Latest RootMetrics Mobile Performance Report Shows Shakeups in Atlanta

Bellevue, WA, Aug. 29, 2017 -- According to RootMetrics®, the independent source for real-world mobile performance comparison, there are big changes at the top of four out of the six categories in the RootScore Awards in Atlanta. The latest 2nd Half 2017 Atlanta Metro RootScore Report reveals that Verizon claims the network reliability award outright for the first time since RootMetrics began testing the category. Meanwhile, T-Mobile takes the top spot in the network speed category, which is an award Verizon previously held outright for three consecutive testing periods. 

When it comes to data performance in Atlanta, T-Mobile and Verizon record the fastest median download speeds at 33.0 Mbps and 31.7 Mbps, respectively, meaning subscribers of both carriers can download a high-definition TV show in less than three minutes. Notably, T-Mobile and Verizon also post the fastest median upload speeds at 19.7 Mbps and 18.8 Mbps, respectively, meaning uploading a photo to social media would typically take two seconds. 

“The race to provide excellent mobile experiences for consumers is hotter than the Atlanta sidewalk in summer, with major shifts in multiple categories in the metro area,” said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. “Our latest testing reveals close races in network reliability and data performance as well as lightning-fast speeds from Verizon and T-Mobile, meaning mobile users in Atlanta have excellent options across all carriers depending on how they use their phones most.”

This is the fourteenth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Atlanta 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, with Verizon ultimately taking the Network Reliability RootScore Award outright. Meanwhile, T-Mobile 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. Verizon claims the Data Performance RootScore Award outright for the fourth consecutive time. Notably, Verizon and T-Mobile both record the fastest median download and uploads speeds in Atlanta this testing period.

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 and Sprint share the Call Performance RootScore Award, while the text performance category results in a four-way tie for the third consecutive time.

Comprehensive Testing

To evaluate the mobile experience in Atlanta, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from July 23 through July 31. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 237 locations and while driving 4,578 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]