Two reports from mobile analytics company RootMetrics provide a comprehensive look at the performance of network carriers in the first half of 2024. These studies reveal some significant shifts in the 5G landscape, highlighting changes in speed, reliability, and availability rankings among the top carriers: Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Key Findings from RootMetrics’ 5G Testing
RootMetrics’ first study focused on the state of 5G connectivity in the United States, revealing significant developments:
- Speed and Reliability: Verizon emerged as the leader in both speed and reliability, marking a significant shift from previous reports where T-Mobile often dominated.
- Availability: T-Mobile retained its top spot for 5G availability, continuing to lead in coverage across various regions.
This represents a notable change from 2023, where T-Mobile was the leader in both availability and speed, while Verizon excelled in reliability. The critical factor that seems to have shifted the balance is the inclusion of rural data in RootMetrics’ latest methodology, highlighting Verizon’s strength outside metropolitan areas.
The Rapid Evolution of the 5G Landscape
The 5G landscape in the United States continues to evolve rapidly, with all three major US mobile carriers making significant strides in expanding 5G availability and boosting speeds since early rollouts. Each carrier now leverages mid-band spectrum—prized for its optimal balance of coverage and performance—intensifying the 5G competition in the US and promising enhanced experiences for users nationwide.
Updated Methodology for a Comprehensive View
In response to the nearly full coverage of 5G networks across the United States, RootMetrics updated its methodology for determining national 5G leaders in the first half of 2024. Previous 5G awards were based solely on carrier performance in major metropolitan areas. However, the new approach aligns with standard RootScore testing and incorporates results from both major metropolitan markets and rural areas during national drive testing. This population-weighted methodology offers a more comprehensive view of the current 5G landscape at the national level.
Due to this methodological shift, 5G award results from 1H 2024 cannot be directly compared to those from previous test periods.
Best 5G Experience
Verizon’s 5G network emerged as the top performer in the first half of 2024, capturing the award for the Best 5G network overall. Verizon’s consistently strong showings across speed, reliability, and latency allowed it to secure this award. The carrier’s well-rounded 5G performance excelled in both rural and urban environments, highlighting its ability to deliver a superior 5G experience nationwide.
T-Mobile finished a close second, leading the 5G availability race while also posting strong results in other metrics, especially latency and speed. T-Mobile’s Fastest 5G score of 97.9 was just behind Verizon’s 98.8. AT&T, meanwhile, posted a strong Fastest 5G score of 94.2 and ranked second for 5G availability but trailed in reliability.
Fastest 5G
Verizon set the pace with the Fastest 5G in the first half of 2024. All three carriers delivered strong 5G speeds in major cities, typically over 100 Mbps—a level generally fast enough to handle a broad range of online activities. However, Verizon distinguished itself by delivering the top speeds when connected to 5G in rural areas during national testing, along with unmatched speed consistency.
When examining the carriers’ 5th percentile 5G speed results, a key measure of speed consistency, Verizon was the only carrier whose 5th percentile 5G download speeds were nearly identical in both metro and rural areas across the US. This consistency in performance, both in urban and rural areas, underscores Verizon’s superior speed experience.
Most Reliable 5G
Verizon continued its long-standing 5G reliability leadership in the first half of 2024, winning its seventh consecutive prize for Best 5G reliability. While previous awards focused on major metropolitan markets, Verizon maintained its lead even with the inclusion of rural areas in the latest testing. Verizon’s 5G reliability score of 99.2 topped those of AT&T (89.2) and T-Mobile (95.8), solidifying its position as the 5G reliability champion.
5G Availability
T-Mobile delivered the top 5G availability results of any carrier in the first half of 2024, with a 5G availability score of 93.0. This score outpaced both Verizon (65.5) and AT&T (81.6). T-Mobile’s 5G availability has consistently been outstanding in major cities, and the carrier took the 5G availability prize even with the expanded 5G testing now incorporating rural areas in addition to major cities.
The Broader Mobile Network Performance
RootMetrics’ second study assessed overall mobile network performance in the first half of 2024, providing further insights:
- Download Speeds: T-Mobile continues to dominate download speeds in major markets, consistently hitting 100 Mbps or higher. However, Verizon has improved significantly, particularly in rural areas.
- Call and Text Performance: AT&T showed better performance in call and text categories, despite trailing in speed and availability compared to Verizon and T-Mobile.
Should You Switch Carriers?
The choice of carrier can depend on various factors including location, usage patterns, and personal preferences. Here are some considerations based on the latest findings:
- Verizon: Offers the most consistent performance across urban and rural areas, making it a reliable choice for users who travel frequently or live outside major cities.
- T-Mobile: Ideal for those who prioritize high download speeds and live in metropolitan areas with strong coverage.
- AT&T: Provides decent performance across all categories and excels in call and text reliability, but lags behind in speed.
Navigating the 5G Landscape
The recent RootMetrics reports highlight the dynamic nature of the 5G landscape. While T-Mobile continues to lead in coverage and urban speed, Verizon’s superior rural performance and consistent reliability make it a strong contender. AT&T, while trailing in some aspects, remains a solid all-round performer.
For consumers, these findings emphasize the importance of considering not just speed and availability but also overall reliability and performance across different environments when choosing a carrier. Whether you stick with your current provider or contemplate a switch, understanding these nuances can help you make an informed decision and ensure a better mobile experience.