AT&T Denies ABI Report, Insists They Carry The Most 3G Traffic 'It is not clear how ABI reached its conclusions,' says carrier... Yesterday we directed your attention to a new study from ABI Research that claimed that both Sprint and Verizon carried more mobile data traffic in 2009 than AT&T. That was fairly surprising, considering all the noise made last year about how iPhone bandwidth demand was nearly swallowing AT&T whole. Yet according to ABI, Verizon (thanks to broader 3G coverage) and Sprint carried 63% of the US market's mobile network data traffic, though third place AT&T did have the most activated data devices in 2009. However, AT&T contacted Broadband Reports to insist the study isn't accurate. "It is not clear how ABI Research reached its conclusions, but I can tell you that our research and analysis of other third-party data indicates that AT&T carries more mobile data traffic than any other U.S. provider," insists AT&T spokesman Seth Bloom. According to AT&T, the company's research and analysis of other third-party data sources suggests AT&T handles about 50% of all mobile data traffic in the U.S., be that via laptop or phone. The company also points out that they offer twice the number of smartphones as the nearest competitor (ABI found that both Sprint and Verizon served more laptop 3G users) and that mobile traffic on the AT&T network has grown by 5,000% over the last three years. We've reached out to ABI Research to get their thoughts on why AT&T and ABI's version of wireless reality don't match.
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  BF69Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN | at&t stumped? However, AT&T contacted Broadband Reports to insist the study isn't accurate. "It is not clear how ABI Research reached its conclusions, but I can tell you that our research and analysis of other third-party data indicates that AT&T carries more mobile data traffic than any other U.S. provider," insists AT&T spokesman Seth Bloom.
Well at&t let me explain. For example in my state you only provide 3G in the major cities while Verizon provides it to at least 95% of the state. So duh one would assume Verizon 3G is getting used more. I can't use your 3G if you refuse to provide it to me. | |
|  |  RobIn Deo speramus, God Bless the USAPremium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
kudos:2 | Re: at&t stumped? said by BF69:However, AT&T contacted Broadband Reports to insist the study isn't accurate. "It is not clear how ABI Research reached its conclusions, but I can tell you that our research and analysis of other third-party data indicates that AT&T carries more mobile data traffic than any other U.S. provider," insists AT&T spokesman Seth Bloom.
Well at&t let me explain. For example in my state you only provide 3G in the major cities while Verizon provides it to at least 95% of the state. So duh one would assume Verizon 3G is getting used more. I can't use your 3G if you refuse to provide it to me. IMO that's the wrong assumption. It's not who has the bigger network, it's who has the more 3G phones on their network.
As I said in the other article, since the iPhone automatically switches to any open wifi networks, I believe this has assisted AT&T in not having an overloaded 3G network.
You never realize how many open Wifi networks there are until you have an iphone. Then you start seeing how it constantly connects to different wifi networks.
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| | | | | Re: at&t stumped? said by Rob:You never realize how many open Wifi networks there are until you have an iphone. Then you start seeing how it constantly connects to different wifi networks. That's why I pretty much locked up my wifi shut with WPA2 (enterprise).
With ISP caps and other restrictions I'd advise everyone to do the same. The last thing you need are a bunch of iFreeloaders hogging up your bandwidth. | |
| | | BF69Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN | said by Rob:IMO that's the wrong assumption. It's not who has the bigger network, it's who has the more 3G phones on their network. If you have the largest 3G network you are going to have the most 3G usage. It's common sense. You act like the Iphone is the only 3G phone. It's not.
most phones now have 3G. Ok so for example in my state 95% of those that have Verizon 3G phones can use 3G. Maybe at most maybe 50% of those that have at&t 3G phones can. 95>50 FACT. Unless you want to make an argument that the average Verizon customer would use less 3G than the average at&t customer which you have no factual basis to back that claim up. | |
| | | | RobIn Deo speramus, God Bless the USAPremium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
kudos:2
1 edit | Re: at&t stumped? said by BF69:said by Rob:IMO that's the wrong assumption. It's not who has the bigger network, it's who has the more 3G phones on their network. If you have the largest 3G network you are going to have the most 3G usage. It's common sense. You act like the Iphone is the only 3G phone. It's not. most phones now have 3G. Ok so for example in my state 95% of those that have Verizon 3G phones can use 3G. Maybe at most maybe 50% of those that have at&t 3G phones can. 95>50 FACT. Unless you want to make an argument that the average Verizon customer would use less 3G than the average at&t customer which you have no factual basis to back that claim up. Of course the iPhone isn't the only 3G phone.
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| | | | rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO | Not necessarily. A wider coverage area does not necessarily serve more subscribers. Look at Qwest. They have a lot of the mountain states with very few population centers. Geographically, they have a huge area but from a subscriber perspective, they must be dead last.
In Missouri, AT&T provides 3G to the following population centers:
Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Independence, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, Poplar Bluff, Springfield, St. Joseph, St. Louis. These cities comprise 90% or 95% of the state's population. Without knowing 3G subscriber counts, it's shaky to infer that Verizon passes more 3G traffic in Missouri because the network covers more rural areas. | |
| | | | | | | Re: at&t stumped? What does 90 to 95 percent served mean. Does it mean they are stationary in these population centers? Does it mean they never travel? And there are those that don't have it that come in and use it. Point being, I live in Paducah, which STILL doesn't have 3G, though they say it is supposedly going to be here by this summer. I have NO 3G until I get to either St. Louis, Hopkinsville, Cape Girardeau, or Nashville (Clarksville). Verizon?? 3G all of those cities, and 80-90 percent in between. I could drive all the way to St. Louis with Verizon and be on 3G (as a passenger in the car, let's say). No matter how you spin it with AT&T, how many they serve, and "coverage" are completely different. Remember this is a mobile business and mobile device. AT&T needs to consider a different selling point. Because right now, all they have is supposedly the fastest 3G network, in population centers. You can be 3G mobile as long as you don't leave the city limits. | |
| | | | | | rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO
2 edits | Re: at&t stumped? Don't mistake my post for an ATT fanboy. I was only providing a different opinion to the OP that a larger coverage area means more 3G traffic. (I'm looking at this from a purely rational perspective and not a my company is better than your company.) If ATT has more 3G smart-phone subscribers and most of those subscribers travel within their 3G coverage area, ATT will pass more 3G data even though their coverage is less. Although plausible, because of their smaller coverage, it's unlikely that ATT customers spend most of their time on Edge. Although it would scare us, I'm sure ATT could map their customer's travels within their network. I'm going to guess that a person already in a 3G area spends a majority of their "usage time" within that same area. I know lots of folks travel but I would say that most folks in my office with 3G iPhones do not travel outside their home 3G area and when they do, they travel to another 3G area. As an example, the guy who sits next to me returned from Chicago and another from Minneapolis. | |
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| |  The Dv8orJust call me Dong Suck Oh, M.D.Premium
join:2001-08-09
Denver, CO | said by Rob:As I said in the other article, since the iPhone automatically switches to any open wifi networks, I believe this has assisted AT&T in not having an overloaded 3G network. This is an incorrect statement. I get prompted to join open networks, but it does not automatically switch over to any network unless I specifically say so, or if it is a previously joined network.
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| | | |  ptrowskiGot Helix?Premium
join:2005-03-14
Putnam, CT
kudos:4
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| Re: at&t stumped? said by The Dv8or:said by Rob:As I said in the other article, since the iPhone automatically switches to any open wifi networks, I believe this has assisted AT&T in not having an overloaded 3G network. This is an incorrect statement. I get prompted to join open networks, but it does not automatically switch over to any network unless I specifically say so, or if it is a previously joined network. Mine does also, but I believe you can have it join without being prompted.
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| | | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3 | You're getting closer, but still not 100% accurate.. if you're near any ATT wifi, yes, you ARE automatically connected to that network as ATT wifi is already "trusted".. but you are right, you are prompted.. I think many people confuse that method by saying "Automatically Connected" when in fact you are "automatically PROMPTED" which is more accurate. But, like you said too, once you've joined a network, you ARE automatically connected to that network as well.
I believe that people with typical habits do not tell the iPhone to "forget this network" either.. | |
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| | fiberguyMy views are my own.Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3
1 edit | Hmmm.. I personally have 2 iPhone 3GS phones and between the two of them, I use about 100mb a month - reason, most of them are off-setting their traffic to the WiFi networks I'm around.
In the end, it has nothing to do with who has the bigger network, or how many phones, ... it has to do purely with how much is being used.
But, I think AT&T thinks that since they have the iPhone that they're only naturally going to be using more 3G data than anyone - while that may be true with older iPhones where software didn't automatically try to connect you to a WiFi network, I really doubt they can stand on that fact any more.
On another note, too, just becuase of the pure number of iPhone 3G and 3Gs phones out there doesn't mean that they are all using 3G data period. What I really don't get is why anyone living in a non-3G area would even flock to the iPhone 3G anyway.. it also seems a little screwey for AT&T to even push the 3G iPhone in areas where there really is no coverage anyway.. or anywhere close; just seems like it's mis-leading to the customer. Yes, I know that they may travel TO areas that are 3G covered, but, there are also many areas where there isn't 3G for many many many miles either.. so why bother? | |
| | | | | | Re: at&t stumped? Because people will buy it anyway. not for the 3g network...but for the phone anyway....why would a company care what who is buying as long as they are buying them? its still the same monthly cost if your in 2G or 3G. | |
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| |  MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | said by Rob:You never realize how many open Wifi networks there are until you have an iphone. Then you start seeing how it constantly connects to different wifi networks. Not automatically. | |
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| Re: at&t stumped? said by Matt:said by Rob:You never realize how many open Wifi networks there are until you have an iphone. Then you start seeing how it constantly connects to different wifi networks. Not automatically. It AUTOMAGICALLY connects to ATTWIFI hotspots...
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| | | | MRCUR
join:2007-03-09
Columbia, PA | You do in fact connect to AT&T WiFi hotspots automatically. But you're right - otherwise the phone just prompts you to connect. | |
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| | | I agree. This seems like more smoke and mirrors from AT&T. It's as simple as them not investing in their network as much as other companies. (It has been proven that their CAPEX investments are less than both Verizon AND Sprint.) Now come an influx of iPhone users and here is your data crunch. This does not mean by any stretch they are pushing anywhere near as much data as Sprint or Verizon.
Facts are facts and AT&T's 3G coverage map is only a fraction of Verizons and I'd be willing to bet a majority of the data usage on a mobile network comes from business laptop connect cards and it would not surprise me if Verizon and Sprint had a lot higher take rate just based on coverage availability alone.
Just my 0.02 as an AT&T iPhone user. I don't feel bad for them with the amount of money I give them every month. I find it reasonable for the revenue they are getting, they should be able to adequately invest in their network and stop pointing fingers and complaining. That is not how you hold onto customers long-term. | |
| | | | I am in a major city (well at least for TN) and I only get about 200k from Verizon. I was getting close to a 1Mb from Sprint on the phone my last employer provided. I can't speak on AT&T as I don't have access to an AT&T phone to test with.
I can't say that I am all that impressed with Verizon but I'm not going to complain too much since I pay nothing for the phone. | |
| | | BF69Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN | Re: at&t stumped? said by battleop:I am in a major city (well at least for TN) and I only get about 200k from Verizon. I was getting close to a 1Mb from Sprint on the phone my last employer provided. I can't speak on AT&T as I don't have access to an AT&T phone to test with. But here's the rub in most places in TN you can't even get Sprint regular mobile phone service let alone 3G and at&t 3G is non-existent in most places as well. So while Verizon may be "only" be at 200 kbps that's faster than the 1Xrtt speeds people like me would be from at&t and Sprint. My area has as many at&t towers as Verizon towers yet only Verizon offer 3G. Nearest at&t 3G is in Jackson over 50 miles away. ZERO excuse for that. | |
| | | | | | Re: at&t stumped? I really don't give a crap who has what coverage 50 miles from Jackson. I only care about who has what coverage where I am. | |
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| | | said by BF69:Well at&t let me explain. For example in my state you only provide 3G in the major cities while Verizon provides it to at least 95% of the state. So duh one would assume Verizon 3G is getting used more. I can't use your 3G if you refuse to provide it to me. Same kind of coverage in my state (Idaho). I know Idaho isn't very dense population wise, but still. | |
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|  EdrickI aspire to tell the story of a lifetimePremium
join:2004-09-11
Woburn, MA | Just a case of AT&T Having a sore thumb and not wanting to admit that their problems were cause of the way they developed their network. Of couse the companies going to claim it has the most data usage just like it claims it has the most 3G Coverage. | |
| | | The report was about DATA I does not matter how many smart phones anybody has. The report was about 3G Data. Sprint and Verizon both have thousands of "mobile" data cards out there. Many people are forced to even use them as there primary ISP. Thats why AT&T is not on top. | |
| | | | Re: The report was about DATA BINGO! My company has users in just about every state in the country both big cities and out in the sticks. The only network that covers 99% of the users is Verizon. That's why we have 500 Verizon datacards and 700 Verizon Blackberry devices while only having about 20 AT&T Blackberry devices. (there are some rural locations that have better ATT then Verizon, believe it or not.)
Who knows how typical that is, but companies with a large remote force Verizon is the way to go.
said by stanleycr1: I does not matter how many smart phones anybody has. The report was about 3G Data. Sprint and Verizon both have thousands of "mobile" data cards out there. Many people are forced to even use them as there primary ISP. Thats why AT&T is not on top. | |
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 gballMaster YodaPremium
join:2000-11-28
South Bend, IN | AT&T 3g sucks in my area I usually always have 3g here around town but its always slow as hell!! | |
| | | Too Funny AT&T will pout and hold their breath now till their customer troops assail these despicable assertions and 'prove' them wrong. | |
| bdon78I didn't do it
join:2009-05-18
Decatur, GA | No problem here I'm in Atlanta (HQ), so fortunately my AT&T service/speeds are up to par, in fact no issues at all. I also had Tmobile here in Atlanta with no issues (for voice, didn't use them like I use AT&T's network for data)
But, it does make you stop to think... the iPhone changed how people used their phone, it was the first phone where everyone.. EVERYONE, browsed more then you would have in the past on the phone. So, I wouldn't be surprised if AT&T had greater data traffic.
Interested to see what "ABI Research" has to say in response to AT&Ts comments here. Anyone have a clue as to who the firm is? (or who paid them). I tried going to the study: »www.abiresearch.com/research/1005286
But.. no luck in finding who paid for the study.. (VZW?) | |
|  exocet_cmYou delete it, I'll find itPremium
join:2003-03-23
New Orleans, LA
kudos:2 | AT&T carries the most hot air... ...and bullsh*t on their network. That about sums it up. | |
|  GbcueAlmost P.E.Premium
join:2001-09-30
Santa Rosa, CA
kudos:8 | More Graphs! I want to see the current graph, but with the line that shows their CAPEX. I bet it isn't a 4932% increase in that.
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| | | AT&T's response "AT&T contacted Broadband Reports to insist the study isn't accurate. "It is not clear how ABI Research reached its conclusions, but I can tell you that our research and analysis of other third-party data indicates that AT&T carries more mobile data traffic than any other U.S. provider," insists AT&T spokesman Seth Bloom."
He never said AT&T carries more mobile 3G data traffic...... He only said they carry more mobile data traffic.
is he counting EDGE and GPRS??? the ABI report clearly states 3G only. | |
| | ptrowskiGot Helix?Premium
join:2005-03-14
Putnam, CT
kudos:4 Reviews:
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| Re: AT&T's response said by djhexer:"AT&T contacted Broadband Reports to insist the study isn't accurate. "It is not clear how ABI Research reached its conclusions, but I can tell you that our research and analysis of other third-party data indicates that AT&T carries more mobile data traffic than any other U.S. provider," insists AT&T spokesman Seth Bloom." He never said AT&T carries more mobile 3G data traffic...... He only said they carry more mobile data traffic. is he counting EDGE and GPRS??? the ABI report clearly states 3G only. Very good point....
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| |  AlakarFacts do not cease to exist when ignored
join:2001-03-23
Milwaukee, WI | 3G only? Since you have to pay for the report, if you have it please post the relevant part that says they are talking 3G only.
The overview of the report from the ABI website says:
Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile
In 2009, AT&T's network problems received considerable press coverage, yet its mobile data network traffic is not the highest. This study provides a step-by-step analysis of the factors driving mobile data network traffic for Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and the combination of all other US carriers. Factors quantified as contributing to mobile operator data traffic levels include total data devices by operator, total data-activated devices by operator, and total data consumption by device type by operator.
Devices analyzed include:
Handsets: smartphones, enhanced phones, low-end phones, ultra-low end phones;
External Modems: PC Cards, USB modems, 3G/Wi-Fi routers;
Computing Devices: laptops, netbooks, MIDs, smartbooks
Consumer Electronics: mobile gaming console, mobile media player, mobile digital still camera, mobile digital camcorder, connected navigation devices, other (mostly mobile e-readers)
The report also quantifies the mobile network data traffic levels for the business and consumer segments by operator, including each segment's activated data device distribution. Also included in this analysis are a detailed explanation of the factors causing AT&T's network issues, the significant trends driving mobile data network traffic, and operator recommendations.
I would still like to see how they gathered the data to determine what traffic load is going over what network. I've never heard of any of the big wireless carriers releasing detailed info like that.
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| | | | | Re: AT&T's response The title of the article says 3G. That is what I was going by. | |
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 AmeritecTechChange we can believe in, 1922Premium
join:2002-09-06
Houston, TX
kudos:6 | I've never seen raw data published... Isn't this just guesswork? I've never seen published data on how much data Sprint and Verizon and etc. are pushing. | |
| Reviews:
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| Reminds me of the 2000 presidential elections The one with more votes loses.
at&t serves the major markets (read: densely populated), and probably leads those markets because of the iphone. Verizon does too, but their coverage is more widespread than at&t's.
So based on that, I think at&t gets my vote.
But, Verizon might have more wireless traffic via non-phone devices. Laptops uses more bandwidth than mobile phones. Websites serves a more streamlined site or mobile portals if they detect a mobile client. So Verizon wins here.
But I think it's a toss-up.
These companies better not waste resources and energy throwing marketing jabs to each other, and just concentrate on providing better service to all of us.
Consumers know what's best for them, and will vote with their wallets. | |
| NJ_Ray
join:2005-02-11
Dunellen, NJ | Bean counters "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts, can be counted" - Albert Einstein | |
| | | at&t dropped the ... ball? packet? both? hmm?
at&t had a really good network at one time. Thing is, times changes as did technologies. Sure at&t may have one heck of a fancy smarty pants phone, but along with 5000% subscriber growth MUST come 5000% network improvement/upgrades.
at&t didn't follow thru with upgrades, thus the network isn't up to snuff anymore.
Go figure!
at&t management is full of male bovine excrement! the figures quoted by at&t, are obviously, how do you say ... "tweaked"?
The proof is in the pudding! Growth must = investment
without investment, growth goes down the tubes. No ... silly at&t manager, not the tubes that make up the Internet. It's not just a series of tubes.
it's too bad the folks making at&t's network, don't know what it takes to make at&t's net, actually work. | |
| |  AVDRespice, Adspice, ProspicePremium
join:2003-02-06
Onion, NJ | Re: at&t dropped the ... said by t3ln3t :
ball? packet? both? hmm?
at&t had a really good network at one time. Thing is, times changes as did technologies. Sure at&t may have one heck of a fancy smarty pants phone, but along with 5000% subscriber growth MUST come 5000% network improvement/upgrades.
at&t didn't follow thru with upgrades, thus the network isn't up to snuff anymore.
5000 iphones in manhattan cannot download as much data as 50,000 sprint devices in the tri state area. The bottle-neck is at the tower.
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