Press release

Network Operators Go Head to Head on the 5G Playing Field at the Super Bowl

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Today Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. (GWS) is announcing the results of its advanced network testing at the Super Bowl in Miami. The tests measured the performances of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon’s 5G networks during one of the most well attended sporting events in the country.

GWS deployed network testing specialists in Miami for Sunday’s big game, Super Bowl LIV at the Hard Rock Stadium where over 62,000 fans cheered on their respective teams. GWS network tests were conducted using the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G devices for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon.

Collection was conducted throughout the entire day of festivities to capture the full mobile experience available to fans. In particular, GWS network testing specialists conducted testing at the Gameday Fan plaza before entering the stadium, where fans had a chance to pre-game while enjoying food and drinks, different interactive stations, as well as events and performances that took place ahead of the game. Once inside the stadium, network testing specialists collected test samples in a variety of locations including multiple concourse and seating areas across the stadium, enabling GWS to fully measure how well the 5G networks performed.

GWS test results show that although mobile operators came prepared to show off their 5G networks, not all were successful in providing the hyped throughputs that have been boasted.

Key Findings:

  • AT&T had the highest average 5G download throughput at 337 Mbps, with Verizon at 200 Mbps and T-Mobile at 31 Mbps.
  • Over the entire game day, maximum 5G throughput offered by AT&T was 878 Mbps vs. 924 Mbps for Verizon; T-Mobile offered a max 5G throughput of 175 Mbps.
  • Taking into account that when 5G resources are not available, the networks revert to 4G; as a result the following blended 4G/5G network speeds were observed: AT&T and Verizon averaged 150 Mbps while T-Mobile averaged 56 Mbps and Sprint (4G network only) averaged 29 Mbps.
  • AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all showed average 5G bandwidth of 100MHz.
  • 5G mm-wave beamforming was observed on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon with an average 8-9 beams per cell.
  • Sprint’s 5G network, announced as live in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, was tested for but not found during any tests.

Methodology:

GWS conducted competitive benchmark testing across the Tier 1 operators (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon) throughout Super Bowl LIV on Sunday, February 2nd at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Collection was conducted utilizing SwissQual QualiPoc on Samsung Galaxy S10 5G devices.

GWS testing specialists conducted collection at the Gameday Fan Plaza outside the stadium as well as throughout the concourse areas and seating inside the stadium.

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc:

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. defines the industry standard for network benchmarking, analysis and testing. Working with some of the world’s largest wireless network providers, GWS offers standardized, high-quality network data and engineering analysis through a suite of benchmarking products, services, and OneMeasure diagnostic apps that includes drive, venue, and in-building testing. Founded in 1996, GWS is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. At last count, GWS has driven more than 12.5 million data collection miles for its customers. For more information, visit www.gwsolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at @gwsolutionsinc.