Dulles, VA, February 12, 2018: As hit shows start their new seasons and new shows make their debut (for example, Netflix’s Jessica Jones and YouTube Red’s Step Up: High Water), leading network benchmarking firm Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. (GWS) has released the results of its nationwide mobile video streaming test. AT&T performed best overall taking three of four category wins ahead of second place Verizon. T-Mobile came in third, despite clocking one category win, and Sprint came in last.
GWS undertook real-world testing that focused on the four factors that can cause the most frustration for consumers when watching their favorite show on their smartphone or tablet. These are loading (time to first picture), video quality, amount of video freezing, and reliability of the video stream.
98% of videos streamed over AT&T’s network were successfully completed; also videos tested on AT&T only froze 0.82% of the time while having a higher quality playback than other networks. T-Mobile stepped up to the video starting line the quickest, sneaking first place with an average loading time of 3.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than AT&T. By comparison, 8.5% of the videos streamed on Sprint failed, 2% of the time they froze, and loading time averaged 3.9 seconds. Meanwhile, Verizon had a respectable showing by completing just under 98% of the videos streamed on its network along with middle of the pack finishes with the other factors.
The results come from video tests carried out across the US (covering a population base of 304 million in the locations tested) using specialized mobile network testing equipment and analyzed by GWS’ team of seasoned experts. Based on all the data collected, AT&T has the best network for video streaming performance as determined by GWS’ OneScore ranking methodology.
| OneScore Ranking for Overall Best Video Performance | Reliability of Video Stream | Quickest Time to Load | Lowest % of Picture Freezing | Highest Video Quality | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Sprint | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| T-Mobile | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Verizon | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
The average US adult watches 72 minutes of digital video per day, with 43% of that time on a smartphone. 15% of Americans also watch TV solely through streaming services like DIRECTV NOW, Netflix, and YouTube.
Paul Carter, CEO, Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. added, “Mobile video streaming is due to drive a 7x increase in mobile data traffic by 2023. Today, YouTube already reaches more millennials (18-34 year olds) on mobile alone than any TV network. It’s clear that video streaming is having and will continue to have a major impact on mobile operator networks – more and more customers expect to stream their favorite shows, videos, and other broadband content where ever they are – whether it’s commuting, waiting for their next appointment, or just taking a break while out and about. Our comprehensive video testing has revealed gaps between those operators that are meeting customer expectations vs. those that are struggling. Considering that mobile networks are underpinning a revolution in how consumers watch TV and video, this gap should be watched closely.”
Methodology:
Approximately 400,000 miles were driven while conducting close to half a million video tests in 2017. This includes collecting data throughout all 50 U.S. states (including all metropolitan areas in the U.S.) as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (population totaling 304 million in the areas tested). GWS collected and evaluated performance data from 4K YouTube video streams using Rohde & Schwarz Diversity Benchmarker II test equipment, Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, and GWS’ Mobistat data evaluation and reporting platform. Test results were then analyzed according to GWS’ OneScore ranking methodology for video performance.
The OneScore methodology takes into account consumer considerations by assigning a weight to each of the video performance factors. For example, reliability has a greater weighting than the loading time factor because successful video completion is more important to consumers.
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 OneMeasure 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 11 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.
703-661-7000
