Bellevue, WA, Sept. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to RootMetrics®, the independent source for real-world mobile performance comparison, the mobile carriers are making big strides when it comes to data performance in Washington, D.C. Specifically, the latest 2nd Half 2017 Washington, D.C. Metro RootScore Report reveals that AT&T improves its average median download speed by nearly 10 Mbps, while Sprint improves its median download speed by about 3 Mbps. This new report also shows Verizon claiming outright awards in four testing categories, including network reliability, data performance, and call performance.
When it comes to data performance in Washington, D.C., AT&T records the fastest median download speed at 28.5 Mbps, meaning downloading a high-definition TV show would generally take about three minutes. Meanwhile, T-Mobile posts the fastest median upload speed at 14.0 Mbps, meaning uploading a photo to social media would typically take three seconds.
“Competition for the mobile performance crown in D.C. is as fierce as a debate on the Senate floor,” said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. “Our latest testing reveals impressive data performance gains from all four carriers, suggesting they are making investments in the area to meet consumers’ growing data needs.”
This is the thirteenth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Washington, D.C. 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. All four carriers perform well in network reliability, but Verizon ultimately takes the RootScore Award outright in this category. Meanwhile, AT&T earns the Network Speed RootScore Award outright.
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. AT&T records the fastest median download speed in Washington, D.C., while T-Mobile records the fastest median upload speed. Ultimately, Verizon wins the Data Performance RootScore Award outright.
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 claims the Call Performance RootScore Award outright, while the text performance category results in a four-way tie.
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Washington, D.C., RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from August 3 through August 11. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 118 locations and while driving 2,222 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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CONTACT: Lori Niquette RootMetrics 617-779-1800 [email protected]