EE, created through the merger of Orange and T-Mobile, has once again claimed the top position in RootMetrics’ comprehensive mobile network tests. RootMetrics evaluates networks across call performance, text reliability, network speed, coverage, and mobile internet using crowd-sourced testing from real users to reflect everyday experiences.
Anyone with an Android or iOS device can download the CoverageMap app to participate, submit test results, and compare network performance in their area. This latest midyear report draws on more than 920,000 tests, producing a broad and reliable dataset.
All UK operators showed improvement compared with last year. EE finished first overall, followed by Three, with O2 in third place and Vodafone in fourth. Each operator received scores out of 100 in each category. While most categories were closely contested, mobile internet performance has become “a two-horse race” between EE and Three.
EE scored 85.5 for mobile internet, with Three close behind at 82.7. O2 and Vodafone trailed at 68.1 and 67.0 respectively. Those figures reflect the progress of LTE rollouts: EE and Three have the most extensive deployments to date, while O2 and Vodafone have LTE available only in selected locations. Matthew Howett, an analyst at Ovum, noted that EE benefited from an early start in its 4G rollout while competitors are beginning to catch up.
When it comes to speed, EE moved ahead of its rivals, although Three matched EE for reliability. EE also led categories for both call and text performance. Olaf Swantee, EE’s Chief Executive, commented: “Today’s results, along with last week’s report from Ofcom, show that EE is providing the best mobile experience to businesses and consumers across the UK.”
Vodafone, which ranked lowest in this set of results, is investing heavily to improve coverage and network quality. The operator plans to spend around £1 billion this year on upgrades. Recent reports described Vodafone’s “Open Sure Signal” initiative to enhance rural 3G coverage by using femtocell technology to convert a broadband connection into a local 3G signal for hard-to-reach places such as valleys. It will be informative to review RootMetrics’ 2015 findings once Vodafone’s upgrades and more widespread LTE rollouts across all networks are complete.
RootMetrics’ full Midyear Mobile Network Performance Report provides the detailed breakdown of scores and methodology.
Are you surprised by any of RootMetrics’ network performance findings? Share your thoughts in the comments.