Verizon needs to work on 5G availability. | Image by PhoneArena
Just when you thought T-Mobile was losing its network edge, Ookla's Speedtest Connectivity Report shattered that notion. RootMetrics quickly countered with a different picture, hinting that T-Mobile was falling behind AT&T and Verizon. OpenSignal is now out with its Mobile Network Experience Report, and the pendulum has swung right back in T-Mobile's favor.
T-Mobile nabs the most awards
T-Mobile is the clear winner. | Image by OpenSignal
OpenSignal's real-world connectivity tests delivered an almost clean sweep for T-Mobile. The carrier won 12 out of 16 awards. Quality of Experience and Network Performance were a shutout, establishing it as the top performer when it comes to reliability, consistent quality, and speed.
Its download speeds were particularly impressive, blowing past rivals by around 97Mbps.
Verizon claims runner-up
Verizon won accolades for coverage with an impressive 9.7 out of 10 score. While AT&T and T-Mobile are closing in, Verizon still shines in far-flung areas you wouldn't expect to get a signal. Verizon users also enjoy the best 5G video and 5G live video experience.
AT&T came out ahead only in the Time on Network metric, meaning its users spend the most time connected.
Who has the best network?
Behind the scenes
The award tallies don't tell the whole story.
While T-Mobile led overall, it trailed slightly in coverage. OpenSignal suggests picking up more spectrum in rural areas to plug the gap.
As RootMetrics hinted, the network disparity between the three is shrinking.
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Beneath the surface, the three are nearly evenly matched across most categories. Still, T-Mobile retains a massive lead in overall download and upload speeds, while Verizon noticeably trails in 5G availability, which is the percentage of time users have a 5G connection.
Broadly speaking, everyday customers aren't likely to notice minute differences, making it harder for carriers to rely on their historical strengths.
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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