More testing yields more of the same: AT&T rots
When it comes to getting what you pay for, there’s an obvious disconnect between what iPhone subscribers give — on average about $100 per month — and what they’re getting back in service. Or, at least that’s the apparent take away from another major nationwide survey of 3G network performance.
About a week ago, Blorge published the results of 3G wireless performance and quality testing of America’s largest 3G networks—Verizon, Sprint and AT&T. Unsurprising to iPhone subscribers was the fact that Apple’s exclusive U.S. partner was ranked or tied for last for reliability in all of the 13 major metros covered by the study.
Late yesterday, Wired published the results of their own 3G performance and quality survey, and—surprise, surprise—AT&T distinguished itself again. Yes, the data here was generated by self-selecting users and the AT&T data group was larger than for the other carriers—Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile—yet the results sadly the same:
• Conducted in May, this 3G speed survey attracted about 15,000 participants — 12,000 of whom reported valid, usable results.
• Verizon came in first place with an average download speed of 1,940 Kbps, as reported by 856 participants
• T-Mobile’s average rate was 1,793 Kbps, based on data from 1,189 respondents
• Sprint came in third with 1,598 Kbps, as reported by 1,570 participants
• AT&T was last again with an average of 901 Kbps, based on data from 8,153 respondents
See also:
— AT&T says iPhone exclusive is good for everyone
— AT&T reliability poorest in 13 major metro areas
— Apple says, ‘Yes, we know AT&T sucks. Here’s $30 for your trouble’
— AT&T: ‘We’ve been very happy with our pricing’
As is oft the case, people with a complaint are generally less hesitant to “share” their experiences. Thereupon, Wired notes the substantially larger AT&T group may “unfairly contribute” to an overall lower download speed.
However, given that these results so closely mirror those delivered in the previous PCWorld test, across the board for the three biggest carriers, the large number of AT&T respondents doesn’t seem to have created any meaningful bias or skew. On the contrary, the large data set really seems to set in stone what long suffering US iPhone subscribers have known all along—AT&T rots…
What’s your take?
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July 12th, 2009
I am a little skepticle of the value of this article. I want to know the methodology of this testing. Since this is self-reported data, I question the acuracy of this study.
As I sit here, I am working away on my AT&T 3G card in Alexandria, VA, just south of metropolitan Washington DC. I just ran a test and am getting a very reliable 2.1 mb/s download and 900 kb/s upload.
Bear in mind that just because people are using an iPhone, it does not mean that they are operating on a 3G network. First, the original iPhones operated on the EDGE network. Also, when operating in areas that re outside the normal AT&T footprint, the phone will automatically switch over to EDGE in order to maintain connectivity.
So unless the users are standing in exactly the same place at the same time, it is impossibile to perform a valid comparison.
Further, AT&T continues to build out its network and has recently bebun expanding their signal to include 850 mhz. This longer wave transmission reaches further and travels through buildings better.
Another point, AT&T is the only device that allows for simultaneous data and voice transmission on there 3G network.
Finally, AT&T allows access to the largest wifi network in the US and world (think starbucks and mcdonalds) without additional costs.
I am sick and tired of the whining about how bad AT&T is. Let’s face it, you who are complaining are biased, envious snobs who cry like babies because the iPhone is not on your beloved Sprint or Verizon networks.
Geto over it and open your mind to the possibility that you are ignoring unique (wifi/simultaneous voice data transmission) benefits of the aT&T service (neither of which have anything to do with your beloved Apple!!!
July 12th, 2009
@ Jim Snowden. i completeli agree. i am so sick of people bitching about at&t. dey always have something negative to say and when at&t does something positive dey are skeptical and judgement about. its so fucking rediculous
July 13th, 2009
You people have to admit that monopolies are not good. Look at the problems with Microsoft.
Companies that have a monopoly, Like Rogers here in Canada offer far less than acceptable customer service.
I know first hand. Rogers is the only choice for Cable internet and their customer service is less than satisfactory.
And I have no choice but to put up with it. I can’t use DSL where I live and Dialup is not an alternative.
So you two must be working for AT&T or you are just gullible.
July 13th, 2009
@ ncaissie.
how is at&t animore of a monopoli than verizon? they both have exclusive deals and verizon has a bigger costumer base. and realisticli the 2 biggest telcos in america are better off competing against each other rather than tmo and sprint