RootMetrics releases latest network testing results in two metro areas
Verizon kept its crown in Houston, but T-Mobile US swept the honors in Kansas City, according to the latest network testing from RootMetics.
RootMetrics said that in its most recent network tests in the Houston market, “all four carriers [recorded] comparable fastest median download speeds ranging between 13.0 Mbps and 15.5 Mbps” while T-Mobile US actually posted the fastest median upload speed: 17.3 Mpbs. Verizon won outright in five of RootMetrics’ six categories in Houston.
Meanwhile, RootMetrics found that both T-Mobile US and AT&T improved their media download speeds in Kansas City from its previous round of testing, but that T-Mobile US provided the fastest speeds in the Kansas City metro area: RootMetrics was able to achieve 29.4 Mbps download speed and 16.3 Mbps upload speed on T-Mobile US’ network.
Tests for both markets were conducted between May 10 and May 18. The Kansas City tests involved about 60 locations and included more than 1,500 miles of drive testing; Houston testing was conducted at 186 locations and over more than 4,000 miles of drive testing.
“This marks the first time since RootMetrics began testing in the metro area that T-Mobile has taken top honors, outright or in a tie, across all six mobile performance award categories,” the benchmarking firm said.
Meanwhile, PCMag.com released the results of its most recent network testing this week. In that match-up, Verizon narrowly edged out T-mobile US for the honor of “fastest network” — which PC Mag said was its “tightest contest ever.”
In PCMag’s regional testing, Verizon won in the North Central and Southwest regions, AT&T took top honors in the South Central region, and T-Mobile US was rated best in the Northeast and Northwest regions. Verizon and T-Mobile US tied for top ranking in the Southeast. More details here.
Market Force study finds that users rank T-Mobile US as their favorite carrier
In another recent study — one which focused on asking customers about their satisfaction, versus testing network characteristics — Market Force found that T-Mobile US ranked first for the second year in a row among full-service wireless carriers. Consumer Cellular was the favorite among non-contract providers — and Market Force found that customers ranked Straight Talk, Virgin Mobile and Cricket higher than all four of the national carriers.
Market Force noted that T-Mobile US was the only carrier to make gains over last year’s results. The study was based on information from more than 8,200 wireless consumers.
Verizon came in second with a 43% score; customers ranked the carrier highest in terms of network coverage and quality, while T-Mobile US earned kudos in terms of value, ease of changing plans and store customer service. AT&T was ranked third overall, with 32% and second-place rankings in network quality metrics. Sprint came in fourth with a score of 26%.
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