'Tis the season for unwrapping wireless network claims

If wireless is on your holiday shopping list, it’s critical that you do your homework to know just how those products and services will perform before you make a purchase. Verizon offers the following tips to help you unwrap the truth about wireless network coverage and capabilities in the DC region:

· Ho, ho, whoa! Some promotions sound good but have terms that can impact your network experience. Dramatically slower speeds and termination of service are examples of possible problems.

· Naughty…or nice? Evaluate claims such as “strongest” and ask for proof of real benefit for the customer.

· Checking that list twice. Impartial third-parties use performance measurement methodology grounded in science, with results recognized by experts as reliable and accurate. The independent network testing firm, RootMetrics, has just issued its RootScore Report for the second half of 2015 for Washington, DC, and ranked Verizon #1 for overall network performance in the nation’s capital. Beware of studies and claims that rely on crowd-sourced data or limited survey pools.

· And to all a good night! Consider the scope and breadth of coverage (after all, the technology is “mobile”), especially if you will be living or traveling through rural parts of the U.S.

· All through the house. Ask if the wireless company you are considering employs its own program to test every element of its wireless experience across varied geographies.

· Better not pout. Research how each company’s network has performed in adverse conditions, such as the aftermath of a natural disaster. If they’ve performed well before, they likely will be there again when you need them most.

· Being good for goodness sake. Sustained investment in network technology and infrastructure over the past 10-15 years often illustrates a company’s commitment to quality performance. Verizon invested $537 million in its DC/MD/VA network in 2014 alone, and more than $10 billion last year to improve and fortify its nationwide network which covers 98% of the U.S. population.

It’s important to know what you are buying. Shopping tips like these will help you be an informed buyer and help ensure that that special someone on your shopping list is a satisfied customer. Happy holidays from Verizon.