California - an LTE state of mind

Sure, both Verizon and AT&T have been operating LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks for over a year already, but now we've been able to capture LTE speeds on the remaining two major mobile carriers -- Sprint and T-Mobile. See table below with the fastest clocked upstream and downstream TCP speeds in this round of testing so far.

Latest Version of CalSPEED Now Available at Google Play

Our latest version of CalSPEED includes a provider address look-up function. Along with being able to test mobile speeds and keep a record of your results, this version includes a mobile viewer, with which you can click a point on the map and find which broadband providers offer service at your address for all types of technologies. Each time you use CalSPEED to conduct a speed test, the data from your test feeds into the state Interactive Broadband Map (www.broadbandmap.ca.gov). As of the end of September, intrepid citizens have conducted over 2,000 tests on this app and we would like to increase that number because it will increase the accuracy of our broadband validation efforts.

CalSPEED Around the World

Folks all over the world are testing their mobile broadband speeds with CalSPEED our mobile app for android phones that can be downloaded to your phone at Google Play. We have had 2,400 tests so far and we prefer folks conduct their tests in California, do it outside and not use CalSPEED to test their wifi. Be part of the CalSPEED glamour and excitement, it has international cache, download the app to your android and start testing.

Trying to Finish Fourth Round by Chistmas

We are almost done with the fourth Round of mobile field testing. We have completed 82 percent of our scheduled tests at 1,990 locations. Our fourth Round has been particularly ambitious because we added 790 locations. With the increased testing, the fourth Round results promise to be more statistically significant than previous rounds.

So far, we have seen some improvements in all of the providers' peformances. Sprint started strong but for the past few weeks has slowed a bit. T-Mobile has also experienced some rough patches with slow speeds, while Verizon has continued to improve their network by generating high mobile broadband speeds in some surprisingly remote locations. 

Here is to more fuel to finish the job.

iPhone Mobile Broadband App Now Available

We have some exciting news for iPhone users. Our iPhone app, CalBroadband, is now available on the iPhone app store. Download it today. By using this app, you can locate broadband providers in your community, for fixed service, mobile service and satellite. You can also compare and contrast cell phone provider speed claims with CPUC estimates of cell phone speeds. CalBroadband has two choices for accessing broadband data.

First, you can just pin a point on the map to access our data or you can enter in a street address. The app's map also tracks your current location, which you can also click on to look up broadband service.

Unlike our android speed test app, this iPhone app does not conduct broadband speed tests. We are hoping to release an iPhone app that does this test some time next year.

The Glamour of Mobile Broadband Testing

With all the striking California scenery, Tester Chris Perry insists the life of the mobile tester is a glamorous one.

Tester Hugens Attempts an Energy Boost

What are the secrets of David Hugens' mobile testing prowess?