Verizon is the clear winner in the latest round of wireless networks testing by research firm RootMetrics. AT&T slips to No. 2 after sharing or winning the top spot in each of the previous five tests. But the data shows competition is close with Sprint and T-Mobile showing signs of strength, too.

“Verizon’s performance in our testing of the United States was outstanding,” RootMetrics said in its report based on tests around the country in the first half of 2016.

“For the first time since we began testing the whole of the US in the second half of 2013, Verizon won United States RootScore Awards outright across all six RootScore categories,” the report noted.

Verizon also ranked No. 1 in North Carolina testing.

The categories:

  • Overall performance
  • Network Reliability
  • Network Speed
  • Data performance
  • Call performance
  • Text performance

“These results show that all networks are not the same,” said Nicki Palmer, chief network officer for Verizon Wireless, in a statement.

However, the scores based on millions of calls and tests across more than 100 metros show that customers have plenty of choice based on performance, not just the latest phones and calling plans.

For example, AT&T won or tied for first across more metros in terms of text performance with T-Mobile second and Verizon third.

T-Mobile also tied Verizon for most first place finishes in metro areas for speed.

“This marks the first time in five test periods that AT&T didn’t win or share the United States Text RootScore Award,” RootMetrics noted.

“In our previous test period, AT&T and Verizon shared top honors in the Text RootScore category. In this round of testing, however, AT&T finished second in the category, while Verizon won the Text RootScore Award outright.”

Metro competition

  • Verizon ruled in the most metros (50) and tied for first in 48.
  • AT&T won 11 metros and tied in 40.
  • T-Mobile won six and tied in 34.
  • Sprint lagged with one victory and five ties.

State-by-state

  • Verizon dominated in state victories with 41 and seven ties.
  • AT&T won two and tied in six.
  • Sprint was winless.
  • T-Mobile managed one tie.

Read the full report at:

http://www.rootmetrics.com/en-US/content/mobile-network-performance-in-the-us-a-special-report