Proof of Fail

Well I can categorically now claim proof the AT&T Wireless's network is definately NOT the fastest 3G network around.  Their infrastructure must TOTALLY suck if they call this speed 3G.

As some may know, I have an iPad... and yes, I bought the iPad 3G version.  Not because of the wireless data antenna built in... but because of the GPS chip that was built in.  Only way to get once of those is through the 3G models.  The other WiFi only models only position you through some triangulation of signals... which is far less accurate.  But I digress...

Anyways, I turned on the AT&T service for a month... just to see if it was more convenient to have it built in to the iPad... rather than use my cell phone.  I have the Sprint HTC EVO 4G, though 4G service isn't yet available in Phoenix.  It does have mobile hotspot capability though... so it turns it into a WiFi hub for up to 8 devices.  So basically, it's Sprint's 3G Network via WiFi Mobile Hotspot... up against AT&T's 3G Network Built-In.

The Test?  A NetFlix movie streaming down through the app.  First up,  the Sprint connection.  I shut down the AT&T Wireless Data on the iPad and booted up the Mobile Hotspot.  The iPad was all setup and good to go.  Started Netflix, found a movie to stream (2012), and away we went.  Too a little while to load... but after it was up... no stutter.  None.   Good on ya, Sprint.

Now AT&T.  I shut down the WiFi hotspot and turned the AT&T Wireless back on.  To started the Netflix app back up (after hitting the home button to make it a more even test)... and instantly noticed a difference.  The app was slow to load my queue... and even slower still to buffer the movie.  And finally when it did play, 30 seconds in it stopped... to buffer more.  And it went on like this... and on... and on.

Conclusive proof that AT&T's network has to be the WORST 3G network around... and what's worse... the ONLY network that is available for iPhones and iPads.  Way to go, Apple!   Moral of the story?  Don't waste your time getting a data plan for the iPads from AT&T.   Just hook up to the Mobile Hotspots from Sprint.

Oh and did I mention costs?  True AT&T does have a $14.95 a month plan with no contract... that gets you 250mb of downloaded data per month.  Good if you're going emails... and not much else.  They also offer a $24.95 plan... for 2GB of data per month.  Slightly better... and still no contract.  But guess what Sprint has?   Mobile Hotspot option for the HTC EVO... $29.99 per month... UNLIMITED DATA... and still no contract other than your existing contract with the phone line already.

Sprint totally wins compared to AT&T...