How fast 3g sprint

We saw three major patterns in our 4G test results. At each of our testing locations, our field researcher loaded a KB static Web page and viewed a 1-minute video while connected to each of the 3G and 4G services of the carriers. For each one, the researcher logged the time the Web page took to load, as well as the time necessary to stream the video. You can see a lot of variance in the performance scores from location to location within our testing cities.

The same service may deliver radically different results in two locations in the same part of town. Or two different wireless services might produce very different connection speeds and call quality at the same location. On front, you'll find a power button and an LCD display the size of a stamp that shows you signal strength, battery life, and connectivity.

There's a mute button on top, and the bottom of the device has a Micro-USB port and a microSD card slot, which can be used for shared network storage up to 16GB for up to five devices. You'll have to provide your own microSD card, however, as only a charger, a USB cable, and reference materials are included the box.

There is no installation CD or desktop software, so all you have to do to get started is power up the Overdrive. Once on, simply search for the Overdrive in your available wireless networks and use the provided passcode on the modem's LCD to complete the connection. The Web client is easy to understand and use, and it works in a number of browsers, including Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari.

Sprint's 4G network is currently live in 31 cities but will expand the service with partner Clearwire to Miami, St. If you don't live in one of these cities or wander out of a coverage zone, the Overdrive will switch to 3G. Sprint says its 4G network can provide wireless speeds of up to 10 times faster than today's 3G, with average download speeds ranging from 3Mbps to 6Mbps, compared with 3G's kbps to 1.

Based on five tests using Speedtest. But to make use of the new networks, you have to buy a 4G-capable device or modem and a new, often more-expensive service plan. Is it worth the hassle and expense of upgrading to 4G? To answer that question, I pitted Sprint's WiMax service -- the first 4G service available in the New York metropolitan area, where I live -- against its 3G network in a series of real-world tests see "How I tested". As is the case with any wireless service, you need three things to get access: a network, a device for connecting and a service plan.

Available in 62 cities, from Everett, Wash. The network provides adequate coverage on the coasts see map , but it's hit or miss in the middle of the country, and there are 12 states with no Sprint 4G service at all. It's available in all 50 states, although -- as is the case with other 3G networks -- there are huge holes in the upper Midwest. Sprint says that over the next two years, it will fill out a national 4G network.