Download PDF version of the test here
THE GREAT 2017 MOBILE NETWORK TEST IN GERMANY
At the end of 2016, we conducted our annual mobile network benchmark for the 23rd time. Together with our renowned benchmarking partner P3 communications, once again we have investigated, which mobile operators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are a cut above the rest – with utmost effort and our objective, customer-oriented testing methodology.
The network operators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland wait for the results of our annual mobile network benchmark with the highest tension imaginable. As in the years before, we have conducted this benchmark as part of our well-proven cooperation with the Aachen-based network testing specialist P3 communications.
However, we have never before experienced such harsh disputes with some of the test candidates in the forefront of our test. They argued about questions like which smartphone models were to be used for the measurements, how the test routes should be put together or how we should balance the individual voice and data results. Eventually, all their reasoning could be traced back to one purpose: Some of the candidates hoped to gain advantages in those areas where they believed to be particularly strong and having the edge over their competitors.
We did show good sportsmanship interpreting the pressure built up by some of the candidates in the run-up of our test as proof for the high relevance and acceptance of our benchmarks within the whole industry.
Quality benchmark for many years
Traditionally, fairness and transparency play a very big role in our network test. In any case, with all decisions concerning methodology and scoring, our highest priority is always to ensure the significance of our benchmark for you, our readers.
As a matter of principle, connect and P3 value objective and authoritative results about the actual quality and performance of the cellular networks second to none. Everybody interested can find an exact description of our methodology in chapter “Methodology”.
So, on the following pages you can read the answers to many thrilling questions: Has Deutsche Telekom been able to defend its top rank in Germany? How does O2 rank, after its owner Telefónica has started to combine this network‘s former radio cells with those of E-Plus, which they bought in 2014 (also see page 15). Which operators come out on top in Austria and Switzerland, where the contest is traditionally conducted on an especially high performance level?
Not all contestants will like all of the answers and results. This again proves to us that we have done a good job. Because this is the only way for us to guarantee that truly everybody can fully rely on our test results.