The study was based on a combination of speed and reliability. Verizon has long held a leadership position in reliability and continues to do so in the most recent results. But AT&T has narrowed the gap considerably, which allows its speed advantage to put it over the top.
The test, which began in July and tested 60 markets, is only about halfway done and will be completed during the course of the year. The results, characterized as a horse race by RootMetrics CEO Bill Moore, may differ when wrapped up.
Still, these kinds of kudos are increasingly important as the carriers seek ways to stand out from each other. With most of the carriers moving to the same high-speed cellular technologies, and offerings many of the same high-profile smartphones, network quality is a critical selling point.
The competitive environment has resulted in what amounts to a billion-dollar shouting match between the carriers, as each strives to tout the quality of their service. AT&T set off another war of words in July by proclaiming itself the nation's fastest and most reliable network, nabbing away the reliability claim from Verizon.
AT&T based the claim off of another, unnamed study. Verizon maintains that it is the most reliable network.
"We've always been about reliability," said a Verizon representative. "It's about needing to get on the network and staying on the network."
AT&T, unsurprisingly, was pleased with the early results.
"AT&T has the nation's fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network," said a company representative. "As the saying goes, 'it's not bragging if you can back it up.'"
AT&T's turnaround
AT&T edging out Verizon marks a huge reversal for the carrier, which has long struggled with issues with network coverage and reliability. The problems were at their worst when AT&T had the exclusive rights to the iPhone and was overwhelmed by the deluge of traffic it brought.
Customers mocked the carrier -- with good reason -- and forced AT&T to move quickly to improve its network.
Source : CNET
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