Speed is important when it comes to mobile data service, and T-Mobile is on top as the fastest provider of 4G LTE in the United States.
The network's dominance was determined from a ranking list provided by OpenSignal. The survey groups recently concluded a multitude of tests to come up with its 2018 State of Mobile Networks report. T-Mobile beat competitors Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint in five categories of metrics to come out on top. Last year, it was reportedly tied with Verizon when the survey results came out.
Everyone knows that at @TMobile we’re proud to shout about having the fastest LTE network in the US. So what are 3rd parties who report on ~6 BILLION tests from real wireless customers saying?? Same thing! https://t.co/ek8KRgxi8X pic.twitter.com/KvhZuvBMlF
— Neville (@NevilleRay) January 22, 2018
Unlimited Plans Affected Quality
AT&T and Verizon apparently reintroduced their unlimited data plans last year around February, which took a toll on its systems, as a number of users simultaneously took advantage of their data plan's bottomless capacity. T-Mobile was not affected since it already offered unlimited data plans before its competitors decided to climb back on board.
Metrics And Data
Based on the results, OpenSignal shared the details of their surveys and how each network's performance was measured. The team took a total of 5,928,296,946 measurements with other 237,213 varying devices. The tests were conducted from Oct. 1, 2017, to Dec. 30, 2017, and taken from different areas within the United States. T-Mobile was able to ace almost all of the test categories except for 4G latency, which was awarded to AT&T for its network responsiveness. The brand relies on their smartphone app to run tests and collect data from subscribers in order to get an overview of their network provider's quality of service.
Back In Shape
Updated reports confirm that Verizon and AT&T have since recovered with services back up to speed. However, it did little to change the results of the survey from OpenSignal. New tests are presumably ongoing, and results will be posted as soon as the survey period ends.
Preparing For 5G
Currently, OpenSignal's tests are designed to monitor 4G networks with LTE, yet it is due to change soon with the advent of 5G networks. AT&T plans to be the first wireless carrier to offer the service in the United States. Verizon will soon follow afterward, while Sprint and T-Mobile will be ready in 2019.
Consumers deserve better!! And they’re going to get something better from @TMobile. Real 5G will be mobile AND nationwide, much more than a speed boost, will work across all spectrum bands, will be standards-based & will start showing up in 2019. https://t.co/Dol5Y6udGF — Neville (@NevilleRay) January 17, 2018
"AT&T expects to be the first U.S. company to introduce 5G service in a dozen markets by late 2018. The promise of mobile 5G us seemingly endless and we're moving fast to make the promise a reality," said a company representative.
