Bellevue, Wash., Nov. 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new report from RootMetrics®, the independent source for real-world mobile performance comparison, T-Mobile and Verizon are leading the charge when it comes to providing excellent data performance to consumers in the Chicago metro area. In the 2nd Half 2017 Chicago Metro RootScore Report, T-Mobile claims an outright win in network speed with Verizon right on the heels. Verizon and T-Mobile tie for the top spot in data performance, with all carriers within a two-point spread. Meanwhile, all four carriers earn excellent scores above 99.0 in the network reliability category, with Verizon ultimately taking this award outright.
When it comes to data speeds in Chicago, Verizon records the fastest median download speed at 35.2 Mbps, allowing subscribers to download a high-definition TV show in less than three minutes. Verizon also records the fastest median upload speed at 24.6 Mbps, meaning uploading a photo to social media would take less than two seconds on the network.
“Chicago is a great example of how different carrier investments are now starting to play out for consumers,” said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. “With high scores across carriers in the network reliability category and improvements when it comes to data performance, it’s clear that the networks are dedicated to bringing the best mobile experience possible to consumers throughout the windy city.”
This is the fourteenth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Chicago 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, which the carrier previously shared with Sprint and T-Mobile. Meanwhile, T-Mobile claims the Network Speed RootScore Award outright for the first time since the first half of 2014.
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 and Verizon tie for the top spot in the data performance category, with Verizon recording the fastest median download and upload speeds in the metro area.
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, Sprint, and AT&T tie for the top spot in both call and text performance categories.
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Chicago, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from October 23 through October 31. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 245 locations and while driving 4,500 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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