Testing 3G Networks Across the US 108
PCWorld recently tested the 3G networks of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint in 13 different cities across the US. They've now posted the results, which show that Sprint and Verizon are neck-and-neck for reliability, while AT&T has consistently higher upload rates. From the article: "Across more than 20 testing locations in each of the 13 cities we tested, Verizon had an average download speed of 951 kbps. Verizon demonstrated good reliability, too; the network was available at a reasonable and uninterrupted speed in 89.8 percent of our tests. Sprint's 3G network delivered a solid connection in 90.5 percent of our 13-city tests. Sprint's average download speed of 808 kbps across 13 cities wasn't flashy (at that speed, a 1MB file downloads in 10 seconds), but dependability is an important asset. The Sprint network performed especially well, both in speed and in reliability, in our test cities in the western part of the United States. The AT&T network's 13-city average download speed in our tests was 812 kbps. Its average upload speed was 660 kbps. Reliability was an issue in our experience of the AT&T system: Our testers were able to make a connection at a reasonable, uninterrupted speed in only 68 percent of their tests." What have you noticed about the various carriers in your city?
And then the commercials (Score:5, Informative)
So based on the results of this test, I think we can expect commercials from all three carriers claiming that they are the fastest* 3g network around with the best reliability**.
Even as an owner of an iphone who knew what he was getting, Apple/ATT's commercials really get under my skin with their claims regarding the speed/capabilities of the phone. Of course, they get away with it with a 0.3 mS flash of text that informs us that the performance was artificially shortened. Comcast is another company whose commercials strike me as pure lies and misinformation based on a grain of truth***.
*For some definitions of fast
**The network will reliably not cause your phone to collapse into a singularity.
***Results from Brooklyn Bridge Sales LLC.
Verizon wins (Score:3, Informative)
So crap speeds? (Score:2, Informative)
So Australia actually has significantly faster 3G networks than America... Wow!
Re:Verizon wins (Score:2, Informative)
It doesn't surprise me in the least though, as I live in a city of 120,000 - in a housing development, not out in the boonies, and right up the street from my house is "no signal" even for voice calls. Coverage and reliability on these carriers in the US is always a problem and with scores between 68% and 90.5% all you can really infer from that is, "these folks really shouldn't even be selling this service until they have it working.". (Perhaps they should have it in beta still.)
Combination of AT&T + NYC = screwed (Score:2, Informative)
Not only that, you have the worst service of any city that AT&T covers.
Not only that, you have the worst service that ANY carrier provides in any city.
Screwed.
"it's the spaces in between" (Score:2, Informative)
That's exactly what this new network is for [slashdot.org], where you have good normal cell or wifi coverage, it will use that, outside that coverage, it will be using the satellite.
The test seems to be bogus (Score:5, Informative)
Disclaimer: I work for a Data Card Manufacturer
Without the actual procedure for the tests, it is difficult to say if PCWorld'ss are any good. I am not familiar with the software used as no major industry provider uses it. The standard tool in the industry is Windcatcher
It really depends on the way the test is run. The problem actually relates to the TcpWindowSize as it should be increased to at least 128Kb for HSPA based networks and for CDMA as well.
Another major issue is that Data Cards don't inherently support streaming. Streaming is often used as a secondary PDP context and this will have a major negative effect. Were they in a handover region or not? On HSPA, every other cell is an interferer so throughput should be measured with a Single Carrier in the active set. It is still possible to be in a handover zone while in a parked car.
Did they use the carrier supplied good coverage locations? Randomly may not cross the panaroma of RSSI.
As well, the latest modem from Novatel Wireless is the USB760. I also believe the latest Sierra Wireless card is the compass something or other. Did they use a Y Cable? Did they use an external antenna? What model of PC did they use as TRP/TIS makes a huge difference in low coverage areas?
Without more data, I would still say there isn't sufficient evidence to form any conclusions from their article.