Verizon dominates us wireless rankings, shifting power dynamics
Verizon has surged
to the top of the heap, claiming multiple ‘RootScore’ awards and reshaping the competitive landscape of US wireless service, according to the latest data released by Ookla.
Big red’s ascent: a dramatic shift in performance
The report, analyzing millions of tests nationwide, reveals a significant turnaround for Verizon, surpassing AT&T and even edging out T-Mobile in key performance metrics. This marks a notable departure from the January 2026 State of the Mobile Union study, where Verizon held a more solitary position as the overall performance leader.
Verizon now holds the top spot in several crucial categories, including overall performance, network reliability, text performance, network responsiveness, data performance, and video performance. They’ve secured more ‘wins’ than AT&T, a clear indication of their recent improvements.
While Verizon’s H2 2025 performance was already impressive – boasting a solo victory in overall performance and a tied gold medal in call performance – this latest data shows a continued upward trajectory. The sheer volume of awards secured by Verizon – a staggering tally of multiple wins across various categories – underscores their renewed commitment to network optimization.
However, the fight isn't over. AT&T is showing marked improvement, moving from just one trophy in the previous report to now claiming four tied awards. This indicates a concerted effort to close the gap, though they still lag behind Verizon in overall performance.
T-Mobile, despite not claiming the top spot, continues to maintain a strong position in 5G availability, tying AT&T once again. They've also bolstered their 5G reliability rating, posing a genuine challenge to Verizon’s supremacy in that segment. Notably, both Verizon and T-Mobile achieved median download speeds of over 200 Mbps in 123 of 125 major cities – a testament to the ongoing investment in infrastructure.
Verizon’s median download speeds hit an astonishing 399 Mbps across the nation, dwarfing AT&T’s 210 Mbps. This isn’t just a performance boost; it's a fundamental shift in user experience across the US.
The data confirms a clear trend: the US wireless market is becoming increasingly competitive, with all three major carriers delivering exceptional speeds and reliability. But for now, Verizon’s dominance is undeniable – a decisive victory in the ongoing battle for mobile supremacy.