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.

The post Test and Measurement: AT&T, T-Mo duel in recent benchmarking appeared first on GWS.

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.

The post Verizon relies on dynamic spectrum sharing more widely than AT&T – report appeared first on GWS.

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.

The post Survey: US consumers keen on 5G appeared first on GWS.

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

The post Global Wireless Solutions Crowns AT&T “Nation’s Best Network” appeared first on GWS.

The post AT&T named fastest, most reliable 5G network in US appeared first on GWS.

“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 per cent of the data transfer tasks performed on 5G networks. Verizon Wireless finished second at 98.8 per cent and T-Mobile third at 97.3 per cent.

5G Availability: Looking at the top 10 US markets (population totaling approximately 87 million), AT&T’s 5G network was actively available 66 per cent of the time (“actively” means phone has connected to the operator’s 5G network and is ready to send or receive data), versus 45 per cent for T-Mobile and 36 per cent 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 per cent or more of the market footprint) in 429 markets, versus 296 for AT&T and 175 for Verizon. However, when looking at the US as a whole (i.e., all 498 markets combined), the total amount of time 5G was actively available for AT&T was 45 per cent, versus 35 per cent for T-Mobile, and 22 per cent 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 each operator’s approach to availability, nationwide deployment and integration of 5G into existing networks is managed differently by each operator 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.

The post Research: AT&T most reliable 5G Network in US appeared first on GWS.

Ahead of its annual comprehensive network analysis, network benchmarking company Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) released a look at carrier 5G networks and pegged AT&T’s 5G network as having the highest levels of availability and reliability. T-Mobile US’ network came out on top for speeds during network capacity stress tests, with throughput speeds of 90 Mbps, followed by Verizon at 80 Mbps and AT&T at 58 Mbps, GWS reported.

“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 GWS. “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.”

All three national carrier 5G networks had high marks for reliability. On AT&T’s network, GWS was able to complete 99.5% of data transfer tasks, with Verizon close behind at 98.8% and T-Mo in third at 97.3%. In an examination of the top 10 U.S. markets, GWS said, AT&T’s 5G network was “actively available” (devices had connected and were ready to send/receive data) 66% of the time, compared to 45% of the time for T-Mobile US and 36% of the time for Verizon.

GWS acknowledged that in the nearly 500 markets that it conducted testing in, T-Mobile US had 5G actively available 5% or more of the market footprint in 429 markets, compared to 286 for AT&T and 175 markets 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,” the testing company explained.

Comparatively, Rootmetrics’ monthly reports for May and June saw a split of speed, availability and reliability awards among all three of the national carriers, with AT&T’s 5G network scoring the highest on download speeds, T-Mobile US snagging the top spot for 5G availability and Verizon’s winning for reliability. Recent results from Ookla, which relies on crowd-sourced, device-based data that reflects customer experience across a range of devices, tagged T-Mo as having the best 5G speeds and users whose 5G devices spent the most time on 5G networks.

GWS’ analysis is based on 8 million controlled tests conducted in 498 markets across all 50 states, using Rohde & Schwarz SmartBenchmarker test equipment, Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, and GWS’ Mobistat data evaluation and reporting platform.

“As evidenced by the each operator’s approach to availability, nationwide deployment and integration of 5G into existing networks is managed differently by each operator and is still a work in progress in 2021,” GWS concluded in a statement on its 5G test results.

The post GWS 5G Testing Puts AT&T on Top for Availability, Reliability appeared first on GWS.

This was the third annual national GWS test, and AT&T has won all three years. Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint have shown improvements as well. So, even though AT&T was first, these results were good for the entire industry.

GWS conducted a nationwide drive test and consumer survey for carriers. It registered what they think about wireless service. It measures actual performance and customer attitudes about wireless and each carrier.

84 percent of those surveyed said their wireless carrier was meeting their communications needs either “always” or “most of the time.”

This is more important today because of COVID-19 when we are all using and relying upon wireless for personal and business use more intensely than ever before.

Networks have continued to improve, year after year. GWS has measured this in the last three years.

AT&T Mobility wins GWS wireless test

-Today, AT&T is up 108 percent.

-Verizon is up 52 percent.

-T-Mobile is up 29 percent.

This shows while carriers show a definite improvement, AT&T has a big lead over Verizon and T-Mobile. This test was recently done in June and July this year.

On the stress tests, AT&T had the fastest throughput and was also the best in data reliability. The company also won best video user experience.

T-Mobile and AT&T tied for best video quality.

Verizon had the fastest download for small files. AT&T was fastest for large downloaded files.

Verizon was fastest with pre-call set up times and also had the lowest number of dropped calls.

AT&T was best in voice quality.

Verizon and AT&T win RootMetrics test

RootMetrics is the other test. It used 5G devices on both 4G and 5G networks. In these tests both Verizon and AT&T ran even in virtually all areas.

The only differences were Verizon had slightly better performance, and AT&T was faster.

This RootMetrics test was a compilation of 2.7 million tests, 200,000 drive test miles, 3,000 places in 125 metro areas.

This was the first 5G test in the areas where it was available. Expect the next version of all wireless tests to include 5G going forward.

Comparing AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile in wireless tests

AT&T had the fastest US aggregate median download speed.

-AT&T was 42 megabits per second (Mbps).

-Verizon was 36 Mbps.

-Sprint was 28.4 Mbps.

-T-Mobile was 20 Mbps.

RootMetrics said AT&T performed best both in cities and non-city metro areas.

The findings from these two tests were very enlightening. They helped to clear away some of the fog of confusion created by marketing departments of different wireless carriers.

Clear away fog of confusion in wireless industry

T-Mobile has been recently claiming it is ahead of AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless, but these results clearly show that is not the case.

I admire T-Mobile’s ability to recover from a near death experience several years ago, and I want the company to continue to recover and to grow. And while I am happy it acquired Sprint, nevertheless the company has not yet ranked one or two in any of these tests.

That honor still goes to AT&T and Verizon.

Different growth paths for wireless carriers

Remember, going forward these three major wireless network brands are no longer on the same growth path.

AT&T is expanding beyond wireless and telecom into entertainment and news with AT&T TV, Warner Brothers Studio, WarnerMedia, CNN and more. This is a similar direction to what Comcast Xfinity is doing with its acquisition of NBC Universal.

Verizon tried to grow by acquiring Yahoo and AOL, and even though they were not successful, I expect the company to continue looking for new growth directions.

T-Mobile is initially sticking to wireless. It still has a way to go as it continues on this singular path. At some point, when growth in wireless slows, T-Mobile will have to reach out in new directions as well.

So, yesterday all wireless carriers headed in the same direction.

Looking forward, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile may be heading in different growth directions. This will make it more difficult to compare them to each other.

We are still in the very early years of this next, great wireless transformation. So, we should expect plenty of excitement, growth and change whether you are an investor, worker or customer. Just stay alert, and I’ll do my best to guide you.

The post AT&T, Verizon Win GWS, RootMetrics Wireless Study: Jeff Kagan appeared first on GWS.

Visit Global Wireless Solutions

The post Podcast: Survey finds mobility rules and voice reigns supreme appeared first on GWS.

Global Wireless Solutions has crowned AT&T the “best network” in its third annual national testing, but all of the three national operators can find good news in GWS’ latest network scoring, which couples nationwide drive-testing with a consumer survey about wireless use and perceptions of mobile service.

“Network infrastructure and technology investments across all carriers appear to be paying off,” the benchmarking company concluded, noting that in the consumer survey, 84% of participants reported that their wireless carrier was meeting their communications needs “always” or “most of the time,” even as the global pandemic intensifies consumers’ need for telecommunications services.

“Network performance is absolutely vital during this period of expanded telework since subscribers are relying as never before on their mobile devices,” said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO and founder of GWS. “According to our recently released survey, if consumers could only keep one product or service during the stay-at-home mandate, their top choice was their smartphone. It’s become part of how we live life and communicate, especially now. And this only reinforces the carriers’ key role in supporting communications needs during the pandemic – and beyond.”

GWS also noted that since it began its national network reports three years ago, “network upgrades have resulted in throughputs increasing by an average 62% across all carriers,” with AT&T’s up 108%, Verizon’s were up 52% and T-Mobile US’ throughputs up 29%.

Image: GWS

GWS’ OneScore ranking is based on a combination of direct network testing and an online consumer survey of 5,000 U.S. adults. The survey was conducted by Toluna and took place between mid-June and early July 2020. The network testing was conducted between February through July of this year in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with GWS completing nearly 9.8 million voice and data tests. GWS used Rohde & Schwarz’ SmartBenchmarker test equipment, Samsung Galaxy mobile device and its own Mobistat data analysis and reporting program.

Among the findings:

-AT&T’s network had the fastest throughputs in GWS’ data “stress tests,” and also scored the highest in data reliability, in terms of data tasks being able to be completed successfully. AT&T also had the best video user experience due to the fastest loading times and least amount of buffering.

-T-Mobile US and AT&T tied for the best testing score in video quality.

-Verizon’s network was the fastest for small download tasks such as loading web pages or receiving app-related content, GWS’ testing found. However, AT&T’s network was the fastest for large download tasks like receiving videos and photos.

-In voice tests, Verizon had the fastest call set-up times and the lowest number of dropped calls. AT&T scored the highest in voice quality and “voice accessibility” tests, or successful call initiations.

Read more of GWS’ conclusions here. 

The post AT&T tops GWS’ testing for third year running appeared first on GWS.

Here are 5 reasons to make the switch:

It’s got great coverage

AT&T has the nation’s largest network*. And according to GWS OneScore Sept. 2019, AT&T is America’s best network. The research company surveyed thousands of people and conducted drive tests in 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

AT&T comes out on top

AT&T continues to outperform competitors. Results from consumer-initiated tests in 3Q 2019 taken with Speedtest by Ookla show AT&T is the Fastest Wireless Network in the Nation (Based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data average download speeds for Q3 2019) for the third consecutive quarter.

It’s also recognized by Global Wireless Services (GWS) as the Nation’s Best Wireless Network (GWS OneScore, September 2019) for the second year in a row.

The Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) results, released earlier this year, shows AT&T ranked the highest overall. GWS OneScore is based on the country’s largest drive test. Representing 94 per cent of Americans, it includes results from 501 markets in all 50 states and some territories.

And that’s all because the carrier has increased its speeds by 43 per cent year-over-year reflecting the billions of dollars of technology investments it has spent on its network creating great customer experiences. And it’s not just LTE technology. It’s 5G Evolution foundation translates into a noticeably faster experience in areas where the network technologies are available – up to 2x faster than standard AT&T LTE.

Great deals

For a limited time AT&T is offering up to $700 off an eligible smartphone when you switch to AT&T and port-in your number, or up to $500 off a new line without port-in. An AT&T Unlimited plan is required. Eligible purchased smartphones include:

• iPhone 8 128GB and iPhone 8 256GB, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR 128GB and iPhone XR 256GB, iPhone XS 256GB and iPhone XS 512GB, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max (priced up to $1450). Please note iPhone 8 64GB, iPhone XS 64GB, and iPhone XR 64GB are not eligible.
• Samsung Galaxy S10e 256GB, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ (priced up to $1600). Please note Galaxy S10e 128GB is not eligible.

24/7 support

Although we like to think they are, smartphones aren’t getting any easier to understand. With and array of features and services to grasp, AT&T offers 24/7 support to help you not only find the right products and services for your lifestyle, but help you use them too. Whether it’s classes about the latest services or technologies, or merely helping you with your bill, the company has you covered.

*Based on overall coverage in U.S. licensed/roaming areas. Coverage not avail. everywhere.

The post Reasons to get your next phone on AT&T appeared first on GWS.

This GWS report is very comprehensive and does a good job showing which carriers are best in a variety of areas, and why. It shows the results of ongoing drive test data and consumer research.

This study looks at everything including voice, video, packet data, coverage, reliability and then creates a score to compare different networks. They also drive nearly one million miles in 501 markets and conduct 9.4 million tests in both urban and rural locations.

This result is this test represents roughly 94 or 95 percent of users in the USA. They also did a poll of roughly 5,000 users about their mobile experience and what is important to them.

I spoke with Igal Elbaz about this study. He is the AT&T Senior Vice President of Wireless Technology. He also pointed to other substantial studies which they lead as well like Ookla and PC Mag.

So, if bragging rights are important in the wireless industry, this GWS study gives AT&T another opportunity to crow and strut their feathers.

 Rankings of AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint in “Best Wireless Network” study

Other wireless carriers also did well in different areas. Verizon Wireless came in second in best network category. T-Mobile came in third. Sprint, last.

AT&T has the fastest download speeds.

Verizon has the fastest upload speeds.

T-Mobile showed best quality voice calls.

AT&T has the best data reliability and highest success rate in completing tasks.

They also ranked excellent with voice for call initiations and they had the lowest number of dropped calls.

And also won best video streaming for quality, fastest download, and least rebuffering.

 AT&T, AT&T Mobility, WarnerMedia, DirecTV, AT&T TV Now

This is important for AT&T because this is the skill set they need as they rapidly move into television and entertainment with AT&T TV, DirecTV AT&T TV Now, WarnerMedia and more.

The wireless world continues to grow and change. As 5G is just starting to become available in an increasing number of markets, there will be more studies comparing the carriers from best to worst.

Yesterday, all wireless carriers were basically in the same business. Today, while they all offer wireless services, they are also growing in different directions.

Dish Network, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Altice Mobile

Dish Network may enter the wireless space if they acquire some Sprint and T-Mobile assets to let the merger be approved. Comcast with Xfinity Mobile, Charter with Spectrum Mobile and Altice Mobile are all now in the wireless industry and will make their own impact.

With that kind of activity in wireless, I expect to see more, not less of this kind of activity. Other companies will enter wireless as well in the next decade. Industries like the automotive industry, health care, retail and many others will enter the space.

So, the wireless industry is continuing to change and expand going forward. New technologies, new competitors and a changing industry.

We can expect more of these kinds of studies. They will show the score card at any particular moment in time. This is why every competitor must continue to work hard to get better, year after year. The reason is simple. That’s how to keep your customers happy and that’s how to stay ahead of your competition.

So, congratulations to AT&T on winning top honors in this latest Global Wireless Solutions “Best Wireless Network” study. And congratulations to Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint who are better than last year and that shows the entire industry continues to improve. So, congratulations to the entire wireless industry which keeps getting faster and better, year after year.

The post Kagan: AT&T Mobility wins GWS ‘Best Wireless Network’ appeared first on GWS.

The survey “includes results from 501 markets in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, representing 94% of Americans,” though GWS also balances that data with subscriber sentiment to determine who operates the best network, as “the importance of each metric is weighted based on feedback from consumers across the US.”

Certainly, AT&T has been investing heavily in their infrastructure, with Ookla also ruling in July that AT&T had the fastest network in the US, though RootMetrics and OpenSignal named Verizon as the winner the same month.

Every mobile network operator is, naturally, jockeying to be first, and the old adage of “there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics,” applies here. The differing methodologies will inevitably produce different results, though these are likely a far sight better than firms that only measure consumer sentiment, rather than quantifiable performance data.

Shouldn’t it be a trifle embarrassing for mobile network operators to breathlessly repeat these results of being the fastest in the US, when Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index ranks the US 38th for mobile connection speeds globally? For context, the US placed one below Lebanon, and one above Montenegro.

That’s not to say that there are not other surprise underperformances in Ookla’s report, which found that mobile speeds worldwide increased 21.4% overall from July 2017 to July 2019. Mobile experiences are faster, globally, though this is not distributed evenly. Presently, Germany is 42nd, with the UK at 50th. Japan is 53rd, though their placement makes sense, as 5G services will not begin to roll out in Japan until 2020.

For comparison, South Korea—which was not in the top 10 one year ago—rode the 5G wave to first place, with a 165.9% year-over-year increase, according to the report, recording average download speeds of 97.44 Mbps. In the first month of availability in South Korea, there were 260,000 5G subscribers, while 5G availability and subscription is still spotty in the US. Average download speed stateside is 34.76 Mbps.

Blaming the discrepancy on land mass is a non-starter—certainly, South Korea is not a physically large country, at 38,623 mi², putting it below the top 100. The United States is fourth overall, at 3,677,649 mi². Canada, which is the second-largest by land mass, ranks sixth for mobile download speeds at 60.72 Mbps, while sixth-largest Australia is second-fastest, at 63.34 Mbps. China, the third-largest country, is 35th, at 36.34 Mbps.

So, what’s the answer to the mobile speed problem?

5G, while fast, only goes so far—literally. The reliance on millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G deployments by US mobile network operators makes early deployments challenging to use, as mmWave connections are inherently line-of-sight. Tests of the small number of early 5G mmWave networks by sister site CNET surfaced a number of performance problems, with phones reverting to 4G LTE often.

Continued investment into 4G LTE technology is vital to ensure that the baseline coverage available to general consumers—not just lucky early adopters in markets where it makes business sense to deploy the first 5G networks—provides equitable access to consumers around the country. Investment in standards such as LTE Advanced (marketed by AT&T as “5G Evolution” despite not being a 5G standard) is what put AT&T in first place, according to the GWS OneScore results.

The US will need much, much more of that, in addition to 5G, in order to crack Ookla’s Top 10.

The post AT&T fastest mobile network in the US, but US only ranks 38th worldwide appeared first on GWS.

In Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) results released today, AT&T ranked the highest overall, as well as in the video, download speeds and reliability categories. GWS OneScore is based on the country’s largest drive test. Representing 94% of Americans, it includes results from 501 markets in all 50 states and some territories.

“Once again being recognized as the ‘Nation’s Best Wireless Network’ proves our focus on the full customer experience and our network investment is delivering results,” said Kelly King, executive vice president AT&T Mobility and Entertainment.

“Additionally, sweeping every video metric is important as we look to the future of mobile streaming and expand services like AT&T TV today and HBO Max just on the horizon.”

Combine this network experience with AT&T’s industry leading entertainment included in our unlimited wireless plans and you have a winning combination for customers.

Today’s news also builds on our existing recognition as the Nation’s Fastest Wireless Network two quarters in a row based on Speedtest results by Ookla.¹ These wins acknowledge that 5G Evolution, our first step to 5G, is creating great customer experiences in over 500 markets today.

These enhancements are the result of billions of dollars of technology investments to bring our customers a great network experience. Moreover, these investments provide momentum for our planned rollout of 5G nationwide in the first half of 2020.

The post GWS Recognizes AT&T as the ‘Nation’s Best Wireless Network’ for the Second Year in a Row appeared first on GWS.

GWS OneScore conducts the largest drive test in the country. The test accounted for 94% Americans, with results coming from 501 markets across all 50 states and some U.S. territories.

The survey revealed the following results:

• Data Speed: AT&T won with the fastest download data speed for receiving photos, content streaming, and other app-related content. As for the fastest upload speeds for posting on social media, videos and photographs, Verizon took the title.
• Data Reliability: AT&T consumers had the best success rate for data task completion
• Video Streaming: AT&T scored the best for the fastest loading time, the highest video quality, and the least amount of buffering on video streams.
• Voice Calls: T-Mobile scored best phone call quality while AT&T users had the least amount of dropped calls.

Considering this is the second consecutive year that AT&T won the title, the executive vice president for AT&T Mobility and Entertainment, Kelly King, attributes the win to their “focus on the full customer experience”. Thanks to their network investment, the carrier has been able to drive the results it wants.

You can read the full results of the test here.

The post AT&T scores Best U.S. Wireless Network 2019 title appeared first on GWS.

Every year, Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) conducts “consumer experience” tests in more than 500 markets representing 94% of the nation’s population. The study also looked at how the wireless carriers are prepping for the coming of 5G.

The nation’s four largest wireless carriers were in the running for the top spot. We’ll tell you which company won and why.

And the wireless winner is …

AT&T was named the nation’s best network of 2019 by Global Wireless Solutions. It also took the top prize in 2018. AT&T won by having the best overall score, but some of the other major carriers won a few individual categories.

In the overall scoring, AT&T was followed by Verizon in second place, T-Mobile in third and Sprint in fourth place. The GWS tests looked at voice, packet data, video, coverage and reliability metrics in deciding the overall score.

Verizon came in first place in OpenSignal’s January ranking. The company, which maps wireless coverage, ranked the top four carriers on 4G availability, video experience, download speeds, upload speeds and latency experience.

Latency is a network’s response time and it measures how long it takes for the data to travel between the source and the destination. In OpenSignal’s overall ranking, Verizon was followed by T-Mobile in second place, AT&T in third and Sprint in fourth.

A closer look at GWS rankings

In its rankings, GWS found that all of the carriers were “improving, expanding and deploying new technologies.” Here are the rankings per individual categories:

Download Speed – AT&T is the fastest in downloading such data as photos, app-related content and videos.

Upload Speed – Verizon took first place in this category for being the fastest carrier in uploading videos, photos and other social media content.

Capacity Stress Test – AT&T showed the fastest throughputs.

Video Streaming – AT&T provided the best video quality, quickest loading time and least amount of rebuffering.

Voice Calls – AT&T was tops for having more calls go through and having the least amount of calls dropped. T-Mobile was ranked No. 1 in best voice quality on calls made.

Sprint, which is merging with T-Mobile, is the only network to not finish first in any of the voice and data tests. During its testing, GWS recorded that it observed greater deployment and use of advanced features by network operators as they prepare for 5G.

5G is finally becoming a reality, but it’s still got a long way to go

Pop the champagne corks, because the next-generation 5G mobile network is finally here! Well, kind of. It’s in a few cities. And it only works if you have this one phone.

The post Which wireless network is best? This company pulls ahead appeared first on GWS.

AT&T’s SVP of Wireless Technology Igal Elbaz called it a big accomplishment for the carrier and told FierceWireless the results don’t come in a vacuum. Other third-party tests this year, including results from Ookla and PCMag also gave AT&T’s network top marks for speed and reliability, which many attributed to AT&T’s simultaneous network enhancements with LTE-Advanced technologies and FirstNet network build.

“We have made a significant capital investment over the last several years, both in spectrum position as well as investing in our network, and we’re seeing this pay off to the benefit of our customers,” Elbaz said.

GWS’ rankings combine data from voice, video, packet data, coverage and reliability metrics, combined for one score that includes results from nearly one million drive miles with 9.4 million controlled tests in 501 markets, across urban and rural areas representing about 94% of the U.S. population. GWS also polled about 5,000 consumers across the U.S. about which mobile experience and network performance measure they care about most, with network test results then weighted against consumers priorities – a factor Elbaz said is very encouraging to AT&T.

According to GWS, Verizon ranked second for best network, followed by T-Mobile in third, and Sprint in last.

In addition to winning “Nation’s Best Network,” GWS said AT&T was the fastest carrier for download speeds including receiving photos, app-related content and videos, while Verizon came out on top for fastest uploads including posting videos and other social media content.

FierceWireless reached out to GWS for specific data points to compare the carriers’ rankings, but additional details were not immediately available at the time of publication.

According to GWS, AT&T had the best data reliability with the highest success rate in completing data tasks as well as top scores for voice with successful call initiations and the lowest number of dropped calls. T-Mobile ranked first for best voice quality on calls.

AT&T also won for best video streaming experience in terms of quality, fastest loading time and least amount of rebuffering. Elbaz said that sweeping the video category is particularly important for AT&T, which is introducing new video products including AT&T TV and later HBO Max and bundling them with wireless service.

FirstNet advantage

When it comes to network enhancement, Elbaz said there is no doubt FirstNet plays a key role, as AT&T secured and has been deploying Band 14 spectrum. He noted the carrier’s one-touch strategy with its FirstNet build — where it uses one tower climb to simultaneously add additional spectrum, deploy technologies including 256 QAM, 4×4 MIMO, carrier aggregation, and LAA, as well as upgrade to 5G-capable hardware — has helped AT&T to be “very efficient” in its network build.

Elbaz said enabling better experiences and faster speeds comes from this combination of adding coverage and capacity and deploying the network into new areas.

“You really need to be good in everything, all aspects of the network and the customer experience in order…to become the best network,” he said.

Prepping for sub-6GHz 5G

GWS found that more networks are deploying and using advanced LTE features since 2018, as carriers move to 5G. AT&T, for example, had the highest increase in 5 channel aggregation usage.

In addition to LTE-A technologies, Elbaz reiterated that AT&T’s network hardware can be upgraded to 5G once the software becomes available and the carrier plans to have a 5G sub-6GHz network before the end of the year, expanding to nationwide availability in the first half of 2020.

So far, AT&T has deployed 5G in select parts of 21 major cities using millimeter wave spectrum, with plans to hit 30 by year-end. AT&T currently only offers its 5G+ service to business customers, and the carrier has been vocal on its view of an initial enterprise-focus for 5G. When asked if the sub-6 GHz flavor of 5G will be a more consumer-focused service, Elbaz said AT&T will enable 5G toward the end of the year with sub-6 GHz for both the carrier’s consumers and business customers.

When it comes to 5G coverage, operators including Verizon and AT&T have talked about dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology, which doesn’t require operators to dedicate spectrum to a specific technology, as part of their 5G plans.

“Down the road we believe dynamic spectrum sharing will become a very important enabler,” Elbaz said of 5G, but stressed that AT&T’s initial sub-6 GHz 5G launch later this year is not dependent on the technology.

“Given the spectrum availability in the U.S., dynamic spectrum sharing is really important because it allows us to be able to use the same spectrum that we’re using for LTE without… needing to decide that spectrum is for LTE or 5G only,” he said.

AT&T plans to start DSS testing toward the end of this year, which will continue into 2020 according to Elbaz, who didn’t disclose when DSS will be available in AT&T’s network. He added that DSS is not what’s enabling AT&T to have its sub-6 GHz 5G network ready for the end of the year, although the carrier hasn’t publicly disclosed exactly which of its current spectrum assets will be used.

The post AT&T scores GWS ‘Best Wireless Network’ ranking appeared first on GWS.

The testing was commissioned by GWS and conducted by research firm Toluna in June. Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint finished second, third and fourth, respectively.

Key findings from the study:

• AT&T had the fastest downloads, while Verizon had the fastest uploads.
• AT&T has the highest “success rate across the nation in completing data tasks.”
• AT&T had the fastest throughputs during network stress testing.
• AT&T had the best video streaming in terms of quality, loading time and low need for rebuffering.
• AT&T had the best voice accessibility (call initiation) and lowest number of dropped calls. T-Mobile had the best voice quality.

GWS was able to make assessments on ongoing preparation for 5G. The firm said that AT&T had the highest increase in 5G channel aggregation (5CA), which “helps them outperform others in terms of download throughputs.”

Verizon launched the enhanced voice services (EVS) wideband codec this year. That enabled the carrier to improve its voice quality. T-Mobile, which also utilizes an EVS wideband codec, had the best voice quality. Sprint, GWS said, “has deployed the most antenna beamforming, a 5G related technology, launching in numerous markets.”

OneScore findings are comprised of input from 11 categories. The testing was conducted in 501 markets across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The importance of each metric is weighed according to feedback from subscribers.

There is disagreement on network quality though. In the “J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study—Vol. 2,” the firm found that Verizon ranked highest in six regions for carrier performance. The study, released in July, found that the only place in which Verizon did not score a clean win in the metric measuring problems per 100 calls was in the north central region. There it tied with U.S. Cellular for the top spot. AT&T and Sprint were second and third, with 9 and 11 problems, respectively.

The post Report: AT&T Has Best U.S. Wireless Network appeared first on GWS.

In a report released Wednesday, mobile network evaluator Global Wireless Solutions found that AT&T was, in fact, the top 4G network in the US, with Verizon coming in second, followed by T-Mobile and then Sprint. The new nationwide survey tested the national carriers in “501 markets in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands,” covering 94% of Americans.

AT&T was found to be the fastest on downloads and had the most reliable data connection and best video streaming experience. Verizon was the fastest for uploads while T-Mobile had the best call quality.

The GWS report is the latest to look at the US 4G market, backing up previous surveys of the market from RootMetrics, Opensignal and Ookla that have noted AT&T’s improved network, though depending on the report Verizon or T-Mobile may be the strongest or fastest.

Even with the rollout of 5G, current 4G networks will remain vital for many people over the next few years as the next-generation network technology becomes mainstream. Apple’s newest iPhones that are due to be announced next week, for example, are expected to be 4G-only.

The post AT&T No. 1, Verizon No. 2 when it comes to best US 4G network, report finds appeared first on GWS.

Verizon was the runner-up, followed by would-be merger partners T-Mobile and Sprint. It was the second straight year in which AT&T snagged GWS’s top honors.

That’s all well and good except as recently as July, Verizon was declared as having the fastest and best network in the first half of 2019, with AT&T next in line. That was according to tests from another independent firm, RootMetrics, which had Verizon wearing the crown 12 times in a row.

The fiercely competitive wireless business often comes down to network bragging rights, so it’s not surprising when carriers crow about finishing first on this or that test.

How and by whom such tests  are conducted and weighted are enormous factors. “As Stalin once said, ‘(It) is not important who votes, but who counts the votes,’” says Roger Entner, an analyst with Recon Analytics.

And the outcomes do vary.

In June, PCMag.com reported that AT&T had slipped past Verizon (which had won the previous five years), as the “fastest mobile network” in its 2019 drive tests.

A July 2019 report by OpenSignal, though, rated Verizon as being best for 4G reliability and video experience and T-Mobile best for download and upload speeds.

And in its own recent tests, Ookla said that AT&T was fastest, but that Verizon was the most consistent and also had its average user spend a higher percentage of time on LTE.

The bottom line for any given consumer is how a network performs in areas where the person lives, work or often travels, not to mention how much the plan costs. Suffice it to say results can vary, which is why the return of T-Mobile’s Test Drive initiative, which allows you to try out the nation’s No. 3 wireless carrier with your own phone for 30 days, is potentially so valuable.

For its part, GWS conducted tests in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, by driving nearly 1 million miles in 501 markets across major metropolitan areas, smaller urban cities, and rural towns. The territory represented a total population of more than 308 million, or 94% of the country.

GWS used Samsung Galaxy devices in the tests, along with specialized benchmarking gear, the company’s own data reporting platform and big data analytics. The metrics were combined with results from third-party polling of 5,000 consumers, who still consider making and receiving voice calls the most common and important activity and find network reliability a lot more important than network speed.

Besides winning in overall performance, AT&T took first place in the GWS tests for download speeds, capacity stress, video accessibility, successfully completely a call, and having the fewest number of dropped calls.

T-Mobile was rated as having the best voice quality, however, while Verizon had the fastest upload speeds for posting videos, photos and other social media content.

Sprint was the only member of the big four to not finish first in any of the GWS voice or data tests.

The post AT&T has ‘nation’s best’ wireless network, study says, but other tests disagree appeared first on GWS.

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.

• Data Speed-AT&T had the fastest download data speed for receiving photos, streaming content and other app-related content. Verizon had the fastest upload speeds for posting on social media sites, posting videos and photographs.
• Data Reliability-AT&T had the best rate of success for completing data tasks.
• Video Streaming-AT&T had the best scores for video streaming experiences such as the fastest loading times, least amount of buffering and highest video quality.
• Voice Calls-T-Mobile had the best quality phone calls according to GWS while AT&T had the fewest number of dropped calls and the highest percentage of completed calls.

“After months of scientific testing, collecting and analyzing millions of data points across America, we are releasing the findings of the most comprehensive study into wireless connectivity to date. The results from our evaluation (based on scientific and engineering test methods that we have been conducting and refining for over 23 years) show that AT&T has achieved the Best Network OneScore for 2019.”-Global Wireless Solution”

During the year, AT&T was the leader in using 5-channel aggregation, a method that increases capacity leading to faster download data speeds. Other tools used by U.S. carriers in 2019 included 4 X 4 MIMO (increasing the number of connections between a cell site and a phone) and antenna beamforming (focusing the antenna on the target).

The test found that the most important and common activity done by U.S. smartphone owners with their handset is to make and take phone calls. A third of those surveyed said that they could not earn a living without their mobile phone, and the majority of Americans care more about the reliability of their wireless provider than the speed of the network.

The post AT&T has the best wireless network in the U.S., says new study appeared first on GWS.

On Wednesday, Virginia-based Global Wireless Solutions declared AT&T the best network for the second year in a row. The firm conducted tests in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. They used a Samsung Galaxy and special benchmarking equipment, and also incorporated the results of user surveys. AT&T took top overall performance, with Verizon in second place, boasting the fastest upload speeds.

However, other independent firms have come to different conclusions when testing the major wireless carriers. In July, RootMetrics declared Verizon has having the best network (for the twelfth year in a row). That same month, OpenSignal rated Verizon and T-Mobile as the top networks. In June, PCMag.com said that AT&T has the “fastest mobile network” in its drive tests.

While carriers may boast about their national rankings, experts advise that consumers look at wireless performance within their actual geographic location, and measure it against their own budgets in order to find what works best for them.

The post CONSUMER CATCH-UP: AT&T declared ‘best network’ by testing firm appeared first on GWS.

Wireless ads often go for the jugular, with rude references to the competition. Here, AT&T just asserts dominance, based on a new report from Global Wireless Solutions that says it performed eight million individual controlled tests and had wireless-connected drivers put in nearly a million miles worth of mobile testing in 501 markets covering 94% of the U.S. — using Samsung Galaxy equipment.

In addition, GWS commissioned a poll of 5,000 consumers and weighted the two sets of statistics to arrive at a winner.

AT&T’s boast as top-ranking wireless carrier is being spread by a series of humorous commercials noting that for consumers, being “Just OK Is Not OK.”

The ads say that being average doesn’t really cut it in all phases of life, including wireless service. They launched Saturday and continued in the flurry of televised college bowl games on and around New Year’s Day.

The campaign across all platforms will continue through January. The spots were created by an Omnicom team including BBDO, Critical Mass, Hearts & Science and Organic. A dedicated Hispanic campaign created by Dieste extends this message beyond the general market.

In each of the spots, people are being offered services or things that are just not quite up to snuff. Is the sushi fresh? “Sorta,” reports the waitress in this spot.

Another customer is told, “No worries, boss. I’m one of the tattoo artists in the city,” just as he’s about to begin. The client nervously asks: “You mean, one of the best tattoo artists in the city, right?”

Other vignettes include a lackadaisical boxing trainer, a pokey getaway driver,  a mariachi-type trio reduced to one guitarist and a surgeon the bedside nurse says does an “OK” job.

“Just OK?” the patient asks.

According to GWS, AT&T wins overall for top marks in such areas as video streaming quality, quickest load time and voice “retainability” (lowest number of dropped calls). Verizon was second but edged out AT&T in fastest mobile Internet upload tasks like posting videos, photos and social media content.  T-Mobile was ranked third. Sprint was the only network tested that did not finish first in any of the voice and data tests.

AT&T launched 5G service in 12 markets before the end of the year, but also said it would begin advertising it was offering consumers “5GE” coverage in most other places, noted by a special logo. That’s not true 5G service, but rather enhanced 4G service, and some tech watchers have been critical of the subterfuge.  The new ads also serve as a broad market introduction of the new 5GE designation.

The post AT&T Says It’s Best — And Has New Data To Prove It 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.

The post After months of testing we know who has the best network in the US appeared first on GWS.

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.

The post AT&T Tops the List of Mobile Providers appeared first on GWS.

GWS says its OneScore ranking combines engineering drive test data with consumer research. It takes into account 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).

Verizon edges out AT&T for a win for fastest mobile internet upload tasks, like posting videos, photos, and other social media content. AT&T has the best video streaming quality and quickest loading time. AT&T scores top for 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.

This is the most comprehensive program it has conducted in the U.S, claims GWS. Testing was done in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This was accomplished by driving nearly one million miles in 501 markets across the U.S. including major metropolitan areas, smaller urban cities as well as rural towns – representing a total population of over 300 million (94% of the U.S.).

Dr Paul Carter, CEO and founder of Global Wireless Solutions
At home or on the road, people expect to use their mobile network to provide reliable service wherever they are and for whatever reason. This first of its kind nationwide study shows some impressive performances from some operators, but AT&T’s overall performance pushes them ahead of the rest.

The post AT&T Tops Overall Network and Best Video Streaming, Verizon Fastest and T-Mobile Best Voice Quality – GWS appeared first on GWS.

Congratulations to AT&T Mobility on the most recent Global Wireless Solutions study where they were awarded the Best Network OneScore. This comprehensive study compared all major wireless competitors after a very extensive series of tests all over the country. This was an evaluation of the leadership in today’s wireless marketplace in the United States.

Study findings say, based on the nationwide voice and data tests, combined with consumer research, AT&T has the best ranking. Verizon is second. T-Mobile third and Sprint fourth.

Verizon is number one for the fastest mobile internet upload like posting videos and photos. AT&T has the best video streaming quality and quickest load time.

As for voice, AT&T scores top in voice retainability with the lowest number of dropped calls. T-Mobile takes the lead for best voice quality on calls according to the study. Of all four carriers, Sprint was the only network to not finish first in any category of voice and data testing.

AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint rankings

The battle being waged by the big wireless networks has been going on for years and is only growing. Today in the USA, there are four, major, national, wireless networks, AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint. They account for the vast majority of all wireless traffic. There is also a growing number of newer or regional competitors with small footprints and many MVNO competitors which resell one of the big four.

So basically, when we want to take a look at the best wireless network in the country, we compare the big four. They carry most of the traffic in the United States. Looking at that list of four carriers, which is the best wireless carrier for you? Let’s take a look at this study and how they rank.

First, let’s consider what factors are involved with determining the best wireless network. There are many different factors including the network connection wherever you are. That means in cities and between cities. In buildings as well as outside. Standing still and driving. It means fast and consistent wireless data connections whether you are sitting at home or on the road, from coast to coast and so much more.

Testing wireless networks and smartphones on a regular basis

I have tested many smartphones and wireless networks from a wide variety of carriers and smartphone makers. Regarding carriers, that means the big four and several MVNO providers as well.

I have tested them as I live, work and travel over the last several decades. Doing so, I have learned many very interesting facts.

Example, over time I have noticed even when an MVNO provider resells one of the big four, the connection sound is not always the same. The sound on many MVNO connections can be tinny.

So, determining the best wireless carrier is not easy. It takes quite a bit of testing. That’s why each test we see only focuses on one or two areas and not the entire experience. With that said, this GWS study is very revealing in some very important areas.

Wireless getting better, but there still are winners and losers

In general, wireless continues to get better, stronger and faster, year after year. Today, every

wireless carrier is good in most places. A few are great in most places. The weak spots with many, is the outer areas of the city, like suburbs and the roads between cities.

Also, the speed, quality and consistency of the wireless data connection is increasingly important. This is something that is relatively new. The need for wireless data services increased when the first iPhone and Android appeared a decade ago.

In my experiences over the years, I have found AT&T Mobility offers a consistently good experience. That means signal strength and connection all over the city, the suburbs and the roads and highways in between cities, inside and outside of buildings. That also means speeds and connection for wireless data services and Internet use.

All the different carriers tend to talk about different awards they have won. Just like each of us, every wireless carrier has different strengths and weaknesses. This is to be expected. Carriers should be proud of their wins and use them to promote themselves.

While I have not counted, over time I have noticed AT&T seems to win an extraordinary number of different awards focusing on different areas of the wireless experience. It looks like their list of these kind of awards is the largest. That’s a powerful sales and marketing tool.

So, congratulations to AT&T Mobility for having the best mobile performance of all the competitors in this latest GWS study. If you want to read the official press release, see “AT&T Crowned Best U.S. Network in Largest Ever Mobile Performance Evaluation.” And congratulations to every competitor in the wireless industry. Wireless will continue to be the center of our universe going forward.

The post AT&T Mobility wins GWS Best Network OneScore appeared first on GWS.

GWS specializes in network benchmarking, analysis and testing and recently conducted directed benchmark testing in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The study combined drive test data with consumer research.

“This first-of-its-kind nationwide study shows some impressive performances from some operators, but AT&T’s overall performance pushes them ahead of the rest,” said Paul Carter, CEO and founder of GWS.

The post AT&T announced that it has been named “Best Network” appeared first on GWS.