Ookla’s latest Speedtest Connectivity Report reveals a significant performance gap between US mobile carriers in the second half of 2024. T-Mobile emerged as the clear leader, outperforming competitors in speed, reliability, and overall user experience.
T-Mobile’s median download speeds were a staggering 120% faster than AT&T, its closest competitor. Verizon, the largest carrier by subscriber count, trailed in third place. This superior speed translates to a noticeably better mobile gaming experience, as highlighted by Ookla. T-Mobile’s network isn’t just fast; it’s also incredibly reliable. In Speedtest samples, T-Mobile consistently met or exceeded the minimum thresholds for usable data (5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload) 85.4% of the time. Verizon secured the second spot for reliability, with AT&T lagging behind.
5G availability was another area where T-Mobile shone. Both T-Mobile and AT&T demonstrated strong 5G availability, with their networks operational nearly twice as often as Verizon’s. However, despite its strong 5G availability, AT&T consistently received the lowest consumer sentiment scores. Furthermore, AT&T ranked last in almost every performance metric except for 5G consistency and download speeds.
Overall, T-Mobile reigns supreme, offering the fastest mobile network speeds and the most responsive 5G service. Its network reliability is also unmatched. While T-Mobile slightly edges out AT&T in 5G availability, it significantly surpasses Verizon in delivering superior video and gaming experiences. Furthermore, T-Mobile boasts the highest consumer satisfaction ratings.
With the average US cell phone bill reaching $144 in 2024, according to JD Morgan via CNBC, choosing the right carrier is crucial. Paying a premium for subpar service is simply not an option. If you’re looking for a new phone plan, particularly with the Samsung Galaxy S25 in mind, exploring options from major carriers and MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Google Fi is highly recommended.
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