Verizon, T-Mobile Have Most Consistent 4G Service, Per RootMetrics Tests

RootMetrics is a company that does testing on wireless network performance independently. The mobile network tester has recently finished its latest round of tests evaluating network speed and reliability, and it has found out that the best overall wireless service provider is Verizon Wireless. 

But in terms of the best 4G network performance, the honor is being heavily contested by Verizon and competitor T-Mobile. Indeed, both major wireless carriers have scored consistent 4G bandwidth readings, which means that the LTE upgrades both companies have done over the last twelve months have appeared to pay off.

In previous years' test results, RootMetrics used to measure the average speed number for a carrier's whole coverage footprint. But now, the company has decided instead to compile the number of locations or areas where a carrier's average download speed has reached a specific benchmark measured in mbps. 

Based on RootMetrics's tests, Verizon Wireless averaged a speed of 10 mbps or better in 122 cities during the last six months of 2014. In that same period of time, T-Mobile managed to reach that average in 108 cities. On third place is AT&T, with 93 cities.

But in compiling information for areas where a carrier has reached 20 mbps or better speeds, RootMetrics's test results show that Verizon and T-Mobile are really a cut above the rest. Indeed, T-Mobile averaged speeds of 20 mbps in 41 cities, while the Big Red did it in 40 cities. AT&T only managed to hit that average in just 14 cities.

Interestingly, AT&T was the speed champ in RootMetrics's test results during the previous year. So, how did Verizon and T-Mobile beat AT&T at its own game? 

Well, Verizon and T-Mobile have been busy enhancing their networks in 2014. For instance, the Big Red launched its XLTE network, which uses the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) band, increasing the speed and capacity of the 4G service it is offering. AS for T-Mobile, it has really taken advantage of the new airwaves it has acquired, rolling out its 4G LTE service in several major cities and locations. Sure, AT&T has also made efforts to improve its networks, but it is doing so in a less aggressive manner, only tapping into LTE-Advanced technologies to improve speed and capacity more selectively. Based on RootMetrics's test, AT&T has improved its network, but just not at the rate Verizon and T-Mobile are doing. 

But wait -- what about Sprint? RootMetrics has ranked Sprint in third place in terms of overall network performance, but unfortunately, its 4G score is still so far behind the other three major carriers. As a matter of fact, Sprint has failed to reach the 20 mbps benchmark. Sprint definitely has its work cut out for it this year.