Verizon and T-Mobile top mobile network speed tests - Know Your Cell

Verizon and T-Mobile have have topped PCMag's network investigation to determine what carrier has the fastest network speeds here in the United States. The magazine surveyed five U.S. wireless operators all across the United States.

In this most recent study, PCMag visited 30 cities to get a real-time look at how carriers' networks actually perform in the real world. Overall, the publication examined AT&T, MetroPCS, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. It investigated rural, suburban and metropolitan areas in the United States.

In terms of national success, Verizon Wireless simply dominated, which isn't too surprisingly considering it has been building out its 4G LTE network longer than the other carriers. Verizon had the fastest speeds in the Northeast, Southeast, North Central, South Central, Northwest, and Southwest. What's more, the carrier had the fastest 4G LTE speeds in 24 of the 30 metropolitan areas tested.

While Verizon's speeds blew away rivals nationally, that success was mostly due to its dominance in large metropolitan areas. T-Mobile USA, for its part, won out in the mostly suburban/rural sections of the country. It also had the most consistent, fastest data speeds in the North Central, South Central, Northwest and Southwest regions of the U.S.

As for the rest, Sprint and Metro PCS seemed have the "slowest" 3G network speeds, while AT&T's LTE network was consistently a tad slower than Verizon's. The overall issue with AT&T's network was really not speeds, however, but apparently consistency. The network was at times spotty and non-existent in certain locations, which isn't too surprising considering the network is just seeing a major build out.

For those out there wondering, PCMag performed the speed tests using several means. The publication sent team members to specific cities, of course, but it also relied on people using the Sensorly mobile app. The app was created by network firm Sensorly, and is used to test and crowd source network speeds across the U.S.

As PCMag points out, this current test is just a snapshot of a mobile world in transition, so expect big changes next time around. Major 4G LTE growth is expecting through 2013, so it will be interesting to see what happens. For now, though, the win goes to both T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

?

?

?

?

?

?

al franken mary did you know john carter trans siberian orchestra trans siberian orchestra little big town little big town