BELLEVUE, Wash., Dec. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RootMetrics®, the standard for independent mobile performance testing, today released its latest report, revealing a three-way tie between Verizon, Sprint and AT&T for Overall Performance in Houston. According to the 2nd Half 2015 Houston Metro RootScore Report, all four carriers are in a close race in this category, with fewer than three points separating first from last place. Notably, the three winners also shared first place in Network Reliability and Call Performance in Houston.
During this round of testing from RootMetrics, an IHS (NYSE:IHS) company, Verizon won outright in Data Performance and shared first-place awards across every other category but Text Performance. Meanwhile, Sprint claimed first in Text Performance and shared awards in almost every other category, while recording the fastest median download speed in the Houston metro area.
“When it comes to mobile performance, the competition is heated in Houston,” said Julie Dey, RootMetrics vice president. “With a three-way tie for Overall Performance and all four carriers scoring above 98.5 in Network Reliability, mobile users can expect reliable service throughout the Houston metro area.”
This is the tenth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Houston and issued its findings for the metro area. RootScore Reports provide a scientific, independent, consumer-focused assessment of mobile network performance.
The final RootMetrics Overall Performance RootScore rankings for Houston:
1 – Verizon (98.0)
1 – Sprint (97.9)
1 – AT&T (97.7)
4 – T-Mobile (95.7)
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 quality 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.
Network Reliability resulted in a three-way tie between Verizon, Sprint and AT&T; however, all four carriers earned excellent scores of 98.6 and above. As for Network Speed, Verizon and Sprint shared first place. Notably, this round of testing marked the first time Sprint has won or shared either of these awards.
Network Reliability rankings:
1 – Verizon (99.8)
1 – Sprint (99.8)
1 – AT&T (99.8)
4 – T-Mobile (98.6)
Network Speed rankings:
1 – Verizon (91.8)
1 – Sprint (91.4)
3 – AT&T (91.0)
4 – T-Mobile (86.9)
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.
For the fourth consecutive test period, Verizon claimed the Data RootScore Award in Houston. Meanwhile, Sprint recorded the fastest median download speed at 20.8 Mbps, while T-Mobile recorded the fastest median upload speed at 20.9 Mbps.
Data Performance rankings:
1 – Verizon (96.7)
2 – Sprint (96.4)
2 – AT&T (96.3)
4 – T-Mobile (94.7)
Call and Text Performance
Call Performance resulted in a three-way tie between Sprint, Verizon and AT&T, an award previously held by solely Verizon. For the third consecutive time in Houston, Sprint won outright in the Text Performance category.
Call Performance rankings:
1 – Sprint (99.9)
1 – Verizon (99.7)
1 – AT&T (99.7)
4 – T-Mobile (96.8)
Text Performance rankings:
1 – Sprint (99.0)
2 – AT&T (98.1)
2 – Verizon (98.0)
2 – T-Mobile (97.7)
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Houston, RootMetrics performed 62,615 call, data and text tests across all hours of the day and night from Nov. 13 through Nov. 19. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 114 locations, outdoors and while driving 3,305 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 the nation, 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
IHS (NYSE:IHS) is the leading source of insight, analytics and expertise in critical areas that shape today’s business landscape. Businesses and governments in more than 150 countries around the globe rely on the comprehensive content, expert independent analysis and flexible delivery methods of IHS to make high-impact decisions and develop strategies with speed and confidence. IHS has been in business since 1959 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, USA, IHS is committed to sustainable, profitable growth and employs about 8,800 people in 32 countries around the world.
CONTACT: Lori Niquette for RootMetrics
[email protected]
617-779-1800