Infrastructure to blame for poor 3G speeds
updated 07:05 pm EDT, Mon August 25, 2008
Poor global 3G speeds
In light of a large roundabout of finger-pointing, a study reveals that the slow iPhone 3G speeds are stemming from poorly implemented carrier networks, rather than reported firmware issues with the device. Wired offered its Gadget Lab test results, collected from over 2600 international users, showing that Apple's highly-coveted iPhone is limited by overall network performance, rather than being susceptible to poor performance, due to its firmware or hardware components.
The data revealed that, overall, Australia was prone to see the slowest service, with a national average download speed of 759 Kilobits-per-second, with both Optus and Virgin clocking in at around 390 Kilobits-per-second. German and Netherlands users admitted to having the fastest download speeds at around 2000 Kilobits-per-second, with T-Mobile claiming the fastest performance overall at 1822 Kilobits-per-second. Canadian providers Fido and Rogers were tied for second, reporting 1330 Kilobits-per-second.
AT&T won recognition for having the most "zero" ratings, with 63 null results returned out of a global 80 null ratings. AT&T tied Telstra, Telia, and Softbank for third place, with average speeds of 990 Kilobits-per-second.
It's the network, stupid!
08/25, 09:19pm reply
The AT&T network is to blame for 3G speed problems.
Now that AT&T got its wish for more high paying customers - the iPhone customers, it has to provide good service to them.
The 3G network has suddenly been overwhelmed by millions of iPhone 3G users surfing online. Speeds are slowing down and users are getting bumped off - just like in the old days of dial-up.
AT&T has to build more towers and increase the signal strength in order to provide higher bandwidth to its new high paying customers - the iPhone 3G users.
It's the network, stupid! as the Verizon ad goes.
Yes, its the network, stupid!
James Katt
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2008
ABSOLUTELY
08/26, 12:05am reply
There's no doubt. It's not secret that ATT's data networks have been at or near capacity for years.
As a new iPhone user, and former Verizon customer, I'm disappointed in the crappy ATT network, but, the crappy Verizon phones trumped the crappy network. After all, when the 3G works, it's great and when there's wifi, it's a non-issue.
On Verizon, getting the fabulous upgrade choice of some CRAPTASTIC LG phone, or some ancient looking Motorola flip phone, is pretty depressing. Again, the phone is yours for as long as you own it, using a crappy phone day-in and day-out is a depressing experience. Getting bad network behavior from time-to-time is something I can live with.
redwood
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2003
Lies in Advertising
08/26, 02:16am reply
More bars in more places? The marketing people have latched onto the biggest problem with the carrier, and now ATT is trying to convince people of improvement through falsification. Super!
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
Maybe...
08/26, 09:45am reply
just maybe, that "more bars in more places" actually means more Bars in more places where ATT has "service" and after a day of "dealing" with ATT service, you can visit one of those bars to forget that you had to deal with the ATT service in the first place. That could be what they meant, huh?!
MeandmyMac
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2008
Would T-Mobile Be Better?
08/26, 11:02am reply
T-Mobile is only just now starting it's 3G rollout. As far as US-based GSM-providers go, it seems like AT&T is at least ahead of the ball compared to them.
Elektrix
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Sep 2001