Bellevue, Wash., Dec. 12, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new report from RootMetrics®, the independent source for real-world mobile performance comparison, reveals Verizon continues to lead the pack when it comes to consumer mobile experience in Los Angeles. According to the latest 2nd Half 2017 Los Angeles Metro RootScore Report, Verizon sweeps the awards for the fifth consecutive time, earning outright wins in every category except text performance, which results in a four-way tie between the networks. While Verizon comes out on top, this new report details strong network reliability across the carriers in Los Angeles, with RootScores of 97.3 and above.
Looking at data performance in the metro area, Verizon records the fastest median download and upload speeds at 30.9 Mbps and 17.3 Mbps, respectively, allowing subscribers to download a high-definition television show in less than three minutes, and upload a picture to social media in about two seconds. Meanwhile, Sprint and T-Mobile both make big improvements when it comes to their median download speeds.
“Verizon’s performance took top billing in the Los Angeles area in the second half of 2017,” said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. “While the carrier continues to sweep the mobile awards, the other networks are making clear improvements, specifically in network reliability and data performance categories – both of which are critical to a strong mobile experience – and consumers are reaping the benefits.”
This is the thirteenth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Los Angeles 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. While all four carriers earn high scores in the network reliability category, Verizon takes the outright win. Verizon also earns an outright award in network speed for the eighth consecutive testing period.
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. Verizon takes the Data Performance RootScore Award outright from the eighth consecutive testing period, while also recording the fastest median download and upload speeds in Los Angeles. Notably, this report shows the other carriers making significant improvements to their median download speeds, with Sprint increasing from 10.0 Mbps to 22.0 Mbps and T-Mobile jumping from 13.6 Mbps to 19.3 Mbps since the last round of testing.
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 takes the outright award in call performance, which the carrier previously shared with T-Mobile and AT&T. Meanwhile, all four carriers share the Text Performance award for the second time in a row.
Comprehensive Testing
To evaluate the mobile experience in Los Angeles, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from November 3 through November 11. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 182 locations and while driving 3,545 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]