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It took RootMetrics half a million tests to conclude that T-Mobile's 4G is very close to AT&T, Verizon still top dog

By Daniel Petrov

Updated: Sep 12, 2012, 7:19 AM

It took RootMetrics half a million tests to conclude that T-Mobile's 4G is very close to AT&T, Verizon still top dog

RootMetrics, the independent carrier network speed analyzers, just outed their comprehensive review for the first half of the year. It took 100, 000 miles traveled, and more than 500, 000 tests taken in key markets to arrive at the clearest picture so far who has the best network.

In a nutshell, Verizon and AT&T are the leaders in download, upload speeds and reliability with their LTE networks, while T-Mobile's HSPA+ 42Mbps undertaking aims to please with download speeds very close to those of AT&T's LTE network, but gives way in terms of average uploads, and reliability.

The second half report will be interesting as well, since Sprint has started its LTE network rollout, and AT&T is catching up to Verizon's comprehensive LTE coverage. Have a look at the report in handy chart form in the slideshow below.

source: RootMetrics

It took RootMetrics 500, 000 tests to conclude that T-Mobile's 4G network is almost as fast as LTE

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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena from 2010 to 2025, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.