolis RootScore® Report, it was a three way tie for network reliability, as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT &T topped the index for the second consecutive test period. T-Mobile and Verizon shared the top ranking on the network speed index. In the three prior test periods, T-Mobile had ranked first outright. Looking at the network reliability and speed indices in conjunction with Overall RootScores offers the most comprehensive look at the consumer mobile experience in Minneapolis.
Network Reliability Index rankings:
1 – Verizon (99.5)
1 – T-Mobile (99.0)
1 – AT &T (99.0)
4 – Sprint (98.3)
Network Speed Index rankings:
1 – T-Mobile (95.5)
1 – Verizon (94.9)
3 – Sprint (89.7)
4 – AT &T (85.5)
Data Performance: Verizon Overtakes T-Mobile to Take the Lead
Data Performance RootScores® factor in each network's reliability and speed when downloading and uploading data, performing email tasks, and downloading files that approximate loading typical webpages or apps. There was some movement on this front as Verizon overtook T-Mobile for the top spot in data performance in Minneapolis. T-Mobile had won the Data RootScore Award for two consecutive test periods. Verizon recorded the fastest median download and upload speeds in Minneapolis at 28.2 Mbps and 23.2 Mbps, respectively, narrowly edging out impressive speeds recorded from T-Mobile.
Data Performance rankings:
1 – Verizon (98.3)
2 – T-Mobile (98.1)
3 – AT &T (94.5)
4 – Sprint (92.7)
"While Verizon and T-Mobile are on top in multiple categories in our most recent visit, all four carriers are providing a highly reliable mobile experience in Minneapolis," said Bill Moore, RootMetrics CEO. "Performance was strong across the board, with all reliability scores above 98 and several first place ties among the carriers in multiple categories. As the carriers continue to invest in and improve their networks, it's good news for consumers in Minneapolis who have multiple options for choosing a carrier with both high reliability and speed.
Call and Text Performance
Examining other key functions of the consumer mobile experience in Minneapolis, all four carriers tied for the top rank in both call and text performance.
To evaluate the mobile experience in Minneapolis, RootMetrics performed 52,485 call, data, and text tests across all hours of the day and night (4/18/15 – 4/25/15). Using smartphones purchased off-the-shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors (at 72 locations), outdoors, and while driving (covering 2,095 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 make more informed mobile decisions. RootMetrics offers its RootScore® Report series for metropolitan markets, nations, states, event venues, and airports, 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.