Two recent reports paint a complex picture of the US mobile carrier landscape in 2024, with T-Mobile and Verizon each claiming victories in different areas.
T-Mobile Dominates 5G Experience
According to a study by Opensignal:
- T-Mobile won 9 out of 15 categories tested
- T-Mobile users spend 67.9% of their time on 5G networks, about 6 times higher than runner-up AT&T
- T-Mobile's download speeds more than tripled those of third-place Verizon
Key T-Mobile strengths:
- Overall user experience
- Coverage availability
- Network consistency
However, T-Mobile lagged in the 5G experience category, only winning for best 5G download speed.
 |
|---|
| T-Mobile excels in 5G metrics, leading in download speeds and user experience, but faces challenges in reliability |
Verizon Claims Overall Victory
A separate report by RootMetrics tells a different story:
- Verizon ranked as the best overall carrier nationally
- Verizon won 5 national awards, including accessibility, data, video, and overall performance
- Verizon dominated in 125 major metropolitan markets
AT&T placed second overall, winning 4 national categories including reliability, speed, and call quality.
 |
|---|
| Verizon secures the top spot in the RootMetrics report, dominating multiple performance metrics nationally |
T-Mobile's Mixed Results
The RootMetrics report was less favorable for T-Mobile:
- Ranked third in most national categories
- Worst reliability, speed, data, call, text, and video experience
- Only placed second for accessibility
However, T-Mobile maintained its lead in median download speeds at an impressive 307.6 Mbps, surpassing the combined speeds of AT&T and Verizon.
 |
|---|
| In metropolitan areas, Verizon outperforms both AT&T and T-Mobile, further emphasizing its overall industry leadership |
Analysis
These conflicting reports highlight the complexity of evaluating mobile networks:
- Methodology matters: Different testing approaches can yield varying results.
- Urban vs. Rural divide: T-Mobile excels in cities but struggles in less populated areas.
- 5G vs. Overall: T-Mobile leads in 5G-specific metrics, while Verizon's strength lies in consistent performance across technologies.
As 5G networks continue to mature, we can expect further shifts in the competitive landscape. Consumers should consider their specific needs and local coverage when choosing a carrier.