With HSPA+, Verizon vs AT&T Speeds?

[jav6454]

Thanks, that clears things up a lot. In actual use, does 14.4mbit/s HSPA or 21mbit/s HSPA make that much more of a speed difference compared to 3G on the iPhone 4 right now? Trying to consider if it's worth an upgrade.

Depends on your usage.

Max Theoretical:

iPhone 4 - 7.2 Mb/s
iPhone 3G - 3.6 Mb/s

 

[dranakin]

No, I understand the theoretical data rates, but do we actually see these speeds in real-world usage? I understand it depends on the area, but generally.

I found this link (http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s2-t/423630-hspa-speeds.html), but it's odd, as my iPhone 4 can get about 3200-4100kbps now. Must be a fluke in my speed testing...

 

[jav6454]

No, I understand the theoretical data rates, but do we actually see these speeds in real-world usage?

Depends on your area and traffic, literally. I do see however 2.8+ Mb/s on my iPhone 4. I have even seen 5.4 Mb/s granted this was downtown.

 

[rjohnstone]

You sure? They can market HSPA, not HSPA+, as '4G'?

I mean, I know they can probably say whatever they want, but if I saw a commercial for AT&T claiming this 14.4 Mbps capable iPhone is '4G', I would consider that blatant false advertising.

HSPA+ is marketed as 4G. I prefer to call it Faux G, but that's irrelevant.
Hell even the LTE deployments are fake 4G.

The 4S is an HSPA+ device. So... AT&T can market it however they chose.
Although I'm not sure if Apple will throw a hissy fit if AT&T tries to call it a 4G device.
We'll see soon enough.

 

[ravensfan55]

No, I understand the theoretical data rates, but do we actually see these speeds in real-world usage? I understand it depends on the area, but generally.

It depends on a couple of factors. Signal strength, tower congestion, but mostly backhaul. In areas that have 3G but are still on old copper backhaul you are more likely to get speeds no where close to the theoretical speeds. But in markets with "enhanced backhaul" lines in place, you will get speeds closer to the theoretical max.

 

[bigpatky]

how do i find out what speed AT&T can provide me in my area? (besides talking to a sales rep - i'm not so sure their info would be correct). The maps on the website just differentiate btw 4g and 3g. anyone have any advice?

 

[dranakin]

It depends on a couple of factors. Signal strength, tower congestion, but mostly backhaul. In areas that have 3G but are still on old copper backhaul you are more likely to get speeds no where close to the theoretical speeds. But in markets with "enhanced backhaul" lines in place, you will get speeds closer to the theoretical max.

Hmmmm...interesting. I'm in Northern California. I wonder if my market has been enhanced.

 

[Dmunjal]

According to the att maps, yes for NorCal.

 

[ravensfan55]

how do i find out what speed AT&T can provide me in my area? (besides talking to a sales rep - i'm not so sure their info would be correct). The maps on the website just differentiate btw 4g and 3g. anyone have any advice?

Hmmmm...interesting. I'm in Northern California. I wonder if my market has been enhanced.

http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

If it says anything along the lines of "4G" then your area has 21mbit/s HSPA and enhanced backhaul for 3G.

 

[treyjustice]

yes considerably faster I got around 8-12 down on my infuse 4G. and 2 up.

I get about 5 down on my current iphone 4.

I am in DFW texas

 

[dranakin]

yes considerably faster I got around 8-12 down on my infuse 4G. and 2 up.

I get about 5 down on my current iphone 4.

I am in DFW texas

Good to hear. This factors into my consideration of the Galaxy S2...