The best-performing wireless network in America is…

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Verizon can once again claim that it has the best-performing wireless network, according to extensive nationwide testing by RootMetrics.

Wireless networks put to the test

Read more: How to improve the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home

Despite concerns that the return of unlimited data plans would hurt mobile network performance, RootMetrics’ testing for the first half of 2017 showed that hasn’t been the case.

Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile appear to be upgrading their networks to keep up with increased data usage.

For its latest report, professional testers with RootMetrics drove more than 275,000 miles while testing performance nationwide, from big cities to small towns.

In addition to an overall score, reliability, speed, data, call and text performance were measured.

Here’s a snapshot of the overall RootMetrics results from the first half of 2017:

RootMetrics first half 2017 scores
RootMetrics
  • Verizon: 94.5
  • AT&T: 92.9
  • Sprint: 87.9
  • T-Mobile: 86.5

A closer look at the rankings

RootMetrics described Verizon’s performance at the national level as “outstanding.” The carrier earned top honors for the eighth consecutive time.

It was the outright winner in five out of six categories:

  • Overall performance
  • Network reliability
  • Network speed
  • Data performance
  • Call performance

In the text performance category, Verizon shared the RootScore Award with AT&T and Sprint.

Second place AT&T offered “strong competition” at the national level, Sprint “showed improvement” and T-Mobile’s rankings remain unchanged, RootMetrics said.

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Just days after this latest report, Verizon hit the air with TV ads that mentioned its #1 status.

However, what matters most is how your cell phone provider performs where you live, where you work and where you travel. You can use this interactive map to search RootMetrics’ findings by city.

Read more: Best and worst cities for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint mobile networks

What we’re trying to say is that if service with a carrier other than Verizon is strong in your area, you may be able to cut your cell phone bill in half by switching to another provider — without sacrificing quality.

Take a look at your options in Clark’s best cell phone plans and deals guide for 2017.

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