Wireless networks are becoming more reliable across the board according to a new the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study released Thursday.
The study, which evaluates wireless customers’ most recent usage activities in calling, messaging and data, found that overall wireless network quality remained flat, while data quality has improved remarkably. Total data quality problems have declined to an overall average of 14 problems per 100 sessions initiated in 2014. That’s down from 19 problems per 100 sessions in 2012.
Verizon emerged as the most reliable network in all six geographic regions tested, including Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, North Central, Southwest and West.
Verizon Wireless’ network saw the lowest problems per 100 session in all areas, garnering a 5 rating in J.D. Power’s Circle ratings system.
AT&T followed in second, with Sprint and T-Mobile swapping position depending on region.
Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power, said in a statement that while the performance of network data quality has improved there is still performance disparity across user segments and type of devices.
“Based on the varying degree of consistency with overall network performance, it’s critical that wireless carriers continue to invest in improving both the call quality and especially the data connection-related issues that customers continue to experience as 4G service becomes even more prevalent,” Parsons said.
Verizon Wireless is coming off a big win in the form of RootMetric’s recent network survey. The company took home best overall network among the four major U.S. carriers in that study.
The 2014 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study—Volume 1 is based on responses from 25,142 wireless customers. The study was fielded between July and December 2013.