JD Power study shows we’re noticing more problems with mobile networks, even with 5G

Image: Alex Castro / The Verge

According to a new study measuring mobile network performance in the US, there has been an increase in network problems with slow performance or the inability to load content cited as the most common complaints. The dip in network quality is attributed to increased usage.

The number of problems per 100 connections was used to rank each mobile carrier. The results show that AT&T is the carrier with the most issues, but it is tied with the company in the Northeastern region. T-Mobile was behind the two carriers everywhere in the US.

Issues apparently decreased in areas where 5G is available, which tracks with a previous study conducted byJD Power from July to December 2021, that found a wider roll out of 5G helped mitigate network problems. The average for network problems per 100 devices was nine in most areas and 10 in the Southeast and Southwest. In the most recent study, the region average jumped to 10 in most of the country and to 11 in the Southeast and Southwest.

Ian Greenblatt said that an increase in wireless and device usage would catch up to network quality. Slow loading times and calls not going through are the most influential problems on network quality ratings when 5G is available.

The company that leads the way when it comes to 5G coverage is T-Mobile. T-Mobile expanded its mid-band 5G spectrum years ahead of AT&T and Verizon due to an ongoing feud with the FAA.