PC Mag: AT&T is The Fastest 3G Network in US

Submitted by lalit on June 3, 2010 - 3:34pm.

Earlier this year, PC World did wireless network speed test in 13 cities and found that AT&T had the fastest average download (1410 kbps) and upload (773 kbps) speeds. Now, PC Mag has conducted similar network speed tests in 18 cities and the results aren’t very different.

PC Mag tested network speeds in 18 cities using more than a dozen staffers and freelancers with software of their own design. The magazine tested AT&T, Cricket, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint 3G and Sprint 4G networks. The tests were done just to check data speeds and not voice quality, dropped calls or coverage areas. The conclusion of their nationwide test was:

With its HSPA 7.2 3G network, AT&T was the fastest (albeit the least consistent) of the four nationwide carriers. The network dropouts couldn’t erase the fact that AT&T’s nationwide reach and relatively current technology deliver faster average 3G speeds than the competition.

PC Mag noted that Sprint 4G was faster in some places, but the 4G (WiMAX) network was extremely inconsistent. Overall, the magazine says AT&T is the fastest network currently, but has lowest consistency; T-Mobile is improving and with their HSPA+ 21 network they should offer blazing speed soon; Sprint 3G network is most reliable, but is slowest of the lot; and speed isn’t Verizon’s core strength, but it has excellent nationwide 3G coverage.

Check out PC Mag’s complete report here. They have published results area-wise also, which should give you an idea about what network offers best speed and consistency in your area.