US Mobile Broadband Networks' Shootout - Sprint on Top

Posted by Mobile Warp on Aug 25, 01:39 PM in Featured, News section
Print Email Article to Friend Bookmark: del.icio.us, Digg, Technorati, Reddit, StumbleUpon

When shopping for mobile broadband internet access, real data transfer speed is probably major factor you will be considering. Today, the only data rate carriers advertise is the theoretically possible dataaccess network technology.

That’s why knowing real-life data speeds experienced in live mobile networks is critical for purchase decision. Recent user reported results could look a bit surprising, but actually reflect how dynamic the situation is. Good news for us consumers!

When shopping for the mobile broadband internet access, real data transfer speed probably the major factor you will be considering.

Mobile Data Landscape

Today, all major mobile networks in the US are promoting their mobile broadband networks, and with carrier consolidation, the choice has become rather easier.

Still, the only data rate carriers advertise ~~is the~~ theoretically possible data transfer rate based on the parameters engineered in the mobile data transfer protocols, the network in question is using.

Anyone who ever tinkered even with the most trivial wireless network (e.g. setup home WiFi network), knows that real life situation WILL be rather different from theoretical figures.

Real vs. Ideal Data Rate

That’s why one of the leading blogs out there – Boygenious Report – has asked their readers to report real data speeds experienced in live networks.

The results could look a bit surprising, but actually reflect how dynamic the situation is. Carriers ~~are building out their infrastructure as we speak. They~~ are upgrading base stations and adding coverage all the time. Which is really good news for us consumers.

Results

So, the results are in:

Sprint is in the lead with:

Average download speed, EV-DO Rev. A: 1361kbps
Average upload speed, EV-DO Rev. A: 267kbps

Sprint is in the lead with:

Average download speed, EV-DO Rev. A:
1361kbps, and
Average upload speed, EV-DO Rev. A:
267kbps

Verizon is second:

Average download speed, EV-DO Rev. A: 701kbps
Average upload speed, EV-DO Rev. A: 322kbps

While AT&T still has some way to go (however beating Verizon with download speeds):

Average download speed: 933kbps
Average upload speed: 180kbps

As is always the case, the choice is not as clear-cut if you consider the coverage, where AT&T is clearly leading, but the data gives you rather good indication.

Bottomline

If you are mostly downloading stuff on the go – browsing, doing research, and reading emails – then Sprint is a clear winner.

If you mostly move data in the other direction – uploading photos, youtube videos, sending out emails, or uploading field reports to the office – then Verizon is your best shot.

If you are traveling all over the country and / or the World – then AT&T could be your best bet based on the widest coverage and their globally standard UMTS/HSPA data network.