Mobile Carriers Make Strides to Improve Mobile Per

BELLEVUE, Wash., Dec. 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The latest testing from RootMetrics ®, the global standard for independent mobile performance information, shows the mobile performance race getting tighter in some performance categories in Kansas City. In fact, the 2nd Half 2016 Kansas City Metro RootScore Report reveals that all four carriers share awards in three of the six mobile performance categories tested: Network Reliability, Call, and Text Performance. While the mobile performance competition is heating up, Verizon continues to hold its ground, sweeping the awards for the third consecutive testing period. This latest report from RootMetrics, an IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO ) company, also shows Verizon earning outright awards in both Network Speed and Data Performance categories.   "In our latest round of testing in Kansas City, Verizon continued to demonstrate excellent network performance, and all of the carriers appear to be working hard to improve mobile performance in the metro area," said Annette Hamilton, RootMetrics director. "With half of our mobile performance categories resulting in four-way ties, mobile users in Kansas City are reaping the benefits of the increased competition."   This is the twelfth time RootMetrics has tested the mobile networks in Kansas City and issued findings for the metro area. RootScore Reports provide a scientific, independent, consumer-focused assessment of mobile network performance.   Mobile Performance You Can Depend on Reliability and speed are crucial to a consistently good mobile experience. RootMetrics indicates performance in these key areas with its Network Reliability category, a combination of results from data, call, and text tests; and its Network Speed category, which examines results across testing of data transfers, downloading email, and web/app tasks. All four carriers share the top spot in the Network Reliability category, which is an award Verizon and Sprint previously held. Meanwhile, Verizon takes the outright award in Network Speed for the second consecutive testing period.   Data Performance The Data Performance category reflects how well networks perform in downloading and uploading data, performing email tasks, and downloading files that approximate loading typical webpages or apps.   Verizon earns the Data Performance RootScore Award outright for the fifth consecutive time, while also recording the fastest median download speed at 27.7 Mbps. T‑Mobile recorded the fastest median upload speed at 15.9 Mbps, meaning it would take less than three seconds to upload a picture to social media on the network in Kansas City.   Call and Text Performance Call and text capabilities are fundamental to a strong mobile experience. Call Performance testing is based on how reliably each network can place and maintain calls, while Text Performance measures how reliably and quickly consumers can send and receive text messages.   All four carriers share the RootScore Awards in both Call and Text Performance categories.   Comprehensive Testing To evaluate the mobile experience in Kansas City, RootMetrics conducted tests across all hours of the day and night from October 28 through November 3. Using smartphones purchased off the shelf at carrier stores, tests were conducted indoors at 30 locations and while driving 1,313 miles. For details about RootMetrics testing, see the methodology section of the RootMetrics website. About IHS Markit IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO ) is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 key business and government customers, including 85 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world's leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth. IHS Markit is a registered trademark of IHS Markit Ltd. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners © 2016 IHS Markit Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lori Niquette for RootMetrics 617-779-1800