As growth of video streaming continues to surge, a new study from a network benchmarking firm says AT&T outranks rivals Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile in the competition to deliver the best quality to mobile devices.
Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. found that AT&T performed best overall, scoring No. 1 in three of four categories.
Verizon finished second, T-Mobile third, Sprint fourth.
The test focused on four factors:
- Loading (time to first picture)
- Video quality
- Amount of video freezing
- Reliability of the video stream
According to the study, 98 percent of videos streamed over AT&T “were successfully completed.”
AT&T also scored best in least amount of freezing and highest quality playback.
T-Mobile scored first in video starting time.
The study comes as GWS reports that, on average, US adults watch 72 minutes of digital video a day. Of that amount, 44 percent comes on a smartphone.
Mobile video streaming is forecast to drive a seven-fold increase in mobile data traffic by 2023, the firm adds.
GWS also reports that 15 percent of Americans now watch TV solely on mobile devices.
“It’s clear that video streaming is having and will continue to have a major impact on mobile operator networks – more and more customers expect to stream their favorite shows, videos, and other broadband content where ever they are – whether it’s commuting, waiting for their next appointment, or just taking a break while out and about,” GWS Chief Executive Officer Paul Carter said of the study.
“Our comprehensive video testing has revealed gaps between those operators that are meeting customer expectations vs. those that are struggling. Considering that mobile networks are underpinning a revolution in how consumers watch TV and video, this gap should be watched closely.”
Video tests were conducted across most of the US.
GWS offers more information about the study online.
