From CNET: T-Mobile is taking a new approach to the staid wireless-coverage map.
The company unveiled on Monday its "next-gen" network map, which uses real-time data collected from customers and through third-party sources such as Speedtest.net and Inrix. What makes it next gen? It isn't a static map, but one that will get updated every two weeks with new data. Customers will be able to drill down to an area of 100 square meters.
The network map gives consumers a chance to find out whether T-Mobile's coverage is sufficient in their area before taking a chance on the carrier. It's one of the ways T-Mobile is hoping to fight the perception that its network lags behind rivals such as AT&T and Verizon Wireless when it comes to breadth of coverage; rival maps shows significant gaps where T-Mobile isn't available. While T-Mobile offers speedy coverage in the major metropolitan areas, its coverage has traditionally fallen short in more rural territories and inside buildings.
"This is pure, unfiltered customer data," T-Mobile Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray said, arguing that the new map offers more accurate information than any other because it uses 200 million data points culled from customers each day.
In addition to relying on third-party firms, T-Mobile collects data from customers who opt in to a program that allows the carrier to monitor the performance of their phones. The data is collected and combined anonymously, he said.
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