GWS OneScore Data Reveals Wireless Network Performance Experienced by Attendees During the Presidential Inauguration Across Major US Carriers


WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 23, 2017 –

Leading independent network benchmarking specialists Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. (GWS) today revealed the wireless connectivity performance experienced by inauguration attendees on Friday, January 20.

Using rigorous procedures, GWS network testing specialists used Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphones and the GWS Mobile Diagnostic App to evaluate the mobile network performance of the four major US carriers in terms of completing everyday tasks (such as making a phone call, uploading a video, sending a Snapchat, etc.) and the speed at which the data related tasks can be completed.

The sites tested include the National Mall and areas alongside the parade route. Data collected was then ranked using OneScore, a performance metric developed by GWS that considers both in-depth network testing data and an understanding of how consumers are using their mobile devices based on a third-party survey vetting the sentiments of 5,000 US adult mobile phone users).

Findings include:

  • From the tests conducted it seems preparations paid off for AT&T. GWS deployed teams to measure network performance at the inauguration and based on the collected (in the National Mall) between 10am (i.e. pre-inauguration) through to the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony itself, AT&T ranked first in all of the GWS OneScore metrics measured – these include overall reliability (for both voice and data), overall packet data (considering data speed and reliability), social media tasks and data speed alone. AT&T was followed in the rankings by Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint.
  • For data tasks collected on the Mall such as downloading or uploading a video (4MB file size), AT&T’s throughput was, on average, double that (or more) of their closest competitor. Additionally, Sprint’s and T-Mobile’s networks experienced very low levels of task success rate during the testing on the Mall – during this time Sprint failed more than 4 out of every 10 task attempts.
  • As the focus moved from Mall to the parade route (along Pennsylvania Avenue) the performance variations tightened across the operators and T-Mobile and Sprint significantly improved their overall performance. In fact, T-Mobile ranked first in the GWS OneScore rankings for the post inauguration parade.
  • However, when it comes to the voice reliability statistics, AT&T an Verizon provided the most robust network performance, beating out T-Mobile and Sprint throughout the day.

Dr. Paul Carter, CEO of Global Wireless Solutions, commented: This was perhaps the most significant political and social event experienced online. People attending the inauguration were sharing their own experience by posting pictures, videos, or simply talking to friends and families. Providing fast and reliable wireless service was a challenge for the mobile operators given that thousands of users were on their phones in the same area at virtually the same time. In order to meet this unusual demand in service, the operators had to go the extra mile to prepare and bolster their networks; and our tests showed that for the most part this challenge was met.

Methodology

 

Between 10am and 5pm on January 20, 2017, approximately 15,000 voice and data tests were conducted to evaluate network performance of Tier 1 carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon) at major points throughout the presidential inauguration including the National Mall and parade route. Using Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphones and the GWS mobile diagnostic app, tests were conducted to evaluate the mobile network performance of these carriers in terms of completing everyday tasks (such as making a phone call, uploading a video, sending a Snapchat, etc.) and the speed at which the data related tasks can be completed.

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. defines the industry standard for network benchmarking, analysis and testing. Working with some of the world’s largest wireless network providers, GWS offers standardized, high-quality network data and engineering analysis to its customers through a suite of benchmarking products, services, and diagnostic apps that includes drive, venue, and in-building testing.

Firmly rooted in a deep understanding of network engineering, GWS provides best-in-class, turnkey solutions to help customers better understand overall network performance as today’s wireless networks grow and evolve. Founded in 1996, GWS is headquartered in Dulles, VA. At last count, GWS has driven 10.5 million data collection miles for its customers. For more information, visit www.gwsolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at @gwsolutionsinc.

 

Media Contact:

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

[email protected]

703-661-7000

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