Okay, here we go again. In its latest study, Ookla reports that among the top four major wireless carriers operating in the United States, T-Mobile has the fastest wireless network during the first six months of this year. The results of Ookla’s new study also show that network connection speeds have indeed been impacted by the introduction of unlimited data offerings in the last few months.
In garnering a speed score of 23.17 for the first couple of quarters of 2017, T-Mobile has comfortably taken the lead, according to Ookla’s study. So how did the rest of the Big Four mobile operators fare? Industry leaders Verizon Wireless and AT&T came in at second and third spots, with a score of 21.13 and 20.05, respectively. Sprint’s score was a rather distant 15.39.
Some may remember that a little more than a month ago, another research firm, OpenSignal, had reported that T-Mobile’s network was also the best performing one among the national mobile operators. OpenSignal’s report, however, only pertained to the second quarter period (specifically, from April until June of this year), while Ookla’s study was for the entire first half of 2017.
As indicated in its report, Ookla stated that T-Mobile managed to achieve a high quality in terms of network performance because of its smaller customer base (as compared to the duopoly of Verizon Wireless and AT&T), which might be easier to handle, and a tightly spaced cellular site grid, which results to a more consistent network coverage.
Ookla also pointed out how T-Mobile has effectively utilized its 700 MegaHertz spectrum, especially in broadening its LTE coverage into new cities and regions. And by continuing to take full advantage of its legacy wireless tech, like GSM and WCDMA, the mobile operator has re-farmed its airwaves and put them to good use in expanding its LTE presence across America.
It is worth mentioning, however, that in its study, Ookla’s information suggests that T-Mobile still has its work cut out for it in rural areas. Sure, the carrier has come a long way in strengthening its coverage in urban areas, but it might need to expand more in rural markets. According to Ookla, Verizon Wireless has captured more than half of all samples, while T-Mobile has only taken a little over 11 percent.
With regards to overall data speeds, the popularity of unlimited data plans has made slower data connections, especially for the industry leaders. Ookla’s study shows that mobile download speeds are decreasing for subscribers of Verizon Wireless and AT&T.
