AT&T’s network had high marks for video streaming reliability, while T-Mobile’s network tended to load videos faster than the other three major carrier networks, according to new mobile video streaming research from Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.
According to the research, 98% of videos streamed over AT&T’s network were successfully completed; also videos tested on AT&T only froze 0.82% of the time while having a higher quality playback than other networks.
The research was based on data collected throughout all 50 U.S. states. GWS measured loading (time to first picture), video quality, amount of video freezing, and reliability of the video stream.
Additionally, according to GWS, the average U.S. adult watches 72 minutes of digital video per day, with 44% of that time on a smartphone. Fifteen percent of Americans also watch TV solely through streaming services like DIRECTV NOW, Netflix, and YouTube.
“Mobile video streaming is due to drive a 7x increase in mobile data traffic by 2023,” said Paul Carter, CEO, Global Wireless Solutions, Inc., in a prepared statement.
“Today, YouTube already reaches more millennials (18-34-year-olds) on mobile alone than any TV network. 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 your next appointment, or just taking a break while out and about. 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.”
Methodology for the testing included approximately 400,000 miles of driving while conducting close to half a million video tests in 2017. Data was collected across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with populations totaling 304 million in the areas tested.
Image courtesy of flickr user Kirill Kniazev.
