The cost and effort of introducing new technology is wasted if it functions poorly and users are dissatisfied. The second edition of the J.D. Power “2024 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study” suggests that the 5G ecosystem is avoiding this problem.
“Despite a very public wireless service outage earlier this year, overall problems — especially loading speeds — have decreased,” said Carl Lepper, J.D. Power’s Senior Director of Technology, Media and Telecom. “A focus on mid-band spectrum for 5G by the industry has lowered latency through balancing speed and coverage, resulting in a better experience for mobile phone users.”
The 5G report evaluated network quality as perceived by those with phones, tablets, and other mobile broadband devices. It was in the field from January through June and is based on 25,597 responses.
The 5G report ratings are based on number of problems per 100 mobile device interactions. Carrier performance was studied in six U.S. regions and the carriers ranked as follows:
- Mid-Atlantic: Verizon Wireless (8 problems per 100 mobile connections), AT&T (9) and T-Mobile (10). The regional average was 9.
- North Central: UScellular (8), Verizon Wireless (8), T-Mobile (9) and AT&T (10). The regional average was 9.
- Northeast: Verizon Wireless (7), AT&T (10) and T-Mobile (11). The regional average was 9.
- Southeast: Verizon Wireless (8), T-Mobile (9) and AT&T (10). The regional average was 9.
- Southwest: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and the regional average all were 10.
- West: Verizon Wireless (9), AT&T (10) and T-Mobile (10). The regional average was 10.
The high scores can be seen as even more impressive due to the speed with which 5G is rolling out. Earlier this month, 5G Americas and Omdia said that during the first quarter of the year 32% of all cellular connections in North America were 5G. During the first quarter, there were 22 million new connections. Overall, North America now has 220 million 5G connections.
