Washington DC 3G Network Speed Tests

[Stanovoy]

iNetwork Test

I ran the iNetwork Test app several times to generate the following results.

3G: 0.8-1.0 Mbps
WiFi: 2.8-2.9 Mbps *runs off the FiOS connection below
FiOS: 14.9-15.2 Mbps *tested off speakeasy.net via a computer

So, the 3G network is approximately 30% the speed of the WiFi connection. Keep in mind that almost no server would allow you to pull content at 2.9 Mbps. So, in reality, browsing over the 3G network is probably only a maximum of 50% slower than browsing over WiFi.

Google Maps

A more realistic test would be downloading files off the Internet. Take Google Maps for example. The large amount of image data the application requires makes it a good candidate for speed testing. The test is to load a screen full of maps, i.e. by zooming out, and is conducted multiple times.

3G: 2-4 seconds
WiFi: <1 second * only slightly under 1 second
FiOS: 0 second

Under this test, the 3G network is approximately 25-50% the speed of the WiFi connection.

Android Community

I have also conducted a real webpage load test, using AC's front page and the first article on that page. The AC pages have a lot of different content blocks, resulting in a bunch of files needing to be downloaded before the page can be fully loaded, instead of one continuous file stream.

3G: 20-22 seconds
WiFi: 17-22 second
FiOS: 4-5 second

Under this test, the 3G network is only marginally slower than the WiFi connection.

Overall, not too shabby. :D:D:D:D:D

[andrews240]

I only did the iNetwork test. There is a huge difference between indoor and outdoor results. Here are my DC speed test results:

3G
Indoors (3 bars) - 400 kbps

Outdoors (4 bars) - 800 kbps

Wifi (DSL)
Indoors (3 bars) - 1.3 mbps

Outdoors (4 bars) - 1.8 mbps

I like how the app will map where results were obtained. Great utility.

[Stanovoy]

All my tests were done indoors. I guess I should try to test them again outdoors when it gets warmer in a few hours.

[DarKnight]

I was so excited this morning when I woke up and saw the 3G icon at the top of my phone!

[knowbody]

I was getting about 822 before I went in to the office. Now I'm getting about 450. I'll have to test more in Arlington and see how far out the service goes. Map on T-Mobile's website doesn't show that it should be active yet so I'm hoping it doesn't disappear.

[wumpusva]

At roughly 5:30 this morning I noticed that the 3G was up and running here in Northern Virginia...

I did a bandwidth test in Fairfax at 5:30AM and my speed was 1.47 megabits per second.

Just did another bandwidth test in Dulles and my speed was 1.41 megabits per second.

Tests were run with bandwidthplace.com on my G1 using the default browser.

[wumpusva]

BTW, A buddy in Sterling told me that he didn't have 3G this morning but he had it at work. So it looks like the footprint extends out to Dulles airport... I would like for T-Mobile to release the DC coverage map.

[Stanovoy]

At roughly 5:30 this morning I noticed that the 3G was up and running here in Northern Virginia...

I did a bandwidth test in Fairfax at 5:30AM and my speed was 1.47 megabits per second.

Just did another bandwidth test in Dulles and my speed was 1.41 megabits per second.

Tests were run with bandwidthplace.com on my G1 using the default browser.

I have never used this site before. The results I received are suspect, to say the least. Here are the averages that I got testing indoors:

3G: 2.5 Mbps
WiFi: 1.3 Mbps
FiOS: 1.6 Mbps

How can the 3G network possibly beat FiOS consistently?? :confused::confused:

[Stanovoy]

BTW, A buddy in Sterling told me that he didn't have 3G this morning but he had it at work. So it looks like the footprint extends out to Dulles airport... I would like for T-Mobile to release the DC coverage map.

Full 3G signal here in Reston, VA

[RockinRocky]

OK, so this is a TEST, or is the 3G here in DC to stay?

Yesterday, (afternoon, eve, and night), I could not connect to the system, it showed I was using the EDGE network, and I was all set to call CS this morning if it was still that way. But what do I find when my eye's awaken, but lovely 3G, with that I started shaking!!!! I was under the impression that DC's 3G wasn't due till around X-Mas!!!

[xformdave]

just ordered my G1 expecting to have to limp it on edge for the next couple weeks 3G up and running in NoVA is awesome news.

[jrokwitdacapitals18]

Anyone in md get a 3g signal? I have only 2g on and too lazy to change the setting.

[andrews240]

I am in MD and I have had 3G all day today. I am just 5 minutes south of the DC. Are you farther out? That may be the issue.

[Skatturbrain]

What is this speed test website? URL Please? ;)

[Jet]

I am in MD and I have had 3G all day today. I am just 5 minutes south of the DC. Are you farther out? That may be the issue.
Where? Whats your zipcode if you dont mind.

[A F 1 G 3]

Your in Reston and you get full 3G??? I live in the new part of Sterling aka not the ghetto Sterling Park area, rather Cascades, Lowes Island, specifically Rivercrest. No 3G in my dungeon aka basement. Going to Dulles Airport 6:45AM will check it out then.

[CBR600RR]

Upper Marlboro inside between 473 and 519. Have not checked outside. Lost 3g this morning as i got further into Upper Marlboro.