Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) has published its latest analysis of how the major US mobile networks performed during the Super Bowl.
GWS network test teams were onsite using Samsung Note 20 5G devices to evaluate AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Tests were carried out throughout the day’s activities, including during the Gameday Fan Plaza before kickoff.
The company reports that all operators were well prepared for the event. Investments in in-stadium and nearby coverage and technology resulted in fast, reliable 5G throughput that was available to fans throughout the venue.
Each provider achieved higher average throughputs, higher peak 5G speeds, and improved overall blended 4G/5G performance compared with GWS’s tests from last year.
AT&T led the rankings again with an impressive average 5G download speed of 1,261 Mbps. Verizon placed second with an average 432 Mbps, and T-Mobile came third with 388 Mbps.
For context, last year’s Super Bowl tests found AT&T averaging 337 Mbps on 5G, Verizon 200 Mbps, and T-Mobile 31 Mbps. While T-Mobile remained third this year, it demonstrated the largest year-over-year improvement.
Dr. Paul Carter, CEO of Global Wireless Solutions, commented:
“Our network performance testing clearly showed that 5G’s capabilities have dramatically improved since last year’s Super Bowl.
This improved 5G service is a testament to the continued investments made by each operator. As they harden and upgrade the network infrastructure, 5G will offer more tangible benefits to consumers across the country.”
GWS engineers detected 5G on 67 AT&T cells, 63 Verizon cells, and 40 T-Mobile cells during their measurements.
When accounting for situations where devices could not acquire a 5G connection and fell back to 4G, blended throughput results were: AT&T 975 Mbps, Verizon 425 Mbps, and T-Mobile 385 Mbps.
The stadium’s public Wi-Fi recorded an average throughput of 76 Mbps during the testing period.
(Photo by Adrian Curiel on Unsplash)
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