Saturday, November 29, 2008
3G Throwdown - the redux
A few weeks ago I began testing and comparing the wireless broadband services that just launched, gauging IT&E's EVDO platform against DOCOMO Pacific's 3G network (3.5G Max, if you're paying attention to the commercials). At the time I said I didn't have enough empiciral data to issue a recommendation or declare a clear-cut winner.
And while I still can't claim one significantly over the other like some referree at the end of a prize fight, I have learned enough to help you make a good buying decision this year.
PRICE:
Both 3G and EVDO will run you about the same ($50/month), so there's no real discernible winner here. Ostensibly, bundle packages with either company bring the price down.
COVERAGE:
DOCOMO, for the moment, has this one on lockdown. While I've been just about everywhere on Guam and have had access in all but the obvious traditional telecomm trouble areas (i.e., mountainous, low-lying, in the jungle). All metro locales work with 3G. IT&E is admittedly lagging in their islandwide coverage, so surprisingly parts of larger villages like Mangilao can't avail of it yet.
CONNECTIVITY:
Now while I do give the nod to 3G for better reception, I will note how my 3G access tends to sporadically dropout, forcing an automatic reconnect. The only time I ever experienced a severed connection on EVDO was exactly after a 3-hour sustained connection, leading me to believe that there's an interval in how long one can be connected. I greatly prefer the latter.
CLIENT PLATFORM:
Since IT&E is pushing the Verizon UM150 Modem, which runs off of USB, the client connection software is available for Windows and Mac OS X. DOCOMO so far is only good for the Windows folk by way of the BandLuxe WCDMA & HSDPA ExpressCard that's being touted.
SPEED:
This is the determining factor, where the rubber meets the road, and for most users (yours truly included) is worth paying extra if the OOMPH! factor is kicked up a notch. In theory, both platforms are capable of delivering up to 7.2 Mbps downstream bandwidth, and both ISPs say depending on location, connectivity and traffic load you can get up to 3.4 Mbps. On EVDO, I consistently get around 1.5 Mbps. 3G normally pulls in about 800 Kbps. That's still very snappy for most recreational browsing and doesn't impair video too badly. Do the math.
So while you're on your own to choose, it's all a matter of wanting more flexible connectivity versus pure speed. Happy holidays!
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