PROVIDENCE – RootMetrics, an independent mobile analytics firm, recently released the second half of its statewide performance network study, showing that Verizon was the overall RootScore award winner.
Verizon said this is the fifth consecutive time the company has won or shared the overall RootScore award in Rhode Island.
Verizon had the highest score at 98.2, followed by AT&T with 96.8, T-Mobile with 94.1 and Sprint at 91.8. The higher the score, the better the performance, according to RootMetrics. Verizon also led the competition in data performance.
For its study, RootMetrics conducted 22,989 tests in the Ocean State from July through December; 34 indoor locations were used, and 1,311 miles of roads were driven.
In the categories of network reliability and call performance, Verizon tied with AT&T, and it tied with T-Mobile for network speed. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon shared the top spot for text performance.
In the metropolitan area RootScore report series, Verizon also was rated the overall award winner, with a 98.7 score, followed by AT&T with 97.1; T-Mobile with 96.8; and Sprint, 93.3.
Verizon also was first in network reliability, data and call performance in Providence, and shared first place with T-Mobile in network speed. The four networks tied for text performance.
“We take pride in our strong network and are pleased that RootMetrics has recognized the Verizon network at the top. We will continue to invest across the country and throughout Rhode Island to showcase our commitment to delivering the best network experience to our customers,” Michele White, executive director of network operations for Verizon Wireless Northeast, said in a statement. “Our customers rely on Verizon to reliably connect more than ever, and our win in Rhode Island shows that we continue to improve our network ahead of growing demand.”
Verizon said it continues to enhance its network in Rhode Island by implementing new technology such as small cells and distributed antenna systems and expanding its XLTE coverage, which doubles 4G LTE network bandwidth.
Last year, Verizon also added new coverage in areas of Barrington, Cumberland, Narragansett, Tiverton, Warren and West Warwick.
Nationally, Verizon also was singled out for its overall performance, with a score of 94.5, and it earned top scores in reliability, speed, data performance and call performance. It tied with second-place AT&T for text performance. RootMetrics called Verizon’s performance on the national stage “outstanding.”
AT&T’s national score was 91.3, while Sprint’s was 86 and T-Mobile, 80.9.
“In short, even though Verizon led the way in terms of award total at the national level, AT&T wasn’t far behind in a majority of categories. Indeed, AT&T has consistently remained a strong number two performer behind Verizon in a majority of categories in our United States testing for five consecutive test periods,” the study said.
RootMetrics also said Sprint “showed a great deal of improvement in our metro area and state testing, and the network improved at the United States level as well.”
It said that if Sprint can continue its LTE expansion efforts beyond metro areas, it could close the gap with the other networks in multiple categories at the national level.
It also said T-Mobile’s performance matched the first half of the year findings.
“T-Mobile offered fast speeds and strong data reliability in metropolitan markets. If you primarily use your smartphone in a major metropolitan area, T-Mobile remains a strong choice,” the report said.
