PC World says AT&T best in 3G performance tests
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This article contains unofficial information.
AT&T has said that it was concentrating on improving the network in cities like New York and San Francisco, two mecca's of heavy smartphone usage. In the Big Apple, AT&T's average download speeds were 3 times faster when compared to the previous results. In San Fran, the carrier's average download speed was 40% faster than from the Spring. Obviously, someone is doing something right. The network's reliability also improved. Last Spring, PC World could get a usable connection from AT&T only 68% of the time. That figure rose to 94% with the new tests, which tied for first place with Sprint. T-Mobile and Verizon each had a 92% reliability figure in the tests. For those who have been complaining about AT&T's 3G network, it seems that the carrier has heard you and has made some serious corrections.
source: PCWorld
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57 Comments
17. vzw fanman posted on 23 Feb 2010, 16:37 0 0
it wasn't tested for reliability of voice coverage, only 3g. verizon is still the most reliable voice network.
21. xmguy1 posted on 23 Feb 2010, 17:20 0 0
I agree. AT&T sucks where I live. Between Nashville and Chattanooga TN. Verizon is the best around here!
39. ILOVEtechnology (unregistered) posted on 23 Feb 2010, 22:54 0 0
The internet on verizon is really slow. I had verizon and admit that it was better as far as voice coverage. But the internet was way to slow. Just a opinion, don't go after me.
41. grech03 posted on 24 Feb 2010, 02:50 0 0
I wonder how much GAYT&T paid them to post these results.. I disagree 100% with this. Verizon Wireless has the most reliable 3G network and has for years. Before everyone started to refer to it as 3G! I remember my old BB Curve that i got a few years ago that i took everywhere and had 3G coverage(No one called it 3G back then but still had it). Cant wait for LTE to come out and demolish everything!
45. IcanBEATali posted on 24 Feb 2010, 09:39 0 0
no one called it 3G a few years ago? I hate to break it to you, but its been called 3G since the technology launched (EVDO Rev. 0 on VZW). YOU may not have called it that... but everyone else did.
52. ILOVEtechnology (unregistered) posted on 24 Feb 2010, 15:10 0 0
im going to give you -200 for that buddy, stop calling a phone company gay and look at yourself in the mirror!
2. rwolf1984 posted on 23 Feb 2010, 15:19 0 0
In my opinion VZW and AT&T are the best. One thing I have learned is that these studies have an average reliability of 20%. People need to experiment and see what works best for them. This study does do a good job of showing how these networks perform regionally. PC World also said that Sprint had "the most compelling phone line up"...are you serious? Regardless of how much I bash Sprint and how much PC World loves Sprint...go off your own personal experience and don't be afraid to try for 30 days (14 if you're trying T-Mobile). Although it perhaps would not have been a fair comparison they should have compared Sprint's WiMax in addition to the 3G just for kicks.
47. jbroots3 posted on 24 Feb 2010, 10:46 0 0
i actually agree with rwolf on this one. Phone carriers are always going to spin numbers and results their way. It's an extremely competitive market. Even opinionated sites like PC world (or phonearena.com for that matter) have their own reasons for citing info with hidden bias. You really don't know until you try it. I like the Tmo & Sprint options bc the plans are better... i just don't have good Tmo coverage where i live and Sprint does well enough for me where i live right now, just as good as my verizon and alltell phones did.
53. ILOVEtechnology (unregistered) posted on 24 Feb 2010, 15:11 0 0
Cellphone carriers are just like women, you just got to try them out until they wear out! LMAO
3. remixfa posted on 23 Feb 2010, 15:20 0 0
13 cities does not make a comprehensive test. which 13 cities? how about doing 50-100 cities and lets see how that holds up. ATT only has 7.2 in a handful of cities. It would be funny to see how these cities were cherry picked so ATT had higher speeds than everyone else. Bet they didnt run in Philly where they are testing the 21mpbs Tmobile network...LOL.
5. easytochris posted on 23 Feb 2010, 15:31 0 0
funny that you mention that because the first city i was looking for was philadelphia.
6. shimmyx20 posted on 23 Feb 2010, 15:33 0 0
The second image shows which cities were picked and the test results for each one
7. numberonenygfan posted on 23 Feb 2010, 15:33 0 0
i guess in this case 5xs more doesnt mean 5time faster.. haha .. they still need to expand .. i dont care how fast it is if i cant use it in my area
8. Legacystar posted on 23 Feb 2010, 15:36 0 0
yah i think 13 cities is a little bit of a botch test
13. phonedemocracy posted on 23 Feb 2010, 16:18 0 0
Doesn't include Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Albequerque. All of these markets are larger in population of smartphone users and size than San Diego. Also doesn't include T-Mobile or Sprint's advanced networks in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, or Houston. Not a wide enough test.
