DULLES, VA – April 8, 2024 – Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) has today released the results of its competitive benchmark testing and performance evaluation of mobile networks in Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. The comprehensive analysis conducted over nine months (March through November 2023) found that UScellular took top OneScore honors over AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon for both Best Network and Most Reliable Network in multiple markets.

GWS OneScore Best Network 

GWS OneScore Most Reliable Network

GWS’ OneScore ranking determination is based on a combination of real-world mobile network performance measurements and feedback from consumers on what they want from their network. It factors in both controlled, scientific testing of the U.S.’s major networks as well as consumer research (i.e., research that explores sentiment, and pinpoints performance factors and features most important to consumers). As a result, OneScore delivers the industry’s most comprehensive evaluation of mobile networks.

GWS CEO, Dr. Paul Carter, commented: “UScellular’s wins in multiple mid-sized and smaller markets across the U.S. demonstrates their dedication to providing top-performing, reliable wireless service to all consumers regardless of their location. While the larger metropolitan and densely populated markets typically attract the most attention from operators, UScellular’s focus and ability to overcome the challenges of investing in and building out modern networks for smaller customer bases while providing the best service is a notable accomplishment.”

Evaluation Criteria 

GWS Best Network OneScore takes into account voice, data, video, coverage, and reliability metrics, and combines them into a single score that highlights the overall performance of each network. In addition, the importance of each metric is weighted based on feedback from consumers across the U.S.; feedback that focuses on those elements of network performance that matter most to everyday people. Similarly, GWS Most Reliable Network OneScore considers both voice and data reliability tests in combination with research into those factors that matter most to consumers in terms of consistent, stable performance.

Methodology

GWS conducted competitive benchmark testing in markets located in Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin between March and November 2023. In particular, nearly 300,000 tests were conducted across these markets to evaluate the mobile network performance of AT&T, T-Mobile, UScellular, and Verizon. Testing was conducted using Rohde & Schwarz SmartBenchmarker test equipment, Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, and GWS MobiStat data evaluation and reporting platform.

In addition, GWS’s performance evaluation also takes into account consumer survey results. The survey focused on consumer behavior and expectations and was conducted using GWS’ U.S. consumer panel. The total sample size was just over 10,000 adults (ages 18 and older) with fieldwork undertaken during June 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of adult U.S. consumers with active mobile devices.

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. 

For most consumers today, their mobile device is their life’s remote control. As an independent mobile insights consulting firm, GWS measures every aspect of how people live, work and play via their mobile devices – as well as how mobile network performance affects them. 

Combining our market-leading network benchmarking technology and methodology with deep behavioral data, we help businesses and organizations to drive innovation and deliver better customer experiences through mobile insights, anywhere in the world. Championing the needs of mobile users by understanding and testing the things that matter to them, we’ve evolved our technology and services in step with the needs of industry and consumers for 28 years. 

Public Relations Contact:
Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.
[email protected]
703-661-7000

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DULLES, VA – January 26, 2024 – Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) has conducted a nationwide performance evaluation of Canada’s 5G national networks and is announcing its OneScore rankings. GWS’s extensive review and assessment has determined that Bell has the nation’s Best 5G Network followed by Rogers and then Telus.  The top ranking for the nation’s Fastest 5G Network goes to Bell followed by Telus and then Rogers.

GWS’ OneScore evaluation and ranking process results in the industry’s most exhaustive review of mobile networks as it combines controlled, scientific testing of the major networks with consumer research (i.e., research that explores sentiment, and pinpoints performance factors and features most important to consumers).

GWS’s testing and evaluation also revealed that 5G networks are generally improving across all three operators. This is most likely due, in part, to the continuous deployment of available spectrum such as that acquired in the 3500MHz band. In this instance, GWS testing found that the 3500MHz band was included in approximately 50% of the tasks performed for all three operators in various cities across the country.  When looking specifically at those tasks that included the 3500MHz band, GWS also found that Bell demonstrated the best performance and fastest speeds.

“5G has matured and is no longer a nascent technology. It now plays a significant and integral role in Canada’s mobile networks.” Said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO of Global Wireless Solutions. “As operators continue to invest in 5G spectrum and build out their networks, consumers will continue to benefit from new and improved services thanks to enhanced and faster network performance. While all of the major operators are making appreciable advances in their networks, Bell is leading the pack with the best and fastest 5G network.”

5G evaluation criteria:

GWS’s evaluation of 5G performance factors in speed, network reliability, video performance, and latency. In addition, the importance of each metric is weighted based on feedback from consumers across Canada; feedback that focuses on those elements of network performance that matter most to everyday people.  By taking into consideration both controlled, scientific testing (conducted with test equipment and smartphones in each market across Canada) along with in-depth nationwide consumer polling, GWS is able to understand if the networks are providing measurable benefits that are vital to consumers.

More about the nationwide evaluation – size, scope, and how it was done:

GWS conducted competitive benchmark testing of Canada’s national mobile networks between April and October 2023. In particular, 633,000 tests were conducted across Canada to evaluate the mobile network performance of Bell, Rogers, and Telus. All major metropolitan cities as well as less populated towns and cities were included in the testing; in total, representing 60% of Canada’s population.  Testing was conducted using Rohde & Schwarz SmartBenchmarker test equipment, Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, and GWS MobiStat data evaluation and reporting platform.

In addition, GWS’s performance evaluation of Canada’s 5G networks takes into account nationwide consumer survey results.  Independent polling firm, Toluna, was commissioned by GWS to survey consumer behavior and expectations.  Total sample size was 2,000 adults (ages 18 and older) with fieldwork undertaken during December 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of adult Canadians.

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.:

For most consumers today, their mobile device is their life’s remote control. As an independent mobile insights consulting firm, GWS measures every aspect of how people live, work, and play via their mobile devices – as well as how mobile network performance affects them. 

 Combining our market-leading network benchmarking technology and methodology with deep behavioral data, we help businesses and organizations to drive innovation and deliver better customer experiences through mobile insights, anywhere in the world. Championing the needs of mobile users by understanding and testing the things that matter to them, we’ve evolved our technology and services in step with the needs of industry and consumers for over 27 years. 

Public Relations Contact:

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.
[email protected]
703-661-7000

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GWS’ OneScore evaluation and ranking process results in the industry’s most exhaustive review of mobile networks as it combines controlled, scientific testing of the major networks with consumer research (i.e., research that explores sentiment, and pinpoints performance factors and features most important to consumers). As in previous years, GWS tested in all 50 states. The drive test results were collected by driving nearly 900,000 miles in 498 markets across major metropolitan areas, smaller urban cities, and rural towns – covering 93% of the U.S. population.

Evaluation Highlights – How Operators Performed in 2022

• Best Overall Network: Based on GWS’ Best Network OneScore, AT&T and Verizon are both ranked first followed by T-Mobile.

• Most Reliable Network: Based on GWS’ Most Reliable Network OneScore, AT&T is ranked first followed by Verizon then T-Mobile. GWS’ debut of the most reliable network ranking considers both voice and data reliability tests in combination with research into factors that matter most to consumers in terms of consistent, stable performance.
• Overall Data Reliability: AT&T had the highest success rate across the nation in completing data tasks followed by T-Mobile then Verizon.
• 5G Data Reliability: AT&T had the highest success rate across the nation in completing data tasks while on their 5G network followed by T-Mobile then Verizon.

• Download Speeds: Verizon had top marks for the small download task category (such as receiving app-related content or loading web pages) while T-Mobile was the fastest in the large download task category (receiving photos and videos). AT&T was third in each category.

• Upload Speeds: Verizon had the fastest upload speeds for both small and large upload tasks, such as posting social media content, photos, and videos. AT&T was the second fastest for small upload tasks; and tied for second with T-Mobile for large file upload speeds.
• Network Capacity Stress Tests: T-Mobile had the fastest average throughputs when GWS stress-tested the networks to highlight the maximum throughputs possible at any given time; Verizon was next followed by AT&T.
• Video Streaming: Verizon performed best across the three video categories earning top marks in video quality, least amount of buffering, and quickest time to load a video. T-Mobile was next in all three categories followed by AT&T.

• Voice Calls: AT&T was best in three of the four voice testing categories – call quality, accessibility (highest number of successful call initiations), and retainability (least number of dropped calls).  Verizon finished second in each of those categories followed by T-Mobile. In the fourth voice test category, call setup, Verizon had the fastest call setup time followed by T-Mobile then AT&T.  It’s worth noting that voice calling continues to be the single most important mobile phone function to consumers.  In particular, in our 2022 OneScore survey, when asked if they could only use their cell phone for one function or service, consumers indicated that making or receiving voice calls was the most critical mobile phone function to them. A trend that has continued over the last five years.

• Coverage: AT&T had the most coverage in the areas tested followed by Verizon then T-Mobile.

To learn more about GWS’ 2022 evaluation of U.S. mobile networks, visit www.gwsolutions.com/best-wireless-network-in-usa/.

Methodology and Notes

GWS conducted direct benchmark testing in all 50 states from February to July 2022. GWS drove nearly 900,000 miles across 498 markets throughout the U.S. during the testing process, resulting in the completion of approximately 8.8 million individual controlled tests. GWS’ collection and evaluation of data were conducted 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 5,000 adults (ages 18 and older). Fieldwork was undertaken between July 5^th and July 17^th, 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of adult Americans.

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

For most consumers today, their mobile device is their life’s remote control. As the world’s largest independent mobile insights consulting firm, GWS measures every aspect of how people live, work and play via their mobile devices – as well as how mobile network performance affects them. At last count, GWS has performed 17,500 local market tests and driven over 15 million miles while collecting data for network engineering analysis.

Combining our market-leading network benchmarking technology and methodology with deep behavioral data, we help businesses and organizations to drive innovation and deliver better customer experiences through mobile insights, anywhere in the world. Championing the needs of mobile users by understanding and testing the things that matter to them, we’ve evolved our technology and services in step with the needs of industry and consumers for over 26 years. For more information, visit gwsolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at @gwsolutionsinc.

Contact
Diffusion PR
[email protected]

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DULLES, VA – November 2, 2021 – Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) is releasing its OneScore findings after analyzing the competitive 5G performance of the national mobile networks across Canada. GWS’s extensive analysis reveals that Bell has the nation’s Best 5G Network followed by Telus then Rogers.  In addition, Bell also has the nation’s Fastest 5G Network, followed by Telus then Rogers.

GWS’ OneScore rankings are based on a combination of real-world wireless network performance measurements and feedback from consumers on what they want from their network.

“Canada’s 5G deployment marathon is well under way. Although it’s a long race, we can see that operators are working at a steady yet rapid pace to bring 5G to their customers” said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO of Global Wireless Solutions. “Among the major operators, Bell is ahead of the pack having not only the best 5G network but also the fastest. Fortunately, this is a highly competitive race which means all customers can expect continued improvements in performance, better overall service, and a more satisfying experience.“

Factors critical in evaluating 5G:

Key metrics considered in the evaluation of 5G performance include speed, network reliability, video performance, and latency. And equally important is customer behavior and expectations. As a result, by combining engineering-level testing with the results from nationwide-level polling, GWS’ OneScore creates the most balanced picture of the mobile experience that consumers care most about today. Further, this combination of controlled, scientific testing (conducted with test equipment in each market across Canada) along with in-depth nationwide consumer research results in the industry’s most comprehensive, realistic evaluation of network performance.

More about the nationwide evaluation – size, scope and how it was done:

GWS’ evaluation is based on competitive benchmark testing of Canada’s national mobile networks. Between May and October 2021, just over 425,000 tests were conducted across Canada to evaluate the mobile network performance of Bell, Rogers and Telus. Testing covered all major metropolitan cities as well as less populated towns and cities; in total, representing 65% of Canada’s population.  Testing was conducted using Rohde & Schwarz SmartBenchmarker test equipment, Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, and GWS’ MobiStat data evaluation and reporting platform.

In addition, GWS’ performance evaluation of Canada’s 5G networks takes into account nationwide consumer survey results.  In particular, GWS commissioned independent polling firm, Toluna to conduct a survey into consumer behavior and expectations.  Total sample size was 2,000 adults (ages 18 and older) with fieldwork undertaken between February 26 and March 19, 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of adult Canadians.

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.:

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Global Wireless Solutions, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, has set the industry standard for network benchmarking, analysis and testing. Its proprietary OneScore network ranking combines network testing data with real-world network usage scenarios to make the results relatable and easy to understand. Working with some of the world’s largest wireless network providers, GWS offers network engineering and consumer behavior analysis through a suite of products, services, and diagnostic apps. Whether it’s getting customer feedback (OneMeasure Consumer Panel) or using big data to perform complex network performance evaluations (MobiStat), GWS offers solutions that complement its drive, venue and in-building testing services. At last count, GWS has driven 14 million data collection miles for its customers. For more information, visit gwsolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at @gwsolutionsinc.

Public Relations Contact:

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

[email protected]

703-661-7000

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Global Wireless Solutions, which released its annual national report that included testing in nearly 500 markets across 50 states, concluded that AT&T had the best national network, followed by Verizon and then T-Mobile US. But each carrier had a standout area of performance, GWS noted: AT&T did particularly well in video and voice performance and reliability, Verizon had the fastest upload speeds and best coverage and T-Mobile did the best on network capacity stress tests, aimed at assessing the maximum possible throughput at a given time.

In terms of coverage, GWS found that Verizon had the most coverage in the areas tested, although both AT&T and T-Mobile increased their service areas since GWS’ last round of nationwide testing in 2020.

GWS’ ranking includes not just straight-up network performance data, but ties in data from an annual consumer survey that provides insights on which mobile tasks that consumers prize most highly and weights those tasks accordingly in the overall ranking. Dr. Paul Carter, founder and CEO of GWS, said that this year’s consumer survey “showed consumers were considerably more aware and excited about 5G than they were in 2020.”

Meanwhile, T-Mobile US was touting recent analysis from benchmarking company umlaut in four U.S. metropolitan markets, as well as testing by PCMag. Umlaut’s testing, which was commissioned by T-Mobile US, took place in Norfolk, VA; Indianapolis, IN; Detroit, MI; and San Bernardino and Riverside, CA. The testing company reported that T-Mo’s average download speeds on 5G were around 200 Mbps on average and as high as 258 Mbps, depending on the market. T-Mobile also had particularly good availability of 5G: Above 90% in all of the markets tested, and as high as 99% in Detroit and Indianapolis.

T-Mo also landed long-awaited honors from PCMag, which declared, “It’s T-Mobile’s year at last. The carrier’s new mid-band 5G network is the only nationwide 5G that’s markedly faster than 4G.” This was T-Mobile US’ first award from the magazine for the fastest U.S. mobile network.

You can read PCMag’s analysis here and the report from umlaut is here.

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Verizon continues to use dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology for 5G more widely than its rivals, according to network testing by Global Wireless Solutions.

In a report released Wednesday, GWS said it observed DSS deployed by Verizon in 229 of the 498 markets tested. Of those, DSS was used in 23% of 5G tasks initiated by GWS on the carrier’s network.

AT&T also taps DSS for 5G, though the GWS report observed deployments in just 22 of the nearly 500 markets. And of that, DSS was used in 5% of GWS-initiated 5G tasks on the carrier’s network.

T-Mobile (which early on had been a more vocal critic of DSS shortcomings) had it deployed in three markets tested and utilized DSS in just 2% of 5G tasks. T-Mobile has dedicated low-band 600 MHz, as well as mid-band 2.5 GHz deployed for 5G.

Tasks included a network capacity stress test, both large and small file uploads and downloads, and video tests, according to GWS CEO Paul Carter.

Verizon first rolled out dynamic spectrum sharing roughly one year ago when it debuted broad 5G coverage, versus earlier limited deployments strictly using high-band millimeter wave spectrum dedicated to 5G. The technology enables sharing of a spectrum channel, dynamically allocating resources to either New Radio (NR) or LTE technology based on usage.

Verizon says it has DSS deployed in 2,700 cities for 5G Nationwide coverage. That lines up with GWS tests, Carter explained, as the company presents data in terms of “markets” which typically include multiple cities. The U.S. has around 20,000 cities in total – and about 15,000 of those have populations under 5,000, he noted.

GWS’ method uses drive tests, testing 92% of the population across just under 500 markets.

“When we compared Verizon’s online 5G coverage map to the markets where we saw DSS, the two matched very closely,” Carter told Fierce.

Overall, in the combined markets where GWS detected Verizon 5G coverage, a signal was actively available 22% of the time. For an AT&T 5G signal, it was 45% and for T-Mobile 35%.

“GWS observed Verizon’s 5G coverage (which is mostly DSS) starting in the urban areas and covering most of the suburban areas,” Carter said via email. “There appeared to be little reach in the rural markets at this point.”

DSS has been hailed as a way to quickly deliver 5G coverage without having to refarm and dedicate spectrum to a particular technology. As spectrum is a scarce resource, it means operators don’t have to take away from 4G LTE users for what, at the early stage, are fairly uncongested and unburdened 5G networks. However, DSS received some criticism, including by competitor T-Mobile last year. And previous tests by Signals Research Group categorized performance of Verizon’s DSS as disappointing.

Still, without chunks of available spectrum to set aside strictly for 5G (that is before Verizon acquired 180-megahertz of mid-band 3.7 GHz C-band spectrum, including 60-megahertz that will start rolling out in December across 46 markets), DSS is a way to share bandwidth and claim nationwide 5G.

And when it comes to low and mid-band spectrum (below 2.5 GHz) – Verizon has less than its peers. A recent post by LightShed Partners showed Verizon holding about 117 megahertz of low and mid-band (not including C-band), compared to 185 megahertz for AT&T and 152 megahertz for T-Mobile.

AT&T set aside dedicated spectrum in the 850 MHz band for 5G in most of its markets, but sometimes utilizes a channel in the 1900 MHz or 2100 MHz bands, Carter said. In markets where GWS found DSS deployed, AT&T usually used the 850 MHz band, except for a couple of markets using 2100 MHz.

Similarly, Verizon is mostly tapping 850 MHz spectrum for DSS using 10-megahertz bandwidth channels, according to Carter. He said there’s also some 1900 MHz band DSS in Southeastern markets using 10-15 megahertz channels.

For the recent GWS results, Carter said they measured “very little performance difference” between Verizon 5G using DSS and similar standalone 4G LTE channel.

“5G is supposed to be a little more efficient, however, DSS requires a small amount of overhead that is not needed for a standalone 5G or 4G channel. As such, the performance ends up being similar.”

The updated conclusion is in line with previous network results – multiple third-party tests have shown early 5G performance for carriers isn’t blowing 4G out of the water.

And combined results of 4G and 5G data points GWS still found Verizon had the fastest download speeds for small tasks like web browsing and app data. It was second behind AT&T when it came to large downloads like receiving video and photos. Verizon had the fastest uploads on both big and small tasks when 4G and 5G were combined.

Verizon placed second (behind T-Mobile) for highest average throughput in network capacity stress tests. Same goes for strictly 5G where T-Mobile’s speediest average throughput in the stress test was 95 Mbps, Verizon was 80 Mbps and AT&T was 58 Mbps. Overall, across data points as well as consumer survey results GWS ranked AT&T first for best network, Verizon second, and T-Mobile third.

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GWS’s OneScore ranking combines controlled, scientific tests of the major networks with consumer survey feedback that identifies performance factors and features most important to consumers. The 2021 OneScore survey also focused heavily on consumers’ perceptions on 5G availability and benefits, as 62 per cent of consumers surveyed indicated they had 5G coverage available where they lived.

Wireless Network Benchmarking Results

AT&T networks received top marks for video and voice performance as well as reliability, while Verizon had the fastest upload speeds and best coverage, and T-Mobile did the best on the network capacity stress tests. Highlights from GWS’ tests include:

• Download Speeds – Verizon was awarded top marks for the small download task category, such as receiving app-related content or loading web pages, while AT&T dominated the large download task category (receiving photos and videos).

• Upload Speeds – Verizon had the fastest upload speeds for both small and large upload tasks, such as posting social media content, photos, and videos. This is the second consecutive year Verizon notched victories in these categories.

• Network Capacity Stress Tests – T-Mobile had the fastest average throughputs when GWS stress-tested the networks to highlight the maximum throughputs possible at any given time; Verizon was next followed by AT&T.

• Data Reliability – AT&T had the highest success rate across the nation in completing data tasks followed by Verizon and then T-Mobile.

• Video Streaming – AT&T performed best across the three video categories earning top marks in both video quality and least amount of buffering, and tying with Verizon for the quickest time to load a video.

• Voice Calls – When asked if consumers could only use their cell phone for one function or service, consumers indicated that making or receiving voice calls was the most critical mobile phone function to them – continuing this trend from the last several OneScore surveys. AT&T met these consumers’ demands by topping the categories for best voice quality, voice accessibility (highest number of successful call initiations), and voice retainability (least number of dropped calls).

• Coverage: AT&T and T-Mobile both increased their service coverage since our previous nationwide testing in 2020. However, Verizon still has the most coverage in the areas tested.

• 5G: GWS’s annual evaluation found that AT&T had the most reliable 5G nationwide network (completing the most data transfer tasks performed on its 5G networks) while T-Mobile scored the fastest 5G throughput speeds during GWS’s network capacity stress tests. Overall, when looking at all the 5G test results (i.e., taking into account reliability, data tasks using different file sizes, and video testing) and factoring in consumer feedback, AT&T had the Best 5G OneScore followed by Verizon then T-Mobile. AT&T also had the Best 5G Video OneScore followed by Verizon then T-Mobile (taking into account video quality, least amount of buffering, quickest time to load, and video success rate along with customer feedback).

“Most third-party wireless network benchmarking organisations fail to account for a critical component of network performance in their analysis – the wants and needs of consumers who use these networks,” said Dr Paul Carter, founder and CEO of GWS. “Each year, GWS seeks out consumer feedback through the survey portion of the OneScore. This year’s survey results showed consumers were considerably more aware and excited about 5G than they were in 2020.”

OneScore 5G Consumer Survey Results

The 2021 survey portion of the OneScore specifically focused on consumer perceptions around 5G availability, benefits and usage. Key findings include:

• Consumer awareness and enthusiasm for 5G improved significantly from the previous year. Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of consumers said 5G coverage was available where they lived, up from 46 per cent in 2020. Furthermore, nearly 75 per cent of respondents are excited or somewhat excited at the prospects that 5G brings for future innovation.

• AT&T subscribers tapped into 5G benefits the most. 73 per cent of AT&T subscribers noted they had 5G coverage where they live and 61 per cent said they had accessed 5G on their AT&T smartphone this year.

• 5G drives increased smartphone gaming. 76 per cent of consumers who had access to 5G on their current smartphone played more than one hour of games on their phone, compared to only 56 per cent of consumers who played games on their 4G phone.

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DULLES, VA – September 8, 2021 – Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) today announced AT&T finished first in GWS’ annual OneScore ranking — the most definitive test of mobile network performance. As a result, AT&T earned the title of “Nation’s Best Network”, while Verizon finished second and T-Mobile placed third.

GWS’ OneScore ranking is the most definitive evaluation of today’s 4G/5G networks as it combines controlled, scientific tests of the major networks with consumer survey feedback that identifies performance factors and features most important to consumers. The 2021 OneScore survey also focused heavily on consumers’ perceptions on 5G availability and benefits, as 62% of consumers surveyed indicated they had 5G coverage available where they lived.

Wireless Network Benchmarking Results 

AT&T networks received top marks for video and voice performance as well as reliability, while Verizon had the fastest upload speeds and best coverage, and T-Mobile did the best on the network capacity stress tests. Highlights from GWS’ tests include:

• Download Speeds – Verizon was awarded top marks for the small download task category, such as receiving app-related content or loading web pages, while AT&T dominated the large download task category (receiving photos and videos).
• Upload Speeds – Verizon had the fastest upload speeds for both small and large upload tasks, such as posting social media content, photos, and videos. This is the second consecutive year Verizon notched victories in these categories.
• Network Capacity Stress Tests – T-Mobile had the fastest average throughputs when GWS stress-tested the networks to highlight the maximum throughputs possible at any given time; Verizon was next followed by AT&T. 
• Data Reliability – AT&T had the highest success rate across the nation in completing data tasks followed by Verizon and then T-Mobile.
• Video Streaming – AT&T performed best across the three video categories earning top marks in both video quality and least amount of buffering, and tying with Verizon for the quickest time to load a video.
• Voice Calls – When asked if consumers could only use their cell phone for one function or service, consumers indicated that making or receiving voice calls was the most critical mobile phone function to them – continuing this trend from the last several OneScore surveys. AT&T met these consumers’ demands by topping the categories for best voice quality, voice accessibility (highest number of successful call initiations), and voice retainability (least number of dropped calls).
• Coverage: AT&T and T-Mobile both increased their service coverage since our previous nationwide testing in 2020. However, Verizon still has the most coverage in the areas tested.
• 5G: As announced earlier in July, GWS’ annual evaluation found that AT&T had the most reliable 5G nationwide network (completing the most data transfer tasks performed on its 5G networks) while T-Mobile scored the fastest 5G throughput speeds during GWS’ network capacity stress tests. Overall, when looking at all the 5G test results (i.e., taking into account reliability, data tasks using different file sizes, and video testing) and factoring in consumer feedback, AT&T had the Best 5G OneScore followed by Verizon then T-Mobile. AT&T also had the Best 5G Video OneScore followed by Verizon then T-Mobile (taking into account video quality, least amount of buffering, quickest time to load, and video success rate along with customer feedback).

“Most third-party wireless network benchmarking organizations fail to account for a critical component of network performance in their analysis – the wants and needs of consumers who use these networks,” said Dr. Paul Carter, founder and CEO of GWS.  “Each year, GWS seeks out consumer feedback through the survey portion of the OneScore. This year’s survey results showed consumers were considerably more aware and excited about 5G than they were in 2020.”

OneScore 5G Consumer Survey Results 

The 2021 survey portion of the OneScore specifically focused on consumer perceptions around 5G availability, benefits and usage. Key findings include:

• Consumer awareness and enthusiasm for 5G improved significantly from the previous year. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of consumers said 5G coverage was available where they lived, up from 46% in 2020. Furthermore, nearly 75% of respondents are excited or somewhat excited at the prospects that 5G brings for future innovation.
• AT&T subscribers tapped into 5G benefits the most. 73% of AT&T subscribers noted they had 5G coverage where they live and 61% said they had accessed 5G on their AT&T smartphone this year.
• 5G drives increased smartphone gaming. 76% of consumers who had access to 5G on their current smartphone played more than one hour of games on their phone, compared to only 56% of consumers who played games on their 4G phone.

To learn more about GWS’ OneScore and the 2021 Best Network USA, visit https://www.gwsolutions.com/best-wireless-network-in-usa-2021.

Methodology and Notes to editors:

GWS conducted direct benchmark testing in all 50 states from March to July 2021. GWS drove nearly one million miles across 498 markets throughout the U.S. during the testing process, resulting in the completion of approximately 8 million individual controlled tests.

GWS’ collection and evaluation of data were conducted 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 5,000 adults (ages 18 and older). Fieldwork was undertaken between June 24 and July 12, 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of adult Americans.

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.:

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Global Wireless Solutions, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, has set the industry standard for network benchmarking, analysis and testing. Its proprietary OneScore network ranking combines network testing data with real-world network usage scenarios to make the results relatable and easy to understand. Working with some of the world’s largest wireless network providers, GWS offers network engineering and consumer behavior analysis through a suite of products, services, and diagnostic apps. Whether it’s getting customer feedback (OneMeasure Consumer Panel) or having big data access to do network performance evaluations (MobiStat), GWS offers solutions that complement its drive, venue and in-building testing services. At last count, GWS has driven 14 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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Dulles, VA – July 20, 2021 – With customer 5G expectations running high and operators rapidly deploying this advanced technology across the U.S., Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. (GWS) has completed nationwide testing of the major operators’ 5G networks. GWS’s network testing specialists conducted approximately 8 million controlled tests in all 50 states, accounting for nearly one million miles across all major metropolitan areas, smaller urban cities, and rural towns (a total of 498 markets covering a population of 303 million or 92% of the U.S.).

“The advent of 5G is upon us. We are seeing firsthand the positive impact and performance improvements that 5G is bringing to all operator networks” said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO of Global Wireless Solutions. “For consumers looking for the best 5G networks in 2021 this is great news – robust, consistent connectivity combined with better service translates into a more fulfilling experience and this is just the beginning.”

5G Reliability: GWS determined that AT&T has the most reliable 5G nationwide network, completing 99.5% of the data transfer tasks performed on 5G networks. Verizon Wireless finished second at 98.8% and T-Mobile third at 97.3%.

5G Availability: Looking at the top 10 US markets (population totaling approximately 87 million), AT&T’s 5G network was actively available 66% of the time (“actively” means phone has connected to the operator’s 5G network and is ready to send or receive data), versus 45% for T-Mobile and 36% for Verizon. Over the 498 markets measured, our testing found that T-Mobile had some 5G coverage (i.e., 5G was actively available in 5% or more of the market footprint) in 429 markets, versus 296 for AT&T and 175 for Verizon. However, when looking at the U.S. as a whole (i.e., all 498 markets combined), the total amount of time 5G was actively available for AT&T was 45%, versus 35% for T-Mobile, and 22% for Verizon. In other words, T-Mobile’s 5G was actively available in smaller concentrations across more markets than the other operators; whereas AT&T’s 5G was actively available in much larger concentrations but mostly within markets with higher populations.

5G Network Speeds: As evidenced by the each operator’s approach to availability, nationwide deployment and integration of 5G into existing networks is managed differently by each operater and is still a work in progress in 2021. At this point, while all operators are offering 5G speeds that can easily meet the requirements of today’s data driven world, T-Mobile had the fastest 5G throughput speed (95 Mbps) during our network capacity stress tests with Verizon at 80 Mbps and AT&T at 58 Mbps.

Additional findings will be available in GWS’s annual Best Network USA Report. The report measures operators’ performance according to GWS’s OneScore ranking. OneScore is the definitive network benchmarking score as it combines scientific testing, engineering analysis and big data analytics with consumer research to provide the most comprehensive evaluation of mobile networks.

To learn more about GWS’s OneScore Ranking, visit www.gwsolutions.com/onescore. The 2020 Best Network USA report can be found at  www.gwsolutions.com/bestnetwork-usa.

 Methodology and notes to editors:

GWS conducted direct benchmark testing in all 50 states from March to July 2021. GWS accounted for nearly one million miles across 498 markets throughout the U.S. during the testing process, resulting in the completion of approximately 8 million individual controlled tests.

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

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.:

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, Global Wireless Solutions, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, 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 engineering and consumer behavior 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 14 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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LONDON, 19 February 2021 – Leading mobile network benchmarking firm Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) has today released the results of its latest nationwide drive test assessing mobile network performance of the four major operators.

The latest national test – the first conducted by GWS which incorporates 5G network performance into the company’s OneScore rankings – reveals that good progress is being made in the deployment of 5G throughout the UK by EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. Based on network scanner testing, 5G is now available across 37% of the markets driven; in addition, throughput testing shows average speeds boosted nearly five times in areas where 5G is available.

5G: Covering the bases

The performance test results paint a clear picture of progress for the ongoing deployment of 5G across the UK. In particular, the data highlights how once a market reaches a certain level of 5G coverage, average network speeds are significantly boosted. Average speeds during network capacity stress tests where 5G is delivered are 150 Mbps across all operators, compared with 33 Mbps in areas where there is no 5G present.

Further, GWS also analysed the test results to determine what level of 5G coverage across an entire market (city or town) is needed to achieve a certain minimum threshold of speed for that market.  GWS discovered that in order to achieve a baseline of 100 Mbps average network speed throughout an entire market, operators must first achieve around 40% coverage in that market (for consumers, 100 Mbps means that downloading a HD movie should take around two minutes).

GWS found that this baseline occurred in only 7 out of the 32 cities and towns tested (and in each instance only one operator in each city reached the baseline). In particular, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Manchester recorded average overall speeds in excess of 100 Mbps on any operator, with Vodafone accounting for four of these values and EE for three. And as 5G coverage expands, faster speeds are more likely to be consistently achieved. For example, in Belfast, EE achieved overall speeds of 102 Mbps with 5G coverage of 41%, whereas in Manchester, Vodafone recorded an average overall throughput of 166 Mbps with coverage of 70%.

In addition to achievements in speed, testing revealed that success rates for tasks completed with 5G were well over 99% across all operators.

5G: Running different races

According to analysis of GWS’s device and scanner tests, tasks completed on devices via 5G tends only to occur in areas with strong 5G signal, rather than everywhere it is available (relying instead on 4G). While 5G signal is available across more than a third (37%) of the markets tested by GWS, results show that it is only being delivered to 5G-enabled handsets one fifth (20%) of the time.

Even when 5G is available, it is clear from the data that each operator is approaching its deployment strategy differently. In particular, operators are focusing on deploying 5G at different locations and with varying percentages of 5G per city, town or motorway. Further, Vodafone’s network was completing tasks on 5G roughly three quarters of the time 5G signal was available, while the others were completing tasks on 5G around half the time.

Throughout testing, GWS found that 5G signal is, on average, available 40% of the time in UK cities,  16% in towns, and 11% on motorways, while at the same time the network is completing tasks on 5G just 23% of the time in cities, 8% in towns, and only 5% of the time along motorways. In fact, deployment of 5G along UK motorways appears to be progressing more slowly, with operators placing less emphasis on rolling out coverage along the nation’s highways. While full 5G will likely be required for enabling advanced applications of the future such as autonomous vehicles, today’s network needs on motorways are more limited and can be facilitated by existing network technologies.

Reliability of existing networks still paramount

While the deployment of 5G is resulting in the delivery of faster speeds, it’s still more important than ever (i.e., during this work from home period) for mobile operators to provide robust, reliable service. In terms of overall network reliability, O2 earns the title of the UK’s Most Reliable Network for the third year running, ranking top in 18 out of 37 locations tested in the UK according to GWS’s latest OneScore network reliability testing (Figure 1). O2 is also the most reliable on the UK’s major motorways, M1, M6, M25 and M62. It is followed in the overall rankings by EE which has wins in 16 locations. Vodafone has wins in 3 locations while Three has no wins.

These findings are borne out by GWS’s consumer survey, which found that even during the lockdown 39% of O2 customers were always satisfied with their network’s reliability, compared to 33% of EE customers, 31% of Vodafone customers and 30% of Three customers.

When looking at the regional rankings (which combine the results from all operators), for the second year running the best UK city for reliability remains Liverpool, with Nottingham now the least reliable.

Good news for consumers in lockdown

The results are encouraging for consumers currently navigating the ongoing pandemic – especially since the need to have acceptable speeds is crucial for home workers. With consumers likely to switch to their mobile network when poor WiFi fails them, it’s encouraging to see that 84% of O2 customers are happy with their speeds at home, as are 78% of EE customers, and 82% of Three and Vodafone customers. As 5G continues to roll out across the UK, consumers can look forward to marked improvements in speeds.

Consumers also have high expectations about the rollout of 5G, with 38% believing that faster 5G deployment could help improve economic recovery after the pandemic. Additionally, 26% believe that it could help fix the problem of the digital divide around the country.

Paul Carter, CEO, Global Wireless Solutions, commented: “As next-generation technology is added into the network at more locations with overall speeds increasing and as new, feature-rich devices are introduced, customer expectations about network reliability remain constant – they want a network that they can rely on that will deliver the services they need.

The results of our latest national testing show signs of good things to come for those with 5G-enabled phones across the country. Deploying a network nationwide isn’t instantaneous and each of the operators will face their own independent challenges. While we’ve seen significant improvements in speeds due to 5G, to realise predictable 5G coverage across entire cities and other locations, it’s simply going to take time.”

Figure 1.

Methodology

The detailed assessment involved GWS’ engineers conducting nearly 1.2 million data and voice task tests on iOS and Android devices across the UK, alongside consumer research polling of 2,007 smartphone users. The assessment is the only study of its kind to combine controlled scientific network testing with a deep analysis of consumer behaviour and expectations of performance.

Testing of EE, O2, Three and Vodafone networks involved 37 major cities, towns and roads, and took place between the 26^th of October 26^th and the 4^th of December, 2020. The tests were conducted using the GWS OneMeasure App running on iPhone devices, Rohde & Schwarz’s Freerider SW using Samsung Galaxy devices, and the GWS Mobistat data evaluation and reporting platform.  

GWS conducted its broader quantitative consumer polling with Censuswide.  Fieldwork was undertaken between the months of October and December 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

Media Contact

Megan Hughes-Evans
Diffusion PR
+44 (0)207 291 0238
[email protected]

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The national study by Global Wireless Solutions has placed Worcester in the top five cities in the country for mobile business connectivity, outperforming cities including Birmingham, Manchester and London.

Worcester ranks third in list of British cities for mobile business usage, while London languishes in 25th place.

With coronavirus causing a huge spike in remote working across the UK, the findings further reveal that the majority of British businesses now consider reliable mobile performance to be critical for enabling effective home working for their employees.

According to the study, more than half of British businesses want more reliable mobile connectivity to enable better remote working for employees.

Operators already largely deliver on business expectations for speed, but patchy coverage and dropped calls are reported by many as persistent issues interrupting business activities

Dr. Paul Carter, CEO of GWS, said: “Networks play a critical role in enabling businesses to function both inside and outside of the office, and over the last few weeks it’s clear that operators are really helping to keep the country going.

“Whilst it’s encouraging to see many cities across the country performing well when we tested before the current crisis, in today’s current economic climate, the ability for businesses everywhere to function effectively remotely is more important than ever before.

“The business world we know has changed dramatically over the last few weeks, and those businesses who were not already offering remote working options have been forced to do so.

“It’s therefore crucial that operators understand how businesses are using, and want to use, their network so they can provide services that meet their needs.

“Operators must focus on not only on ensuring their network speeds remain adequate but also on ensuring consistent reliability across the country.

“That way, businesses will be able to continue to offer remote seamless working solutions without compromising on productivity.”

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The post Liverpool top of the league for mobile business usage in UK appeared first on GWS.

The study involved GWS engineers collecting 936,249 data and voice task tests on iOS and Android devices during Q4 2019, which was conducted alongside nationwide business research polling in early 2020 of over 200 businesses (ranging from 100 employees to over 5,000 through Vanson Bourne).

The GWS Business OneScore evaluation process then measured network performance by taking into consideration voice, data, video, coverage and reliability metrics, based on what’s important to businesses. Overall the results claim to have found that operators are “meeting customer expectations on mobile network speed” over 96% of the time, but a lack of “great coverage” is still claimed to be impacting business productivity.

Summary of Key Findings

* 75% of businesses agreed that completing various online activities in 4 to 6 seconds (e.g. loading news and other websites) was an acceptable length of time to wait.

* Only 18% of businesses cited speed as a common complaint.

* 75% of businesses claim that, as a result of their organisation not receiving excellent mobile coverage, employee productivity suffers.

* 45% of businesses consider having reliable and adequate connectivity to enable more employees to work from home, as a priority for mobile telecoms over the next 12 months.

* 39% of businesses said their employees have complained about mobile network coverage, closely followed by dropped calls (28%). In addition, 53% of businesses said they would like to see more consistent voice call accessibility and quality from their operator.

* 77% of businesses make and receive traditional phone calls daily.

* Voice quality, calls connecting and network coverage were the top three most important network performance considerations for businesses.

As for the mobile network testing itself, GWS only provides a very vague ranking and doesn’t offer any useful details on the results for each city or by each mobile network operator.

Figure 1. GWS Business OneScore Rankings

The post GWS Ranks 33 UK Cities for Business Based Mobile Network Use appeared first on GWS.

Over half of UK businesses have called for better mobile reliability for remote working in order to maintain high productivity.

That is according to a study carried out by network benchmark tester Global Wireless Solutions (GWS), which revealed Liverpool is the best UK city for mobile business usage.

The report sampled close to one million data and voice task tests on iOS and Android devices in the fourth quarter of last year and was done alongside a nationwide poll of over 200 businesses ranging between 100 employees to over 5,000 earlier this year through Vanson Bourne. 

Among the key findings of the study, it was revealed that businesses across the UK are in the ‘sweet spot’ for speed 96 per cent of the time, with mobile networks enabling consumers to complete various online activities between four and six seconds.

While Three-quarters (75 per cent) of businesses accepted that this was an acceptable length of time to wait when completing activities, with only 18 per cent of businesses citing speed as a reason for complaining. 

Mixed bag 

However while Liverpool topped the chart for being the best city for mobile usage, the capital London ranked 25th out of the 33 cities listed. 

Reading, Durham, Leeds and Dumfries ranked as the bottom four overall, with other big cities such as Edinburgh and Newcastle below London too. 

Although Carmarthen, Worcester, Lincoln and Cardiff were some of the better cities, closely following Liverpool.

Just over half of businesses (52 per cent) said the need for more reliable connectivity for remote working was a priority over the next 12 months, with 75 per cent saying that productivity suffers as a result. 

The need for better connectivity when remote working has never been needed more, with the current coronavirus outbreak limiting access to workplaces for millions across the country. 

Among complaints for poor connectivity while working from home, 39 per cent of businesses said its employees moaned about mobile signal, followed by 28 per cent suffering dropped calls.  

Critical

GWS Ceo Paul Carter said: “Networks play a critical role in enabling businesses to function both inside and outside of the office, and over the last few weeks it’s clear that operators are really helping to keep the country going. 

“Whilst it’s encouraging to see many cities across the country performing well when we tested before the current crisis, in today’s current economic climate, the ability for businesses everywhere to function effectively remotely is more important than ever before.

“The business world we know has changed dramatically over the last few weeks, and those businesses who were not already offering remote working options have been forced to do so. It’s therefore crucial that operators understand how businesses are using – and want to use – their network so they can provide services that meet their needs.

“Operators must focus on not only on ensuring their network speeds remain adequate but also on ensuring consistent reliability across the country. That way, businesses will be able to continue to offer remote seamless working solutions without compromising on productivity.”

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The study shows that more than half of UK businesses want more reliable mobile connectivity to support remote working for employees. Operators are largely delivering on business expectations for speed, but many are still reporting patchy coverage and dropped calls. The study is based on almost one million data/voice tested conducted by GWS engineers in Q4 2019, plus a survey of more than 200 businesses in early-2020 by Vanson Bourne.

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DULLES, VA – March 5, 2020 – Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) has today released the results of its first-ever competitive benchmark test of wireless connectivity in the U.S. territory of Guam. The comprehensive analysis conducted in December 2019 reveals Docomo topped GWS’ OneScore ranking for most reliable mobile network on the island. GTA was second in the ranking followed by IT&E then iConnect.

GWS’ OneScore rankings are based on a combination of real-world wireless network performance measurements and feedback from consumers on what they experience and want from their network. As a result, OneScore delivers the industry’s most comprehensive evaluation of mobile networks. The recent analysis conducted in Guam is part of GWS’ continued efforts to measure mobile network performance where people live, work and play around the world.

Other findings include:

• Download Speeds: Docomo is the fastest for download tasks, such as receiving photos, internet browsing, and app-related content.
• Capacity Stress Test: Docomo has the fastest throughputs during GWS’ network stress tests.
• Coverage: Docomo showed the highest percentage of good coverage (superior signal strength) on the routes tested. In particular, GWS experienced good coverage on over 95% of the tests performed on Docomo’s LTE and UMTS networks (exceeding the percentages experienced on all other operator LTE and UMTS networks).

 “Our first-ever test program in Guam was a success that will provide a solid baseline to measure future analysis against,” said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO and founder of Global Wireless Solutions. “Over the course of several weeks, our team conducted 70,000 unique voice and data tests using both Android and iPhone testing platforms – revealing a full picture of true mobile network performance across the island.”

 Methodology:

 GWS conducted this series of tests to evaluate mobile network performance across Guam. In particular, a total of 70,000 data and voice tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of Docomo, GTA, iConnect, and IT&E networks. The tests were conducted using the GWS OneMeasure App running on iPhone devices, Rohde & Schwarz’s Qualipoc test software using Samsung Galaxy devices, and the GWS MobiStat data evaluation and reporting platform.

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 through a suite of benchmarking products, services, and OneMeasure diagnostic apps that includes drive, venue, and in-building testing. Founded in 1996, GWS is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. At last count, GWS has driven more than 12.5 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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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 3^rd 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

The post AT&T Retains “Nation’s Best Network” Based on the Most Comprehensive Testing and Consumer-Focused Evaluation appeared first on GWS.

Once we collected and analyzed the data, we ranked the results according to our OneScore ranking methodology. GWS’ OneScore ranking methodology is unique as it combines engineering test data with consumer research.  The idea is that it factors in both real-world wireless network performance as well as real consumer opinion (i.e., perspective from consumers on what they want from their network – what they consider important in terms of coverage, reliability, data speed, voice quality and video performance). If you want to know more about how OneScore works go to our OneScore services page.

So who had the “Best Network” OneScore? AT&T ranked at the top followed by Verizon then T-Mobile with Sprint coming in fourth.  A few highlights that pushed AT&T to the top – they scored top for voice retainability (i.e., lowest number of dropped calls) and had the best video streaming quality and quickest loading time.  Although edged out by a faster Verizon, AT&T also performed well on data upload tasks like posting photos and other social media content.  Overall, we observed that AT&T’s higher usage of advanced network features (such as LTE 4 channel aggregation) helped them outperform others in terms of reliability and throughputs. On a separate note, T-Mobile had the best voice quality on calls made.

Check out our full report on www.gwsolutions.com/bestnetwork-USA.

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Data was taken from all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The research included over 8 million tests of devices and networks. This data focused on observing mobile device performance and took these factors into account.

• Video loading
• Coverage
• Call connection
• Call success
• Call drop failures
• Data reliability

The study took place in June, and researchers included 5,000 adults over the age of 18. Researchers asked for feedback about how participants used their phones, what tasks were most important to them, and how they rate their mobile service. This part of the data included the following.

• Voice quality
• Call connection time
• Data downloads
• Data uploads
• Video streaming quality
• Video freezing

The research showed that Verizon had the fastest uploading speeds. AT&T offered the best quality when streaming content. T-Mobile shined in quality of voice calls.

Interestingly, the research also showed that voice calls are still the most important task to mobile users, and video streaming has been becoming increasingly important.

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Dulles, VA – February 18, 2016 – Today, leading independent network benchmarking firm Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) launches OneScore, the first ranking of mobile network performance that takes into account both in-depth network testing data and the wireless services which consumers believe are most important to them. In a detailed study polling 5,000 U.S. adults, GWS found that just more than half (51 percent) of consumers would consider changing operators if they had a bad mobile signal. Additionally, voice calls (Fig. 1) were revealed to be the single most important part of the mobile experience for consumers, with almost twice as many Americans saying they couldn’t live without making or receiving phone calls compared to text messages or data.

OneScore to Rule Them All

The study revealed that despite a recent focus by some media and operators on metrics such as maximum achievable data throughputs, consumers care more about their mobile network getting the basics right, like calls always connecting and good data reliability. To provide a more meaningful measure of network performance, bridging the gap between operator claims and consumer expectations, GWS created OneScore. The new OneScore measurement provides a deeper and more accurate understanding of performance than any other metric, by assessing the performance of mobile networks not just by their relative speed or reliability, but also by other qualities that consumers want in their network and the behavior they exhibit using it.

The Power of Voice

The most popular uses of a mobile phone are still making calls and sending texts, with emails and photos just behind. When Americans were asked to specify just one use they couldn’t live without, 41 percent of respondents chose making and receiving calls. This is almost double the number of the next highest response, which was sending or receiving texts, at 21 percent.

Despite the growth in data-driven services available to mobile users, consumers reported that reliability when making and receiving calls was still the most important area of their wireless network’s performance (Fig. 2).

Americans Now Consider the Internet a Core Utility

As people have become increasingly reliant on the Internet, the data also reveals that 43 percent of Americans now consider Internet access to be as important as any other utility (such as electricity or water). Additionally, 35 percent of Americans are relying on their mobile device as a primary means to access online services and information, as they have limited alternative means.

While millennials have been quick to integrate mobile into their daily lives, there isn’t much of a generation gap with older users because it’s still the core functions of their phone – such as voice calls and text messaging – that are the most important to them. The research shows that text messaging (26 percent) and voice calls (23 percent) are still by far the most important phone uses for the 18-to-34 year olds. Social networking and web browsing were behind these mobile functions at 9 percent and 8 percent respectively.

Dr. Paul Carter, CEO at Global Wireless Solutions, commented: “Traditionally, network performance has been tested by placing significant emphasis on a discrete parameter such as throughputs or signal levels. While this may provide a performance snapshot of one part of a wireless network, it doesn’t take into account consumer perception and services utilized. And while there are instances in the industry where multiple parameters have been considered in determining a performance metric, the methodology and formulas used have not been clear or transparent. To truly understand how those networks are performing, it’s crucial to also have a meaningful understanding of consumer expectations and behavior when they’re using their mobile devices – that’s the gap OneScore is filling. By providing mobile operators with a clear and meaningful metric that looks at the actual data from controlled testing, alongside how consumers are actually using their mobile devices, we are giving them a full picture of the true performance of their network. Which is important, given that 51 percent of consumers would consider leaving their operator if they had a poor signal.”

GWS will be rolling out OneScore over the next year as part of its regular testing across the US and in a variety of different situations.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the USA between October 18 and 31, 2015 among 5,000 adults (ages 18 and over) by GWS via Toluna’s online panel. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Toluna surveys. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the online population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in Toluna surveys, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

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 nearly 10 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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