HOUSTON, May 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- RootMetrics, an independent mobile analytics firm based in Seattle, released its eighth Houston RootScore^® report and Verizon Wireless received the highest award for overall network performance in and around the fourth most populous city in the United States.

Each RootScore is calculated from a combination of tests that are weighted to reflect the impact that a consumer would experience. Scores were based on RootMetrics testing performed between April 18-25, 2015, where the company ranked the four major U.S. wireless providers in six network performance categories: Overall, Reliability, Speed, Data, Call and Text.

RootMetrics drove over 3,856 miles across the Greater Houston area, as well as testing many indoor locations. The company said its study was designed to portray a typical consumer mobile network performance experience.

"What is most important is that our customers, especially in a city the size of Houston, have access to a consistently reliable wireless network when and where they want it," said Krista Bourne, president, Houston/Gulf Coast Region - Verizon Wireless. "We have a clear competitive advantage with XLTE, and these most recent studies are further confirmation of our continued commitment to deliver on our brand promise of providing customers with the best network experience."

Verizon operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

In mid-2014, Verizon Wireless rolled out its latest XLTE network technology in Houston. XLTE utilizes Verizon's AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum to double 4G LTE network capacity.  Greater capacity means more customers at once can send photos, download videos, surf the internet and more at peak speeds on their smartphones, tablets and other devices.

While XLTE network enhancements are invisible to the customer, the mobile experience is not. XLTE-ready devices automatically access both 700 MHz spectrum and the AWS spectrum in XLTE cities, such as Houston. XLTE adds capacity in neighborhoods or areas where demand is high, especially during busy periods like rush hour, lunch times in crowded areas or during events when mobile data use is the highest.

For more information, visit the Verizon Wireless News Center and follow Regional PR Manager Gretchen Whitaker on Twitter at @GretchenLeJeune. For the full report, visit www.rootmetrics.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.  As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.6 million retail customers, including 102.6 million retail postpaid customers.  Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews. 

Rankings based on RootMetrics Houston (April 2015) RootScore Report for mobile performance as tested on best available plans and devices on four mobile networks across all available network types. Your experiences may vary. The RootMetrics award is not an endorsement of Verizon.Visit www.rootmetrics.com for more details.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gretchen Whitaker
Verizon Wireless
713.219.8028
Gretchen.Whitaker@VerizonWireless.com

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SOURCE Verizon Wireless