Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) has announced the launch of its benchmark testing app in the UK. The app, which is only available on Android devices for now, is designed for mobile operators, device manufacturers, regulators and engineers.

The app aims to be a product which is the most comprehensive in its class, aiming to “systematically measure the real-time performance of wireless networks,” according to the press bumf. This is through a variety of avenues, naturally including cellular and Wi-Fi, as well as data speeds, drop outs and latency through packet loss and jitter.

The app also aims to be flexible, through management of projects as well as giving single test or multi test scenarios.

“Our benchmarking app is designed to provide accurate testing of mobile network performance,” said Paul Carter, GWS CEO and president. “With major networks currently making significant improvements to their infrastructures, we’re constantly seeing the evolution of mobile at work.

“It’s time for network benchmarking to follow suit, and to keep pace,” he added.

Picture credit: Global Wireless Solutions

GWS’ prime foes in the benchmarking stakes are RootMetrics, who released their crowdsourced data last week.  Their test found that EE came top among call performance, text reliability, network speed, coverage and mobile internet.

The USP of RootMetrics’ testing is the CoverageMap, which Android and iOS users can download, assess, and then add to via their own testing.

GWS adds that Apple’s OS doesn’t work with the sort of functionality their app is looking for, but tentatively adds an iOS version of the app will be available towards the end of this year.

What’s your view on benchmark testing? Which method do you prefer?