Verizon Sweeps In RootMetrics Survey Proving 'Not All Networks Are Alike'

The results are in. Telecom giant Verizon has come out on top in every network performance category in independent mobile analytics firm RootMetrics' latest report for the sixth consecutive testing period.

The results of the RootMetrics National RootScore report indicate that Verizon's U.S.-based consumers and business customers are having the best network experience -- at times head and shoulders above its competition -- across most rural and urban U.S. locations.

"I think this report - particularly in light of recent advertising claiming that major wireless networks are 'pretty much the same' - is an independent proof point that Verizon does, in fact, operate the best wireless network in the U.S.," said Rob Chamberlin, co-founder and chief revenue officer for DataXoom, a Verizon partner.

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The most recent RootMetrics report tested the four major carriers in the U.S.; AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, along with Verizon, from January to June 2016. The firm tested each carrier's network performance across six categories -- reliability, speed, data, call, text and overall network performance -- by purchasing "off-the-shelf" smartphones from each carrier. The mobile devices were tested in the top 125 cities across the country, as well as across small towns and country roads, according to RootMetrics.

Verizon landed in the top spot across all six categories, grabbing first place in overall network performance for the sixth consecutive testing period.

Rootmetrics began conducting its National RootScore report in 2013.

The Basking Ridge, N.J.-based carrier won first place for network performance in 48 of the 50 states, winning outright in 41 states. Verizon tied with Dallas-based competitor AT&T in eight states, with AT&T taking the top spot outright in two states. AT&T sat in second place behind Verizon all six network performance categories.

DataXoom, a Walnut Creek, Calif.-based solution provider that specializes in mobility services, provides its business customers with LTE mobile data connectivity to three of the four major U.S. carriers. The provider will often recommend one carrier that it views as the best fit for the customer, along with a "plan B" carrier for larger deployments of mobile devices, Chamberlin said.

Independent research, like the most recent report from RootMetrics, helps both consumers and business customers cut through the "noise" in the mobility market, Chamberlin said.

"It does tend to drive more requests for Verizon as the underlying network provider in our service offerings," he said.

Bellevue, Wash.-based T-Mobile tied with Verizon for best network performance in one state, and the report noted that T-Mobile's performance is going strong within the country's metro areas. Sprint was unable to claim a first place finish in any state. However, the Overland park, Kan.-based carrier demonstrated improvements in the network reliability category during the first half of 2016, according to the report.

"These results show that all networks are not the same," Nicki Palmer, chief network officer for Verizon Wireless said in a statement. "No one matches our Network investment, leading edge technology and engineering talent that delivers the best experience when and where our customers need it."