Android users pwn wireless networks

I have no idea how cell networks work, but I've noticed that using 3G data is typically hit-or-miss, in that when I use it, it either works really well, or not at all. Meanwhile, Edge seems to work slower, but almost never craps out on me.

For example, if I'm at a large event, where you normally can't get data service, if I turn off 3G and go to Edge, I can typically get some minimal data. Like for score updates, emails, etc. Not like web browsing, but just enough.

My uneducated theory is that most people have 3G connected phones, and typically don't know how to or are just too lazy to switch to Edge, so when you're in a high demand area, 3G is virtually useless since it is the default for most people.

I keep my phone set to Edge, even though I have a Samsung Galaxy S, nearly all the time. Am I just dreaming this is how it works, or is there any credence to my theory?

 

thank goodness I haven't noticed any slow down (yet) on T-mobile's 4G (hspa+). I'm sure that will change soon but for right now I'm enjoying it.

 

There are more Edge towers and you aren't fighting for network bandwidth so in some cases, your performance will be better. I keep my blackberry on Edge because it so slow anyway, it doesn't make a difference. The battery last longer that way.


The biggest challenge for a mobile network is that you data usage patterns can change instantly but it takes months or years to put new towers. The best analogy is if a thousand people came to your house and connected into your wireless access point. For most planned big events like the world cup or Olympics, the wireless providers will bring in trucks with temporary cell towers.

Everyone trashes ATT, but they have been dealing with 70 times the amount of traffic since the original iphone, and have cities like NY and SF that make it almost impossible to put new towers up. Verizon has the luxury being to upgrade their network during the last 4 years to prepare where as ATT has been playing catch up. Regardless, you will see Verizon's network see more problems in the near future due to all these Android phones and the Verizon iphone.

 

Sprint has paid dearly from the very beginning of their inception with them trying to stay ahead of the curve with cutting edge technology. ATT did the same with the Iphone and it slapped them in the face. Verizon has always been very wise on how to roll out their business plans. Verizon will not have the same issues as ATT. Since their 4G will be strictly on an entire different band, their voice and 3G spectrum will remain largely untouched. Its likely the 4G/700mhz band will get crushed, but users will still continue to make voice calls with the same quality as they have always expect. Even though internet/smartphones are the latest hot fad, voice is still the bread and butter profit of the companies.

 

Disappointing thread is disappointing.

I thought it'd be some "Improv everywhere" or "Scientist Prank" crap.