July 24, 2015
In its biannual report released Thursday, independent network analysis company RootMetrics ranked Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) among the country's worst airports for mobile data speeds.
Using off-the-shelf smartphones, RootMetrics tested performance under typical conditions at the 50 busiest U.S. airports. Throughout each airport, the test team collected samples at locations passengers typically visit.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, the country's busiest airport, came in at No. 1. PHL ranked in the bottom five, coming in at No. 46.
AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile recorded the fastest median download speeds at PHL, with speeds ranging from 2.9 Mbps to 3.2 Mbps. T-Mobile recorded the fastest median upload speed at 6.2 Mbps.
Top 5 Airports:
1. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta (AT&T)
2. Cleveland-Hopkins International (T-Mobile)
3. Southwest Florida International, Fort Myers (Verizon)
4. San Jose International Airport (T-Mobile)
5. Dallas Love Field (Verizon, AT&T)
Read the full RootMetrics report.
In a separate report by Cheapflights.com, PHL ranked No. 6 among the most affordable airports in the country, with an average airfare of $267. The airport went up 42 spots from last year, when the average fare came in at $386.
"Cheaper fares from major airports means more affordable travel for many coming from these popular departure points," Cheapflights said.
