And then proceeded to do the very unscientific test below using SpeedTest.net, comparing it with my aging Telecom CDMA Rev A card and the built-in Wifi (802.11g) on my laptop via my Telecom/Xtra BigTime plan, during what is probably peak time.
Some interesting things to note:
- The HSPA+ (XT) network and ADSL2+ (Xtra) both appear to have POPs in Auckland (SpeedTest.net picks Auckland as the nearest/default server), but the CDMA network seems to have it's POP in Wellington
- Ping times were all over the place and probably fairly reflective of the fact that this was done during peak hours
- For some reason (and I've seen this before) my ADSL gets great ping-times to Wellington (thanks CityLink!) and poor download speed from Auckland
- My ADSL2+ is connecting at 11.5/0.94Mbit/s
Yes, I'm lucky enough to be in an ADSL2+ area as you pay the same price even if your connection is slower - Both the HSPA+ and CDMA were showing full signal strength
- While HSPA+ didn't get anywhere near its 21Mbit/s theoretical limit (and there can't be that many people in my cell who are using it yet right?) it does nock the socks off CDMA Rev A (pitty I don't have a non + HSPA device to compare with)
- Cost aside, HSPA+ looks like a viable alternative to current average ADSL speeds
- Pricing (no discounts included)
- Mobile Broadband (HSPA+) - $59.95/month for 2Gig plan or $29.95 for 500Meg prepaid
- Xtra BigTime Broadband (ADSL2+) - $59.95/month for unlimited (throttled) plan
- Mobile Broadband (CDMA Rev A) - unknown (it's on a corporate plan)
- It would appear that I'm not even getting close to HSPA+'s potential (I thought it might be becuase it was still locked down to HSPA speeds), but the guys on GeekZone.co.nz have been reporting speeds between 16 and 21Mb/s!
Remuera, Auckland to: | Sierra Wireless HSPA+ 308 USB | Telecom CDMA Rev A PCMCIA | Telecom ADSL2+ (BigTime & WiFi G) |
|---|---|---|---|
Auckland |  |  |  |
Tauranga |  |  |  |
Napier |  |  |  |
Wellington |  |  |  |
Sydney |  |  |  |
