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RootMetrics (formerly Root Wireless) offers scientifically collected and crowdsourced mobile network performance information to consumers and the industry.[1]

To capture how consumers experience their mobile networks in real-world situations, the firm tests each network’s performance when making phone calls, uploading and downloading files from the internet, browsing the web and using apps, downloading email, and sending and receiving text messages (SMS).[2]

Tests are conducted with unmodified Android-based smartphones purchased off the shelf at regular mobile phone stores. The company tests mobile networks at various locations and hours, both indoors and outdoors, and while driving, using a random sampling methodology to prevent bias. [3] [4] The tests are distilled into a series of mobile network reports offered free to the public on the firm's website.[5]

Complementing its professional testing, the firm also gathers crowdsourced network performance data from mobile users, .[6] combining them to produce the CoverageMap comparison tool, available both online and within the mobile application.

RootMetrics
Company typePrivate company
IndustryWireless, Technology, Mobile, Telecom
Founded2008 (2008)
FounderRon Dicklin
Paul Griff
Jason Browne
Andy Hollenbeck
Headquarters
Bellevue, Washington
,
United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Bill Moore (CEO)
ProductsRootScore Reports
CoverageMap
CoverageMap Mobile App
Websitewww.rootmetrics.com

Products and services

RootScore Reports

RootScore Reports provide mobile network comparison information based on the company’s testing. In the United States, the firm publishes reports for the U.S. as a whole, the 50 U.S. states, the 125 most populous U.S. cities, and the 50 busiest U.S. airports. In the UK, RootMetrics publishes RootScore Reports for the four UK nations as well as the 16 most populous metropolitan areas.

Network reliability and speed are key components of the reports.[7] The reports provide both a Network Reliability Index and a Network Speed Index. The Network Reliability Index is made up of results from data/mobile internet, call, and text testing; the Network Speed Index is compiled from data/mobile internet and text results.

National and State RootScore Reports (U.S.)

The firm publishes RootScore Reports twice a year for the U.S. as a whole and for each of the 50 states. Test locations are randomly selected within each state. U.S. Census Places are divided into groups by population size, with each population-based group given equal weighting in the results.

Metro RootScore Reports (U.S.)

Metro RootScore Reports compile data on the major national networks’ mobile performance within the 125 most populous U.S. metropolitan markets, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Airport RootScore Reports (U.S.)

the firm tests mobile network data performance at the 50 busiest U.S. airports, as designated by the FAA, measuring the network data performance of major operators on a typical day.[8] The data collection is conducted in publicly accessible areas, including common areas such as check-in, baggage claim, and various domestic terminals. Test cover typical travel days, avoiding major holidays.

UK and UK-Nation RootScore Reports

The firm publishes reports for the UK as a whole and also for the UK nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.[9] Test locations are randomly selected, and divided into groups by population size, with each population-based group given equal weighting.[10]

Metro RootScore Reports (UK)

UK Metro RootScore Reports compile data on the major national networks’ mobile performance within the 16 most populous UK Larger Urban Zones (LUZs).

RootScore Awards

RootScore Awards are assigned to the networks with the top score in Data/mobile internet performance, call performance, text performance, and Overall performance incorporating the three categories[11] [12] For U.S. airports, however, the awards are based only on the data/mobile internet performance.[13]

CoverageMap

The RootMetrics CoverageMap combines the company's scientifically-collected results with results crowdsourced from consumers. It is available both online and within the company’s mobile app for Android and iOS. It displays call performance, average call signal strength, download data speeds, and types of network technology available.

References

  1. ^ "Shopping for a Mobile Network? Cut Through the Marketing with RootMetrics". Flip the Media MCDM. 2011-07-25.
  2. ^ "Want to Know Which Mobile Network Is the Best? RootMetrics Settles the Score". Yahoo Finance. 2014-03-13.
  3. ^ "RootMetrics Methodology". RootMetrics. Retrieved 2014-08-01.
  4. ^ "Five things you didn't know about data testing (Smartphones Unlocked)". CNET. 2012-08-05.
  5. ^ "RootMetrics releases Android app, plans wireless awards". TechFlash.com. 2011-04-06.
  6. ^ "Root's Crowd Sourcing Launch Deemed A Success". Wireless Week. 2010-03-10.
  7. ^ "Meet the firm behind Verizon, AT&T's reliability, speed claims". CNET. 2013-08-06.
  8. ^ "Root Metrics Measures Cell Service At Airports, Which Carrier Wins?". NYC Aviation. 2013-08-07.
  9. ^ "Mobile speed tester RootMetrics expands to the UK". GigaOm. 2012-08-27.
  10. ^ "Infographic: Making sense of the spectrum debate". GigaOm. 2012-03-20.
  11. ^ "Who Has The Fastest LTE Service?". The New York Times. 2013-03-20.
  12. ^ "So who has the superior wireless network, anyway?". CNET. 2014-01-30.
  13. ^ "Airport mobile options dominated by Verizon and AT&T". CNBC. 2014-01-14.
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