Any way to check data speeds before purchasing?

[schlar01]

Is there any way to know what the data speeds in my area are before buying?

I'm surprised there isn't a site where everyone uploads their data speed tests. I know speedtest has an app but I don't think there is any way to see what other users in your area are getting, is there?

 

[Petrah]

No, there isn't. Every phone seems to be different as far as the hardware goes, so there's no real way to tell exactly what your speeds are going to be until you activate your phone.

Speedtest.net is not indicative of network speed. It merely tests the speed between your phone and their servers. Nothing more.

Perhaps MacFett will post his graph for you.

 

[schlar01]

I didn't think anything existed but I'm surprised it doesn't. Seems like someone could put this together fairly easily as an app. I'm surprised speedtest doesn't have it.

 

[Petrah]

It could be put together, but wouldn't be of any value regarding what network speeds would be for a specific area. The hardware in phones is just way too different. I'm sure one exists already, but I wouldn't take much stock in the information it provided.

Speedtest.net just doesn't work the way most people think it does. In other words, the tests should not be taken as an indicator of what your overall network speeds are going to be. It just doesn't work that way.

 

[schlar01]

Well, it could be grouped by phone, as well. Seems like that would be a good tool.

 

[MacFett]

Perhaps MacFett will post his graph for you.

This may help too.

OpenSignalMaps - Cell Phone Tower and Signal Heat Maps

Coverage in my area Verizon is #1, Sprint/VM is #3 and T-Mobile is #4, so YMMV.

 

[schlar01]

I have seen the pic you posted before, but it doesn't really help by local area.

I see the other has some data speeds, thanks.

 

[Petrah]

Well, it could be grouped by phone, as well. Seems like that would be a good tool.

That's what I was trying to tell you. Even phones that are the same make/model and/or carrier... not all of them have hardware that works as it should. Take the OpV for example. Some OpV users have awesome signal strength, and some do not (almost non existent) even though they have a Sprint tower practically in their back yard. Read through some of the 3G threads and you'll see what I mean.

 

[schlar01]

Yeah but much of that would average out over time. I don't think most users are looking for an exact measurement, they just want to see what others are getting.

 

[mogelijk]

I think it would be helpful. I tend to think of it like the MPG claims of various cars -- most people know that MPG is based on the individual car (as even cars of the same model will vary somewhat) and driving habits. But it does give you a guide to help you make a more informed decision, even though YMMV.