Global Wireless Solutions reveals the 2019 results of its annual study analyzing the mobile experience of consumers

DULLES, VA – Sept. 4, 2019 – Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) released the findings from the most comprehensive U.S. study into wireless connectivity. After months of scientific testing, including the collection of millions of data points across America, analysis of the results reveals for the second consecutive year that AT&T is the “Nation’s Best Network” for its overall national wireless network performance.

GWS OneScore ranking combines engineering drive test data with consumer research, making it the authority on wireless network performance. While most 3rd party organizations look at either drive data or customer feedback, only GWS considers both real-world wireless network performance as well as real consumer opinion on what they want from their network (from coverage to reliability, data speed, voice quality and video performance).

“Our testing results show that all the networks are improving, expanding, and deploying new technologies, but for the second year in a row AT&T’s overall performance puts them in the front of the pack,” said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO and founder of Global Wireless Solutions. “Offering the best wireless network this year not only gives current customers the service they want at work, home or traveling, but also lays a foundation for AT&T’s 5G network.”

This evaluation represents the most comprehensive program conducted by GWS in the U.S. Testing was done in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Results were captured by driving nearly one million miles in 501 markets across major metropolitan areas, smaller urban cities, and rural towns throughout the U.S. – representing a total population of over 308 million (94% of the U.S.). Additional details on the study and methodology can be found at www.gwsolutions.com/bestnetwork-usa-2019/.

Overall Performance: Based on the nationwide test results combined with consumer research, AT&T is the “Nation’s Best Network,” according to our Best Network OneScore ranking. Verizon is second with T-Mobile third and Sprint fourth. Other findings from this year’s study include:

  • Download Speed: AT&T is the fastest for download tasks, like receiving photos, app related content, and videos.
  • Upload Speed: Verizon wins for fastest mobile internet upload tasks, like posting videos, photos, and other social media content.
  • Capacity Stress Test: AT&T has the fastest throughputs during GWS’ network stress tests.
  • Video Streaming: AT&T has the best video streaming experience in terms of video quality, quickest loading time, and least amount of rebuffering.
  • Voice Calls: AT&T scores top for voice accessibility (i.e. successful call initiations) and voice retainability (i.e. lowest number of dropped calls), while T-Mobile takes the lead for best voice quality on calls made.
  • Sprint is the only network to not finish first in any of the voice and data tests.

Prepping for 5G: While testing, GWS also observed greater deployment and usage of advanced features by network operators in 2019 (vs. 2018) including five channel carrier aggregation, 256QAM (a higher order advanced modulation technique), LAA (license assisted access), 4×4 MIMO (an LTE multiplexing technique), and antenna beamforming.

 

Methodology and notes to editors:

GWS conducted directed benchmark testing in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from February to June 2019. GWS drove nearly one million miles across 501 regions throughout the U.S. during the testing process, resulting in the completion of nearly 9.4 million individual controlled voice and data tests.

GWS collection and evaluation of data was done using Rohde & Schwarz SmartBenchmarker test equipment, Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, and GWS’ Mobistat data evaluation and reporting platform.

All survey figures, unless stated otherwise, are from a study commissioned by GWS and conducted by Toluna. Total sample size was 5,221 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between June 6 – 25, 2019. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of Americans (aged 18+).

 

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.:

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Global Wireless Solutions has set the industry standard for network benchmarking, analysis and testing. Its proprietary OneScore network ranking combines high-level network testing data with real-world network usage scenarios to make the results of testing relatable and easy to understand. Working with some of the world’s largest wireless network providers, GWS offers high-quality network data and engineering analysis through a suite of benchmarking products, services and OneMeasure diagnostic apps that include drive, venue and in-building testing. At last count, GWS has driven 12.5 million data collection miles for its customers. For more information, visit gwsolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at @gwsolutionsinc.

 

Media Contact:

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

[email protected]

703-661-7000

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