“The wireless wars are heating up, so it’s no wonder the claims of network superiority are flying out fast and furiously,” Roger Cheng reports for CNET. “The latest touch point comes from a study just released from wireless testing firm Root Metrics, which compiled its results after extensive testing in 125 markets during the second half of 2013.”
“Depending on whom you ask, AT&T and Verizon Wireless both had something to brag about,” Cheng reports. “AT&T touted that its overall performance topped more markets than its rivals, while Verizon insists that the results show it is the most reliable network.”
“AT&T has traditionally claimed the speed crown, while Verizon has been the most reliable. But things are shifting as AT&T improves its reliability.
So who’s right? Well, to an extent, all of them, according to Root Metrics CEO Bill Moore,” Cheng reports. “Out of the 125 markets, AT&T had the best combined performance, which includes speed and reliability and factors phone calls, data, and text messages, either tying or topping its competitors in 90 markets. Verizon Wireless only tied or topped 65 markets. But over the last year, Root Metrics introduced a measure called the reliability index, in which Verizon won or tied in an overwhelming 102 markets, vs. 68 from AT&T.”
Read more in the full article here.