Putting 3G networks to the test

PC World took what it called "a single-day, real-world snapshot" [1]of the performance of 3G networks of Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Sprint. The publication said it used "industry-accepted testing technology techniques" to help smartphone users understand what type of performance they can get from the network.

PC World tested performance in 13 major cities with testing partner Navarum. It found that Verizon Wireless had an average download speed of 951 kbps across more than 20 testing locations in each of the 13 cities. In terms of reliability, the network was available at a reasonable and uninterrupted speed in about 90 percent of the tests.

Sprint's 3G network delivered on its promised speeds 90.5 percent of the tests in 13 cities. Average download speeds were 808 kbps. "The Sprint network performed especially well, both in speed and in reliability, in our test cities in the western part of the United States," said PC World.

Tests of AT&T's network showed average download speeds to be 812 kbps. PC World said reliability was a problem with Navarum testers only able to make a connection at a reasonable, uninterrupted speed in 68 percent of their tests.

For more:
- take a look at the data [1]
- take a look at PC World [2]

Related articles:
3G handset reliability depends upon chipset selected [3], claims study
Apple slammed with lawsuit [4] over iPhone 3G