Current state of 4G and 3G data networks

haven

Expedition Leader
PC Magazine conducted tests of the data networks from the four major cell phone carriers in USA. Upload and download speeds were measured in 11 cities across the nation where all four carriers offer 4G service. Tests for 3G service were made in 13 cities.(AT&T doesn't offer 4G service in Denver or Seattle yet.)

Results: AT&T had the highest average 4G download speed, Verizon the highest average 4G upload speed. TMobile's 3G HSPA+ network easily outclassed the 3G offerings from the other 3 carriers.

Since your phone will fall back to 3G service when 4G is not available, it's important to consider both services. Verizon's 3G service is considerably slower than 3G from AT&T and TMobile. Verizon offers 4G service in the most metro areas (more than 230 today), but there are plenty of places where 3G is the only Verizon service available.

Results varied widely between cities, so it's a good idea to check the tests for the cities you're interested in before making a decision.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2538...peed_showdown_which_networks_are_fastest.html
 

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