AT&T vs. Verizon in 4G: Which network is faster?

AT&T has the fastest 4G network, according to a recent post from CNET. The article cites the latest data from Root Metrics, which found that despite the wireless carrier's smaller 4G LTE coverage area, it's somehow managing to outshine its rivals in speed. As part of its speed test, Root Metrics measured the top four U.S. mobile carriers. AT&T beat them all -- even the lauded Verizon. 

From CNET:

"Among the top four U.S. mobile carriers measured by Root Metrics, AT&T took the top spot with an average LTE-only download speed of 18.6 megabits per second and an average upload speed of 9Mbps. Its maximum download speed averaged 57.7Mbps, while its fastest upload speed averaged 19.6Mbps."

Researchers were reportedly able to connect to the carrier's LTE network 81.7 percent of the time. That rate actually comes in second to the one on Verizon Wireless' network. But outside of its top-notch reliability rate, Verizon ended up taking second place in the 4G speed tests:

"The carrier offered an average LTE download speed of 14.3Mbps and an average upload speed of 8.5Mbps. Its maximum speeds averaged 49.3Mbps on the downstream and 19.7Mbps on the upstream. And its 93.2 percent reliability rate was the best among the bunch."

Verizon, not surprisingly, took first place for its LTE coverage. The carrier boasts availability in all 77 LTE markets included in the study. AT&T, on the other hand, only reached 47 of those same cities. In case you're curious, Sprint ended up taking third place with an average 10.3Mbps for LTE downloads and 4.4Mbps for uploads. As for coverage, Sprint only reached five (yes, five) of the 77 markets. 

Let us know what you think about AT&T and Verizon's 4G speed tests. Which carrier do you use? Are faster 4G speeds enough to make you switch, or is coverage more important?