Mobile Broadbroad Reviews

It's been 2 long years since I updated this blog and here's why. I've completely built out everything you need to know before, during and after mobile broadband at the relaunched Mobile Broadband Reviews.

From the MBR Buyer's Guide to reviews on every postpaid, prepaid and mobile broadband rental provider out there, the whole she-bang is there. Be sure to subscribe over there so you don't miss a thing.

To Your Success,
Marc
Uncomplicating Mobile Internet
www.mobile-broadband-reviews.com

Slower EDGE, Faster 3G for AT&T Mobile Broadband Users [Analysis]

So, the blogosphere has been all the rage about AT&T slowing EDGE to force customers to switch to 3G. If it is true that they've been slowing EDGE to dedicate more bandwidth to 3G users, it's a double-edged sword for mobile broadband/3G users.

Let's say you've got your snazzy new AT&T Quicksilver USB Connect. You decided to take the plunge after Bill Kurtis wooed you with his numerous commercials AT&T 3G commercials (like the below).



You hear "the internet can't hide anymore". Sounds good right? If only that were actually true.

Try telling that line to the iPhone users experiencing data outages. What's worse is that it's not the first, second  or third time either. Apparently, the internet can hide...at least from AT&T mobile broadband users. Strangely enough, there's been no word of this happening with Verizon or Sprint. Then again, they do rank #1 & #2 for mobile broadband.

Outside of that, another interesting point comes to light. Do AT&T users want to sacrifice EDGE speeds for 3G? Let's say your traveling outside of the major markets that AT&T has 3G, you're gonna be using the EDGE network. That means slower speeds in a lot of places. Heavens forbid the EDGE network starts feeling like 1xRTT dialup speeds. Just sever my fingers so I can't type on my keyboard instead.

The only conclusion one can come to from all of this is this:

Those 3G network upgrades in preparation for the iPhone weren't enough. Perhaps market demand for the service was inadequately anticipated or they knew but sold the phones anyway (beware the FCC if that's the case AT&T). One thing's for sure though.

AT&T is not the mobile broadband carrier of choice right now.

Perhaps they need to follow in Verizon's footsteps and step up the launch of LTE for those sexy 16-25 Mbps download speeds. If they don't, Sprint and Clearwire are gonna eat their lunch with their WiMAX network.

Verizon Leaves AT&T in the dust of Phoenix, Arizona

Kevin over at jkOnTheRun decided to run a quick test. Verizon's EVDO vs. AT&T's HSDPA. The no holds barred brawl took place in the dusty sands of Phoenix, Arizona (more like in his air-conditioned hotel room actually).

The mighty warriors who stepped forward were Verizon's USB727 and AT&T's USB Quicksilver. Not living up to it's name, the Quicksilver lost in downlink, uplink and ping. The USB727 came triumphant with DSL speeds.

via jkOnTheRun

AT&T Tests Higher Speed 3G in Chicago

AT&T has a pretty good track record of investing in their infrastructure. As we stated earlier this year, they were working on having 7.2 Mbps download speeds. Word has it those tests are currently underway in the windy city.

Perhaps the sexiest part is this:

"Interestingly, though, Siegel did say AT&T Mobility is testing 7.2 megabit per second download speeds in Chicago, adding that those speeds could soon increase to 14.4 Mbps or higher.

 That would be just so frickin awesome...if not for the current 5 GB cap on data usage. They're really gonna need to ease up off this thing. It's like you've got a 10 mile stretch of road. You keep getting newer cars that can go faster...only to run out of road even quicker. Do they enjoy watching us race up to these caps they've set faster and faster? Sick game AT&T...sick game indeed...

Fix It.

The Definitive Coast-To-Coast 3G Data Test

So the guys over at Gizmodo has what they're calling the Definitive Coast-To-Coast 3G Data Test. They compared the networks of Sprint, Verizon and AT&T (T-Mobile's 3G network is too tiny and Alltel got bought out by Verizon).

"The USB dongles we used for testing were typical 3G cards from the carriers: AT&T's Sierra USBConnect 881, Sprint's Sierra Wireless Compass 597 and Verizon Wireless's Novatel USB727

A quick sum-up of the results shows Sprint being the fastest for downloading while AT&T being the fastest for uploading. Guess they'll have to scrap the part of their commercials that keep toting "the fastest 3G network"...coming to think of it, Verizon was kinda doing the same thing too...

Pretty cool to know that they more or less re-confirmed the rankings of the 2008 Wireless Broadband Service Comparison. One time for Sprint doing something right. Despite all the bad press they get, I've got a grandfathered unlimited 3G plan with them that gets excellent speeds.

It's been my primary connection for months and it's going great.

Hope it stays that way.

Question of the Day

This question comes from Shar:

"Would any of the cards you have reviewed also work in Ireland and Sweden (I am planning a trip there in August). Thanks - Your site is GREAT!!!"

Thanks for kudos Shar. Feedback is great and appreciation is always welcome. Glad to here you're traveling.

I did a little digging to find the answer to your question and here's what I found. AT&T has roaming agreements for data across the globe.



With AT&T, you can get data coverage in both countries on a number of carriers. Here's where you can find specific rates and coverage for Ireland and Sweden. Upon checking the cards that AT&T are currently selling, the GT Ultra Express is capable of working on the networks in those countries. For a video/text review of 3 places where you can get it from check here.

Hope this helps!

3G: AT&T 3G Coverage Maps Updated

The guys over at Gizmodo got word that AT&T has updated it's 3G coverage maps. Maybe it's time for another review of their coverage. Surprise surprise, just in time for a 3G Iphone. They must be making some mega bucks.

Via - Gizmodo

AT&T has the fastest 3G Network?

While Sprint boasts the largest mobile broadband network, AT&T is claiming the fastest. With investing mega bucks into their 3G network, it was a prediction made at Mobile-Broadband-Reviews.com in their review of networks' speeds. Their footprint continues to increase and by the end of the year, they will be the fastest by far (7.2 Mbps). Check out the link for the details. 


via ComputerWorld