It’s finally here. The latest Speedtest Connectivity Report from Ookla. Once again, we get to see how our major cellular carriers stack up against each other. This particular mobile connectivity report provides an in-depth analysis of network performance across the United States for the second half of 2024. Based on millions of consumer-initiated tests, the report highlights key trends in mobile speed, consistency, gaming, video streaming, and 5G availability. The findings reinforce T-Mobile’s dominance in multiple performance categories, with Verizon and AT&T also showing strong results in specific areas.
T-Mobile Leads in Mobile Performance
T-Mobile emerged as the fastest mobile provider in the U.S., securing the top spot for both overall mobile performance and 5G speeds:
- Fastest Mobile Network: T-Mobile recorded a Speed Score of 222.63, with a median download speed of 212.77 Mbps, significantly outpacing AT&T (95.08 Mbps) and Verizon (86.23 Mbps).
- Fastest 5G Network: With a 5G Speed Score of 242.76, T-Mobile led the market with a median 5G download speed of 281.52 Mbps. Verizon followed at 199.1 Mbps, with AT&T at 140.09 Mbps.
- Best 5G Availability: T-Mobile users accessed 5G 89.4% of the time, making it the most widely available 5G network in the U.S.
- Most Consistent Network: 85.4% of T-Mobile’s samples met the minimum performance threshold for mobile connectivity, while 75.3% met the threshold for 5G consistency.
Network Performance by Category
- Gaming Experience: T-Mobile provided the best mobile gaming performance, with a Game Score of 86.12. Its 5G Game Score of 87.04 further cemented its position as the top choice for gaming on the go.
- Video Streaming Experience: T-Mobile delivered the best overall mobile video experience, with a Video Streaming Score of 75.75. However, Verizon took the top spot for 5G video streaming, scoring 83.37.
- Latency Performance: T-Mobile led in low-latency performance, recording the lowest mobile network latency at 49 ms and 5G latency at 47 ms.
Regional and City Performance
- Top Performing Cities: Pittsburgh had the fastest median mobile download speed at 302.96 Mbps, while Raleigh recorded the fastest fixed network speed at 329.82 Mbps.
- State Performance: The District of Columbia led in mobile speeds with a median download speed of 184.34 Mbps. T-Mobile was the fastest provider in 46 states, while GCI led in Alaska.
- Slower Markets: Anchorage recorded the slowest median mobile download speed among major cities (49.4 Mbps), while Alaska, Wyoming, and Vermont ranked lowest in state performance.
Consumer Sentiment and Takeaways
T-Mobile received the highest customer satisfaction rating among U.S. mobile providers, scoring 3.70 out of 5. Its dominance across speed, consistency, gaming, and 5G availability makes it the top choice for consumers prioritizing high-performance mobile connectivity.
For businesses and consumers considering 5G routers and mobile solutions, understanding these performance insights is crucial when selecting the best network for their needs. At 5Gstore.com, we offer a range of solutions to optimize mobile connectivity based on carrier performance and customer requirements. Stay tuned for more updates on network advancements and emerging mobile technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Connectivity
1. What factors affect mobile connectivity performance?
Mobile connectivity performance depends on several factors, including network coverage, signal strength, congestion, device capabilities, and environmental obstacles like buildings or terrain.
2. How does 5G improve mobile connectivity compared to 4G?
5G offers significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than 4G, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications like gaming, streaming, and IoT connectivity.
3. Why do mobile speeds vary between locations?
Speeds can differ due to network infrastructure, local congestion, interference, and the carrier’s deployment of spectrum bands in a given area. Urban areas typically have better performance due to more advanced infrastructure.
4. What is network consistency, and why is it important?
Network consistency measures how often a provider delivers a stable connection that meets a minimum performance threshold. A consistent network ensures smooth streaming, gaming, and video calls without frequent slowdowns.
5. How can I improve my mobile connectivity at home or on the go?
To enhance mobile connectivity, consider using a high-quality cellular router, signal boosters, or external antennas. Additionally, positioning your device near a window or switching to a less congested network band can help.