Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Just tested 3G speed in Chicago...

highdefjunkie

highdefjunkie

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 12, 2010
922
1,619
Chicago
and I was NOT impressed. I had a full signal/outside and It took forever to load the Netflix front page. When I finally tried to stream a movie it wouldn't stream. Going to test it in the burbs in about an hour.

I also loaded a few web pages and it was SLOW!!!!
 
I've done three tests within 30 minutes in West Palm Beach over AT&T with iPad = 3.5Mbs, 1.9Mbs, and the last was 1.02Mbs. Need more time and range of areas. Still better than my Sprint cell connection over my pre range which from 400 to 800 on average, with occasional bursts up to 1.2Mbs.

Should have added that I have full bars and am indoors. Just tested again at 1.1Mbs. Certainly was hoping for faster, but I don't plan to use the 3G for video or anything heavy.
 
3G downtown is always slow... though i'm just a few blocks over in Old Town and its much better.
 
I suspected the iPad +3G would not perform well in certain areas.

Our town has strong Sprint 4G coverage. I got the 4G Overdrive portable hotspot and the "WiFi only" iPad. I've used SpeedTest.net to verify speeds from 2500Kbps to 5000Kbps in all locations. My MacBook Pro can also use it with speeds up to 6500Kbps.
 
highdefjunkie said:
and I was NOT impressed. I had a full signal/outside and It took forever to load the Netflix front page. When I finally tried to stream a movie it wouldn't stream. Going to test it in the burbs in about an hour.

I also loaded a few web pages and it was SLOW!!!!
Click to expand...

Welcome to AT&T!
 
Oskee2001 said:
So how do you like working for Sprint? Social Media outreach going well?
Click to expand...

What!?
Cause he said Sprint works well for him he's automatically a sprint employee?? Or an "AT&T hater"???
Jesus. All he said was the overdrive is performing well for him.
 
I have a Sprint Overdrive that I'll be returning which I was using with my WiFi iPad. I had full bars in Boston and suburbs and wasn't even getting 1.0mbp down on 3G. 4G isn't available yet, but I expected 3G speeds to be faster. I'm getting a 3G iPad this weekend and will be anxious to compare the ATT speeds to Sprint.
 
Oskee2001 said:
So how do you like working for Sprint? Social Media outreach going well?
Click to expand...

F@!!& Sprint. Can't stand them and would NEVER use their service.

On that note,

I got a chance to try to 3G coverage in various suburbs in the Chicagoland area. I tried it in the northern burbs (Willmette, Winnekta and Evanston, etc.) Worked perfectly. Streamed a movie and surfed the web and it was fantastic. I also tested it in the W. burbs and same results. I was surprised how well it worked. I now love my Ipad even more!
 
highdefjunkie said:
and I was NOT impressed. I had a full signal/outside and It took forever to load the Netflix front page. When I finally tried to stream a movie it wouldn't stream. Going to test it in the burbs in about an hour.

I also loaded a few web pages and it was SLOW!!!!
Click to expand...

Send a complaint to AT&T. Let them know.
 
Using MyWi on my iPhone, I have streamed Netflix successfully multiple times on my iPad using AT&T's "unimpressive" connection.
 
Dorkington said:
Using MyWi on my iPhone, I have streamed Netflix successfully multiple times on my iPad using AT&T's "unimpressive" connection.
Click to expand...

Same.

barefeats said:
I suspected the iPad +3G would not perform well in certain areas.

Our town has strong Sprint 4G coverage. I got the 4G Overdrive portable hotspot and the "WiFi only" iPad. I've used SpeedTest.net to verify speeds from 2500Kbps to 5000Kbps in all locations. My MacBook Pro can also use it with speeds up to 6500Kbps.
Click to expand...

How long does the OD last on a charge?
 
Watch the indicator upper left...sometimes connects as EDGE

My iPad connected as EDGE today even tho I am smack in the middle of strong 3G zone. The screen indicator will say "E" Instead of "3G". EDGE is really poky.
 
tmoenter said:
My iPad connected as EDGE today even tho I am smack in the middle of strong 3G zone. The screen indicator will say "E" Instead of "3G". EDGE is really poky.
Click to expand...

AT&T's 3G coverage in Chicago is terrible, and what's worse is I just got an email saying they completed a major investment program here to improve their service. I don't see a difference at all.

Edge network on the iPad renders it all but useless unless you're just reading a book.
 
tmoenter said:
My iPad connected as EDGE today even tho I am smack in the middle of strong 3G zone. The screen indicator will say "E" Instead of "3G". EDGE is really poky.
Click to expand...

I'm having the same issues. I can't even get a strong 3G or edge connection on my iPhone. It would appear as if AT&T's data network is very strained right now. I can't help but think this is due to thousands of more users via iPads. So far I am very disappointed in their network.
 
I'm in Chicago, too. I live in the southeast side of the city and I have the iPad 3G 32GB. Haven't had any issues at all with slow 3G speeds.
 
Chicago has 4G

Check for detailed coverage

Sprint = Reseller of Clear.com network

Clear = $40.00/month no contract

HTC EVO 4G Phone Mobile Hospot in June

Hope you find your sweetspot
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back