Tag: Availability

OpenSignal Reports: Who is the Best Cellular Provider?

OpenSignal has released their collection of data from cellular providers over the dates of September 16 to December 14 of 2022. It will be no surprise to some of us that in these cellular reports, T-Mobile has won out above the rest, yet again. 

On the mobile network experience report, multiple factors were tested. For overall experience, the cellular report included video, games, voice app, download speed, and upload speed. For coverage, they checked availability across the providers. Lastly, they checked for consistency in excellent quality and core quality. 

Experience and coverage might make sense, but what about consistency? Per OpenSignal, “Consistent Quality measures how often users’ experience on a network was sufficient to support common applications’ requirements. It measures download speed, upload speed, latency, jitter, packet loss, time to first byte and the percentage of tests attempted which did not succeed due to a connectivity issue on either the download or server response component.”

Core Consistent Quality represents common, but less demanding use cases such as SD video streaming, web browsing, and email use. Excellent Consistent Quality is designed for higher quality applications such as live video streaming and streaming video games. See how Consistent quality metrics are calculated here.

The only awards that T-Mobile did not take was in the Availability section. That award goes to the previous champion, AT&T. AT&T and Verizon were only 0.2 percentage points away from each other. T-Mobile came up last with a score of 98%.

OpenSignal’s 5G Experience Report awards were a bit of a toss up between Verizon and T-Mobile. The UnCarrier took a slight lead by winning in 4 categories (download and upload speeds, as well as availability and reach), versus Verizon’s 3 (Video, Games, and Voice app experiences). Much like the mobile network experience report, the 5G cellular report tests the same categories, but with 5G specifically, and less the consistency awards. Instead, in coverage, they checked both availability and reach.

Experience awards were all quite close, with Verizon just barely winning out over T-Mobile. The only exception being 5G download speeds. T-Mobile was the clear winner here, topping out at 186.3 Mbps versus 84.9 Mbps from Verizon and 71.1 Mbps from AT&T. Regarding coverage and 5G Availability, T-Mobile won again with a far lead of 30% over its closest competitor, AT&T. 

Per OpenSignal, “5G Reach measures the 5G mobile experience in all the locations that matter most to everyday users – i.e. all the places where they live, work and travel. 5G Reach for each operator is measured on a scale from 0 to 10.” The results were a bit closer on this one. With a score of 8.3, T-Mobile had a little over a 2 point lead ahead of AT&T and about 4 points from Verizon.  

Something to keep in mind when reviewing the results for yourself – tests were done at the national and regional level. While T-Mobile may be the majority winner, take note of the winners in your state. You may find a different provider is more appropriate.

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Logistics Network Updates

5Gstore has been actively working to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the ongoing supply chain issues due to numerous factors including the Sierra Chip Shortage.

We want to say THANK YOU to our customers for working with us during these challenging times and that we look forward to continuing to exceed each need in every way possible!

In the last 12+ months we have continued to see the impacts and have made the necessary pivotal changes to continue being able to keep business as usual for our continued and new customers.

Pivotal Changes For Staying Ahead:

  • Elevated Stock Levels:
    • Increased stocking levels to support all consumer and business needs.
  • Proactive Planning:
    • Strategically working with our vendors/customers to plan for their current and future needs.
  • Communication:
    • Keeping everyone informed on where things stand and advising appropriately so everyone can effectively plan and prepare.
  • Decreased Lead Times:
    • Due to the stock increases AND close planning with our customers – we have been able to decrease lead times on key products.

The day to day operations for all continue to sort through the challenges faced even beyond the supply shortages – like Staffing Shortages. Both Manufacturers and Carriers are dealing with the impacts from this and working to manage the impacts this has had on the lead times for fulfilling orders.

A key component for staying ahead is being informed and we would like to share with you some of the latest feedback and insight we have. 

Important Insight:

Sierra Wireless

We are starting to slowly see  stock availability for the Sierra products and backorders being fulfilled from the previous year. As they continue to push forward to get ahead, it will be important to stay on top of what is available now. 

Cradlepoint

Lead times are consistently fluctuating week to week – it is important you know how to plan accordingly for the more popular items as well as for the items that might be as common – replacement power supplies, spare antennas etc. 

Peplink

Lead times vary across the products due to component shortages – all stock is reviewed constantly for those that are facing these impacts, and those that might face the impacts in the near future. Although the lead times are extended on some of the popular products – we would like to highlight products that are readily available! 

Inseego

Inseego has been leading the way for 25 years by creating entirely new types of devices, including the world’s first mobile hotspots for leading wireless operators, technology titans, business users, government agencies, and consumers. 

Digi 

Since 1985, Digi International Inc. (Digi) has been a pioneer in wireless communication, forging the future for connected devices and responding to the needs of the people and enterprises that use them.  

Panorama

Panorama has had some extended lead times due to key changes being made internally to better serve the demand. In addition to this, there are some new 5G capable products out now to help you future proof! We are happy to start seeing the positive impacts from these changes.

Mobile Mark

Mobile Mark has done an exceptional job to keep their lead times without impact until more recently. The lead times have been extended by around 1 week on average, depending on the product and quantity needed, but with proper planning we have been able to avoid that impacting 5Gstore and our customers!

Poynting

Poynting has done a great job and planning for their stock accordingly to avoid delays when possible – Lead Times have stayed pretty consistent over the last 12+ months due to the combined efforts between Poynting and 5Gstore.

What Role Do YOU Play in YOUR SUCCESS?

Here are some key tips in staying ahead of the curve with 5Gstore! 

  • Knowing Stock Availability:
    • Items on our site that are readily available will have that easily displayed – Look for the “In Stock” Green Check Mark that indicates this!
  • Secure your place with stock:
  • Bring in your orders early:
    • Plan for orders now that would normally be reviewed in a 30-60-90 day manner.
  • Future Proof:
    • Work with us to be aware of the latest options and alternatives that are readily available!
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Don’t Let Shortages Ruin Your Holiday Season!

The holiday season is upon us! Whether you’re ready or not, you may want to consider placing your orders sooner than later. Chip shortages continue to plague companies and shipments from overseas are still getting delayed. Currently available stock gradually lowers with each day and in some cases, it’s difficult to determine when more stock will arrive. If you need something, be sure to reach out to our team at 5Gstore first. We’ll confirm stock availability and if needed, we’ll recommend a compatible alternative. 

We’re available via phone, email, and chat! So don’t delay, reach out today!

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5G Stats from RootMetrics Favors T-Mobile

As T-Mobile’s lead in the 5G race soars – both in speeds and reliability – AT&T and Verizon’s positions are too close to call at this time. This is according to newly released data from RootMetrics (refer to the November Scorecard). Tests were completed in about 60 cities, out of a total 125 they will eventually incorporate for later tests. T-Mobile US had the most 5G availability in 42 cities, AT&T led in 25 markets and Verizon in 4.

Cities with the most 5G coverage were also reported. Specifically, RootMetrics reported cities where each of the carriers had achieved the most extensive amount of 5G coverage. This includes:

  • El Paso, Texas (98% 5G coverage by T-Mo) 
  • Indio, California (96.8% 5G coverage by AT&T) 
  • Rockford, Illinois (91.7% 5G coverage by Verizon)

The cities where each carrier clocked the fastest speeds thus far during RootMetrics testing were: 

  • Kansas City, Missouri, where T-Mobile US achieved a blazing 273.3 Mbps 
  • Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Verizon’s network registered median 5G download speeds of 98.3 Mbps 
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where AT&T saw median 5G download speeds of 71 Mbps

In this round of testing, Patrick Linder, CMO of RootMetrics, said in a statement, “We…witnessed firsthand just how dynamic the 5G race can be, with a new leader for speed and a shift in the reliability standings since our testing in the first half of 2021. With another 65 markets to test and all carriers aggressively continuing 5G deployment and optimization, things could certainly change again as we continue our 2H 2021 testing.”

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5G Solutions Are Hard to Find, But Do You Need it?

With the fast approaching holiday season, everything from toys to kitchen appliances is getting dangerously low on stock. Shipments from overseas are delayed more and more with each day. It’s unfortunate that one of the most affordable 5G cellular routers on the market today is now included in that growing list. The Pepwave MAX Transit 5G may be available soon, but is your 5G service ready? 

Just earlier this week, we talked about the confusing advertising regarding 5G service. What you see as 5G, or are told is 5G, may not truly be 5G. And what about the blazing fast speed tests you’ve seen reported online from other users? The truth is that the 5G you have may not be any better than the 4G LTE connection you had previously. 

There’s also carrier restrictions on new cellular devices. Each device must go through a certification process. This is much like an approval process in which the carrier takes time to review the device and verify that it will work with their network. Once this approval is provided, the cellular devices’ IMEI number (a unique identifier) gets loaded into the carriers’ systems. Now, when a user like yourself goes to a store to activate their cellular device, the carrier can identify that it is supported and verify the compatible data plans. At this time, the Transit 5G is still pending certification with Verizon, but users can activate them on AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. 

The BR1 Pro 5G – which is now the most affordable 5G cellular router on the market – is also not yet certified with Verizon, but is with the others (AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular). While this does mean new users cannot get a SIM card to use with them, users with already active SIM cards MAY* be able to connect to at least 4G LTE service – that is, until the certification process is complete, at which point it will allow a 5G connection. 

By now, we hope you may have gathered that 5G is not quite relevant for all users at this time. In most cases, unless you are a large company or working in rescue or healthcare services (where 24/7 connectivity and high bandwidth is important), LTE connections will be sufficient. 

If you are still looking for a more affordable 5G solution however, consider the Pepwave MAX Adapter 5G. This is a small, portable modem that connects via USB. Use it with just about any Peplink or Pepwave router that supports a USB port (e.g. the Balance 20X). 

Should the Transit 5G, or even the Transit Cat 18 LTE, be on your mind, add your name to our sign up sheets – Transit 5G – Transit Cat 18 LTE. 

*5Gstore has tested a Verizon LTE SIM/ data plan with the Transit 5G and BR1 Pro 5G and were successful in connecting to LTE service. Although this did work for a short test, we CANNOT guarantee that this will work for all users, nor with all carriers. 
Edited 10/28/2021 to update carrier certification details.
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