Lte carrier comparison

[Mobilesolutions]

I have tested AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, &T-Mobile's Lte networks and have compiled the following. Keep in mind these tests are not entirely scientific and only provide a basic overview of actual network performance at best. Tests were performed for 5 minute Intervals at morning, lunch, 5 o clock rush, &sundown. I covered 7 miles in my testing sessions and avoided testing outsides the intended coverage area of the site. I believe each carrier had at least 3 Lte sites a piece in my test strip.

 

#1 AT&T's 10x10 is far less loaded in my area than that of VZW. An average signal strength of -79 dBm, 41 Mbps downlink 17 Mbps uplink, average latency 73 ms. Indoor performance was phenomenal, signal strength remains consistent throughout. For now AT&T takes the cake.

 

#2 Sprint operates a 5x5 mhz network and is not complete of course, however I did my testing in an area with several consecutive live LTe sites. An average signal strength of -84 dBm, 14mbps downlink 7mbps uplink, average latency 81ms. Indoor performance varies greatly depending on the exterior material of the building. Only once however did I revert to 3G.

 

#3 T-Mobile is far from complete yet I am able to use any LTe they have available. I had an average signal of -93 dBm, 23mbps down 9mbps up with an impressive 60 ms average latency. Most impressive with outdoor usage ping times were as low as 37ms however indoors T-Mobile has the most squeamish LTe experience out of any of the national providers.

 

#4 Verizon wireless, the touted LTe king lacks in every department except for coverage;of which is plentiful compared to any other current network. Vzw average signal was -87 dBm, 11mbps down 3 Mbps up with an average latency of 98 ms. Indoor outdoor coverage is virtually ubiquitous from my experiences.

 

I look forward to duplicating this test in 6 months.

 

Results will be different in every market.

 

 

Also since this is posted the general section I'll clarify on my ranking system. The scale is based simply on performance, I am in no way suggesting AT&T is the #1 choice for your personal wireless provider.

Testing was performed in Bixby OK.

-Will

[BlueAngel]

It's rather funny my coworker at work has Verizon with his iPhone 5 and he averages around 1Mbps on it while me being on 3G with Sprint gets anywhere from 1-2Mbps, he is looking to Sprint soon Verizon is too taxed in my area it seems.

[Ascertion]

I've tested the top 3 carriers in my area. Sprint's still rolling out LTE so there's some places where signal isn't the best.

 

At&t is ridiculously quick. My cousin just upgraded from the S2 on AT&T to the S4 and he now has LTE signal everywhere. He's been pulling an average of 5MB/s nearly everywhere he's been, even indoors is above 30 mbs. I am incredibly impressed with their rollout here in Jacksonville but my cousin used up half of his monthly data in less than 3 days from all the tests. This is the reason I'm still with Sprint. I don't have to worry about going over and average sprint LTE here is about 6mbps down. Rarely get above 20 unless I'm less than - 85dBm.

[WeRtechSupport]

I've tested the top 3 carriers in my area. Sprint's still rolling out LTE so there's some places where signal isn't the best.

 

At&t is ridiculously quick. My cousin just upgraded from the S2 on AT&T to the S4 and he now has LTE signal everywhere. He's been pulling an average of 5MB/s nearly everywhere he's been, even indoors is above 30 mbs. I am incredibly impressed with their rollout here in Jacksonville but my cousin used up half of his monthly data in less than 3 days from all the tests. This is the reason I'm still with Sprint. I don't have to worry about going over and average sprint LTE here is about 6mbps down. Rarely get above 20 unless I'm less than - 85dBm.

Agreed.. I love their speeds, but whats the point if you're going to use it up in <a week?

[Wfmets45]

I just joined AT&T and by dar, their LTE speeds are wicked fast. I am extremely happy with their service but I wish i had unlimited but I am not a heavy data user so I dont worry about going over my 3GB data limit. Sprint won't have the fastest LTE speeds but I am pretty sure they will be successful once their new network is completely rolled out across the country.

[WiWavelength]

Rarely get above 20 unless I'm less than - 85dBm.

You mean greater than -85 dBm, which is already a very strong RSRP.

 

AJ

[z250kid]

I've tested the top 3 carriers in my area. Sprint's still rolling out LTE so there's some places where signal isn't the best.

 

At&t is ridiculously quick. My cousin just upgraded from the S2 on AT&T to the S4 and he now has LTE signal everywhere. He's been pulling an average of 5MB/s nearly everywhere he's been, even indoors is above 30 mbs. I am incredibly impressed with their rollout here in Jacksonville but my cousin used up half of his monthly data in less than 3 days from all the tests. This is the reason I'm still with Sprint. I don't have to worry about going over and average sprint LTE here is about 6mbps down. Rarely get above 20 unless I'm less than - 85dBm.

Att uses there own fiber so they do not need to wait for other venders

[chamb]

Att uses there own fiber so they do not need to wait for other venders

Not entirely correct.  There currently is NO AT&T site around me that uses AT&T Fiber for backhaul. They probably use AT&T for backhaul when it happens to be available, but that is not as common as you may think.  AT&T, nor anybody else, has fiber running into every city, town or village.

[S4GRU]

AT&T uses CenturyLink and Windstream fiber in my area.

 

Robert via Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta