As of yesterday, Ookla released their latest data on 5G speeds for the third quarter of 2023. Results are showing the difference between 5G and fixed broadband download speeds in the U.S. is getting closer.
Scoring a Median Download Speed of 221.57 Mbps, T-Mobile led the race. That’s compared to Verizon’s 153.79 Mbps median download speed, and AT&T’s 101.55 Mbps. With the exception of the latency scores, which AT&T led, T-Mobile was the winner in every category. However, each carrier saw increases in most categories. Other measurements compared were of Median Download and Upload Speeds, Median Multi-Server Latency, Consistency, and Video Score, as well as the same categories specific to 5G networks.
In addition to reviewing speed test results, Ookla looked at device information. More specifically, the most popular devices at this time. This includes the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold4 and the Pixel 7 Pro. Overall, the Apple iPhones won with the highest speeds, but lost to the Galaxy devices in terms of latency.
Lastly, state and city speeds were recorded and compared. Illinois took first place at the state level with the fastest median mobile download speed of 110.08 Mbps. T-Mobile was the fastest provider in 44 states and the District of Columbia during Q3 2023. Verizon was the fastest in North Dakota. As for South Dakota, Montana, Vermont, Maine, and Alaska – the results were too close to call. Among the 100 most populous cities in the U.S. Glendale, Arizona displayed the fastest median download speeds. T-Mobile was the fastest operator in 77 of these cities. Verizon Wireless was the fastest provider in El Paso, Texas, and AT&T was fastest in Las Vegas, Nevada. Results were statistically too close to call in 21 cities.
Ookla is using their Speedtest Intelligence service to find the overall Fastest Provider in terms of their Download Speeds. This service offers “up-to-date insights into global fixed broadband and mobile performance data based on millions of consumer-initiated tests taken every day with Speedtest®.” To see exactly what is being tested, checkout how Ookla collects data.