New RootMetrics Report Reveals Verizon Leading Mobile Performance Race in Houston

Bellevue, Wash., Dec. 07, 2017 -- According to RootMetrics®, the independent source for real-world mobile performance comparison, Verizon is leading the mobile performance race in Houston, earning outright or tying for awards in every category tested. The latest 2nd Half 2017 Houston Metro RootScore Report shows Verizon earns outright wins across four of the six testing categories, sharing the award for call performance with T-Mobile and AT&T. Text performance measurement results in a shared win between all four carriers. While Verizon’s performance sets the standard in the metro area, all four carriers excel in the network reliability category, with scores of 98.8 and above.

When it comes to data performance in Houston, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint record the fastest median download speeds ranging between 18.2 Mbps and 19.0 Mbps, allowing subscribers to download a high-definition TV show in less than five minutes. Meanwhile, T-Mobile records the fastest median upload speed at 13.8 Mbps, meaning uploading a picture to social media would take about three seconds.

“Once again Verizon showcases excellence for consumers in Houston,” said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. “However, other carriers aren’t far behind. With all four delivering strong performance in network reliability, and Sprint and T-Mobile recording some of the fastest speeds in the metro area alongside Verizon, mobile users throughout Houston have excellent mobile carrier options depending on how and where they use their phones the most.”

This is the fourteenth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Houston 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. Though all the carriers earn high scores in the network reliability category, Verizon ultimately wins the award outright for the third consecutive testing period. Additionally, Verizon takes the top spot in network speed for the third time in a row.

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 for the third consecutive testing period, while also recording the fastest median download speeds along with T-Mobile and Sprint.

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 ties with both T-Mobile and AT&T for the Call Performance RootScore Award. Meanwhile, all four carriers share the text performance award for the fourth time in a row. 

Comprehensive Testing

To evaluate the mobile experience in Houston, 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 170 locations and while driving 3,558 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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Lori Niquette
RootMetrics
617-779-1800
[email protected]