Discuss VM's 3G speeds here

[markmp3z]

Whats speeds can i expect on the Optimus V

[phonemagician]

Wirelessly posted (lg optimus : Opera/9.80 (Android; Opera Mini/6.1.25577/25.823; U; en) Presto/2.5.25 Version/10.54)

depends on your location. no one can answer that unless they are standing next to you.a simply Google search about your location and virgin mobile will answer. around here if you ask questions that are easily searchable will get u made fun of

[Extraordinary]

1kbps to 2500kbps depending on location, time of day, network load, tower load, signal strength, etc.

Or no connection at all.

[ORDUSA]

I have 0. No data for almost 2 weeks. Keep looking. Unless you are happy with paying $25 or $35 for $8.33 a month service, which is what I'm getting right now....voice only.

[ONE80ONEDAY]

Slow to say the least, which is fine most of the time for emails and whatnot. Streaming, facebook, twitter, other apps, and the internet requires a lot of patience.

[WeAreNotAlone]

Scenario:

In process of testing out Virgin Mobile. Depending on speed of DATA connection (3G) I may have to go *back with T-Mo.

Sprint lists 3G speeds download speeds as:

.6>1.4mb average with 3.1 max.



I have(2) LG Optimus V's (Android)... Both have been activated - But I have NOT applied funds to phone #2 because I'm in SHOCK about the LOW 3G Speeds I'm getting on phone #1.

(Excessively high pings, down/up well BELOW min spec 3G should be. It is seldom speeds are within the MINIMUM 3G spec.

NOTE: I am in a major city- of several hundred thousand near major interstates - So 3G speed should not be so low.
Note also for the record while at local retailers- I had employees with SPRINT phones test their speeds- and their speeds weren't much better.)



According to this review -everything is good http://www.bgr.com/2009/08/08/carrie...-test-results/

(From the posts on the net and from my testing speeds indicate towers/ and or backhaul is improperly sized. Outages, slow speed seems to be a RE-OCCURRING issue.On the SPRINT forums there is a ongoing thread on excessively slow 3G speeds.)
Very Slow 3g Data Speeds -- you too ?
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/34011



*From everything I've read:
1: SPRINT towers only have (1) T1 line to each. @ a loading of 100/200 customers bandwidth runs out and tower starts reducing speeds accordingly.

2: Virgin /Sprint have "oversold" the network- Because of such network is unable to handle typical (3G) SMART-PHONE data traffic.

3: I read a post saying IIRC a SPRINT engineer had posted some internal info:
He said=
A: There was a threshold in which everything was considered to be operating properly IIRC 97>96%
B: Sprint cell site monitoring software will not report a problem -until 4% of Voice calls are getting dropped, it does not report, or should I say "recognize" data transmissions that drop below min 3G spec , or containing too many errors to be "bad". Software only "reports" there is a problem on voice calls.
C: Engineer reported that data beyond a 97% or LOWER threshold was considered "bad", and that the towers when checked were running 60%.!!!!

(I would assume that this would cause the towers (and the customers hardware) to make repeated requests for the data to be retransmitted- further adding to loading on the system.... this causing data traffic to literally come to a standstill.. All the time SPRINTS cell site/network software reporting everything was FIN and DANDY. If that is the case some people need to be fired ASAP.)


4: As 4G (and other technologies/speeds are in), and 3G is "old", from a marketing perspective it is unlikely that SPRINT spend alot of $$$ on 3G issues. (unless related to backhaul /connection to internet backbone.)
5: VM calls are routed over VM servers -that aren't able to handle the load.
6: VM customers are considered "second case citizens"... Sprint customers getting priority- VM customers getting leftover bandwidth.
7: SPRINT customers are filing trouble tickets- with the tickets being dismissed without a resolution. SPRINT will blame low speeds on your hardware (typical), saying everything is "ok" on their end.
(Weird that at local SPRINT stores when the tests are run on display units, other customers, or SPRINT employee phones that the low speeds persist).


.

[WeAreNotAlone]

Whats speeds can i expect on the Optimus V

Sprint lists 3G speeds download speeds as:

.6>1.4mb average with 3.1 max.


According to this review -everything is good http://www.bgr.com/2009/08/08/carrie...-test-results/

I have(2) LG Optimus V's (Android)... Both have been activated - But I have NOT applied funds to phone #2 because I'm in shock about the LOW 3G Speeds I'm getting on phone #1.

(Excessively high pings, down/up well BELOW min spec 3G should be. It is seldom speeds are within the MINIMUM 3G spec.)


*From everything I've read:

1: SPRINT towers only have (1) T1 line to each which results in low 3G speeds.
(From the posts on the net and from my testing speeds indicate towers/ and or backhaul is improperly sized. Outages, slow speed seems to be a RE-OCCURRING issue.On the SPRINT forums there is a ongoing thread on excessively slow 3G speeds.)
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/34011
2: Virgin /Sprint have oversold the network- they have not, or are not upgrading to handle (3G) smart-phone data traffic.
3: As 4G (and other technologies/speeds are in), and 3G is "old", from a marketing perspective it is unlikely that SPRINT spend alot of $$$ on 3G issues. (unless related to backhaul /connection to internet backbone.)
4: VM calls are routed over VM servers -that aren't able to handle the load.
5: VM customers are considered "second class citizens"... EG: Sprint customers getting priority- VM customers getting leftover bandwidth.

[billm261]

That's a pretty good analogy of what's going on.

I think there are several other factors also.

Prior to Sprint purchasing VM there were no data hungry devices in its lineup. Actually, there was pretty much just low grade, basic phones that were fine for their intended purpose. They are still using the same proxy server for VM and there has been no capacity upgrade to accommodate the onslaught of smart phones that they have added.

Sprint's capitol expenditure per subscriber is the lowest in the industry. They don't have the money to upgrade right now like the big two. Even T-Mobile was steadily improving its network while Sprint either sat idle, or made a bad bet with Clearwire to provide its Wi-Max 4G service which is by no means rock solid.

Sadly, Network Vision is a ways off

Coverage being equal, T-Mobiles unlimited pre-paid plan is a good deal and not terribly more expensive than Virgins.

[vmobi]

That's a pretty good analogy of what's going on.

I think there are several other factors also.

Prior to Sprint purchasing VM there were no data hungry devices in its lineup. Actually, there was pretty much just low grade, basic phones that were fine for their intended purpose. They are still using the same proxy server for VM and there has been no capacity upgrade to accommodate the onslaught of smart phones that they have added.

Sprint's capitol expenditure per subscriber is the lowest in the industry. They don't have the money to upgrade right now like the big two. Even T-Mobile was steadily improving its network while Sprint either sat idle, or made a bad bet with Clearwire to provide its Wi-Max 4G service which is by no means rock solid.

Sadly, Network Vision is a ways off

Coverage being equal, T-Mobiles unlimited pre-paid plan is a good deal and not terribly more expensive than Virgins.

Lot's of claims there.... please provide some sources.
Sadly, T-Mobiles unlimited pre-paid plan is a good deal and, unfortunately, more expensive than Virgins.
Or perhaps the OP is in a poor coverage area.

Scenario:...
...
According to this review -everything is good http://www.bgr.com/2009/08/08/carrie...-test-results/

(From the posts on the net and from my testing speeds indicate towers/ and or backhaul is improperly sized. Outages, slow speed seems to be a RE-OCCURRING issue.On the SPRINT forums there is a ongoing thread on excessively slow 3G speeds.)
Very Slow 3g Data Speeds -- you too ?
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/34011



*From everything I've read:
1: SPRINT towers only have (1) T1 line to each. @ a loading of 100/200 customers bandwidth runs out and tower starts reducing speeds accordingly.

2: Virgin /Sprint have "oversold" the network- Because of such network is unable to handle typical (3G) SMART-PHONE data traffic.

3: I read a post saying IIRC a SPRINT engineer had posted some internal info:
He said=
A: There was a threshold in which everything was considered to be operating properly IIRC 97>96%
B: Sprint cell site monitoring software will not report a problem -until 4% of Voice calls are getting dropped, it does not report, or should I say "recognize" data transmissions that drop below min 3G spec , or containing too many errors to be "bad". Software only "reports" there is a problem on voice calls.
C: Engineer reported that data beyond a 97% or LOWER threshold was considered "bad", and that the towers when checked were running 60%.!!!!

(I would assume that this would cause the towers ...


4: As 4G (and other technologies/speeds are in), and 3G is "old", from a marketing perspective it is unlikely that SPRINT spend alot of $$$ on 3G issues. (unless related to backhaul /connection to internet backbone.)
5: VM calls are routed over VM servers -that aren't able to handle the load.
6: VM customers are considered "second case citizens"... Sprint customers getting priority- VM customers getting leftover bandwidth.
7: SPRINT customers are filing trouble tickets- with the tickets being dismissed without a resolution. SPRINT will blame low speeds on your hardware (typical), saying everything is "ok" on their end.
(Weird ...
.

So the lone source (BGR) -you provide --claims "everything is good".

BUT other unknown/unlisted ~ vague "From the posts on the net" (links?) claims of poor performance... ok, thanks for clarifying that.

"IIRC"... what if you didn't?

"SPRINT towers only have (1) T1" ... sources?

"Virgin /Sprint have "oversold" the network" ... any sources for this ??

"I read a post saying IIRC" ... again, what if you are not recalling correctly... a link? was it an actual Sprint engineer?

"I would assume..." ... assumptions "???"

"from a marketing perspective..." ....i bet those Sprint engineers are glad "marketing" handles their budgets...

"VM calls are routed over VM servers -that aren't able to handle the load." .... any Actual Proof of this myth. sources????

"VM customers are considered "second case citizens"... any proof of this would be appreciated. sources??

"SPRINT customers are filing trouble tickets- with the tickets being dismissed without a resolution..." Any proof of this would be awesome... sources, etc???

sources... would be nice. please.

[billm261]

Lot's of claims there.... please provide some sources.
Sadly, T-Mobiles unlimited pre-paid plan is a good deal and, unfortunately, more expensive than Virgins.
Or perhaps the OP is in a poor coverage ?

While we expect you to defend VM a lot of the areas are true. I don't agree with the second class citizen part. I think they are a good competitor in the prepaid arena.

Time and again people complain here about data problems which are unique to VM. Over 1200 posts, 75K views and who knows how many non forum users out there. For information about Sprints aging network take a peek in that forum, its loaded with non biased information on the poor performance of its data network.

I clearly stated T-MOBILE was a few bucks more comparing unlimited plans. H2o just came out with a very good plan also.

I know the economy is not on fire but I don't think the cost difference would mean missing a meal. I guess if one is flat broke there is not a plan cheap enough.


Sent from my HTC Mytouch 4G

[martin_j001]

There really isn't a need for multiple threads on the exact same topic. Threads merged.

[vmobi]

While we expect you to defend VM a lot of the areas are true. I don't agree with the second class citizen part. I think they are a good competitor in the prepaid arena.

Time and again people complain here about data problems which are unique to VM. Over 1200 posts, 75K views and who knows how many non forum users out there. For information about Sprints aging network take a peek in that forum, its loaded with non biased information on the poor performance of its data network.

I clearly stated T-MOBILE was a few bucks more comparing unlimited plans. H2o just came out with a very good plan also.

I know the economy is not on fire but I don't think the cost difference would mean missing a meal. I guess if one is flat broke there is not a plan cheap enough.


Sent from my HTC Mytouch 4G

"While we expect you to defend VM a lot of..." Not defending anyone (you really should read my posts)
Just because my views don't completely agree with yours, does not mean they're defending anyone.
I have on numerous occasions posted what can be construed as negative remarks regarding Virgin mobile and their service or devices. On the other hand, posting solutions to issues that arise to VM users which I or other forum members have experienced and found resolutions to, should not be seen as an endorsement of, or defending VM's service.

"Time and again people complain here about data problems which are unique to VM. Over 1200 posts" ... not all posts on that thread are complaints. Some can be attributed to "new to smartphone" subscribers, others posts are individuals offering assistance in resolving their connectivity issues, while others are multiple posts by the same individuals "for whatever reasons" (including multiple posts of issues long resolved) a bit of reading would be required to understand that. Here's a list of the top 10 posters on that thread....
Who Posted?
Posts 56 ... mfrerkes
Posts 46 ... RG570
Posts 45 ... superorb
Posts 30 ... CA
Posts 29 ... HallOfPromise
Posts 28 ... heatdepot
Posts 26 ... mjayp99
Posts 22 ... MiFi_online
Posts 21 ... idbl_fanatic
Posts 20 ... IsLand_BoY

btw, thanks for the info on T-Mobile and H2O, they are Good Deals.
I (we) would expect you to promote competitor services and offers on a Virgin Mobile thread.

"I know the economy is not on fire but... " That's where Virgin Mobile offers subscribers a good service, with VM, subscribers are free to customize their service to levels which best meet their (financial or service) needs.

[corrupt81]

Sprint's 3G network has become over congested since the EVO launch and Sprint has done little to add increased infrastructure to handle the extra data traffic.
I used to easily get 1.2mb on Sprint, then shortly after EVO launching, down to 0.10mb. That was on my sprint mifi and my own Sprint EVO.
This year I got Virgin Mobile (on the $25 plan) and no surprise, it's the same poor speeds. Average of 0.10mb down. Every now and then it might shoot up to 0.65mb but that's rare.

Got T-Mobile three weeks ago and am now averaging 5mb down.
Having left T-Mobile years ago for Sprint due to their poor data coverage (still in GPRS!) it's funny that the tides have turned and I'm right back to where I started off.
I have 3 carriers now (Sprint, VM, and T-Mobile) but will soon be consolidating to just one. I was thinking of porting my sprint number to T-Mobile and keeping my VM line as it's on the $25 plan which is a great deal.. but the data speeds are so incredibly poor I'm thinking of just dropping it all together.

[WeAreNotAlone]

Lot's of claims there.... please provide some sources.

So the lone source (BGR) -you provide --claims "everything is good".

BUT other unknown/unlisted ~ vague "From the posts on the net" (links?) claims of poor performance... ok, thanks for clarifying that.

"IIRC"... what if you didn't?

"SPRINT towers only have (1) T1" ... sources?

"Virgin /Sprint have "oversold" the network" ... any sources for this ??

"I read a post saying IIRC" ... again, what if you are not recalling correctly... a link? was it an actual Sprint engineer?

"from a marketing perspective..." ....i bet those Sprint engineers are glad "marketing" handles their budgets...

"VM calls are routed over VM servers -that aren't able to handle the load." .... any Actual Proof of this myth. sources????

"VM customers are considered "second case citizens"... any proof of this would be appreciated. sources??

"SPRINT customers are filing trouble tickets- with the tickets being dismissed without a resolution..." Any proof of this would be awesome... sources, etc???

sources... would be nice. please.

Sounds like you think SPRINT and Virgin Mobile are running a tight ship. Everyone I've talked with...Dealers, resellers, neighbors of mine who have SPRINT, customers of SPRINT, VIRGIN MOBILE and my personal experience say otherwise. Outages and slow speeds seem to be the norm rather than the exception.

Are all the reports on the net 100% accurate?, I don't know but just this last Friday in my area I experienced a TOTAL loss of data for several hours spanning city-wide across multiple towers... add to this sub-par connect speeds over the past couple of weeks I've been experiencing paints a picture of a network that needs TLC, lots of upgrading.

Regarding the "Sources"

You can track down the sources -start by reading thru the threads on the SPRINT forum. Then Google around- you will find tons of persons experiencing and posting about sub-par data connect speeds on Sprint and VM. When doing so keep in mind that each post is representative of hundreds if not thousands of customers experiencing the same issues, it is not a 1-1 ratio.

Regarding "Sources" which prove your position (EG: Sprint runs a tight ship, money is no object- network has spare capacity, towers are being added everyday in existing markets to fill in dead spots, reduce distance between towers/ optimize tower positioning for high data connect speeds.)

If you have sources that prove your position, by all means post them. From the research I've done it appears:

A: That the sales of "data dependent" devices has far outstripped network capacity.

B: Tower positioning was done in the days "voice" was king- and is not optimized for data? (Read that as for voice a lower grade signal is acceptable, and data connections require user to be closer to tower(s) /stronger signal to obtain decent speeds.)

C: Capacity issues may be localized as in the case of a tower in low income, or high density areas. As it relates to VM that runs off the SPRINT network- percentage wise in lower income areas or high density areas more people are using the network for their primary internet connection.

**********

[vmobi]

Sounds like ...
Regarding the "Sources"

You can track down the sources -start by reading thru the threads on the SPRINT forum. Then Google around- you will find tons of persons experiencing and posting about sub-par data connect speeds on Sprint and VM. When doing so keep in mind that each post is representative of hundreds if not thousands of customers experiencing the same issues, it is not a 1-1 ratio.

Regarding "Sources" which prove your position (EG: Sprint runs a tight ship, money is no object- network has spare capacity, towers are being added everyday in existing markets to fill in dead spots, reduce distance between towers/ optimize tower positioning for high data connect speeds.)

If you have sources that prove your position, by all means post them. From the research I've done it appears:
...people are using the network for their primary internet connection.

**********

Sounds like you have no actual sources and are just here to rant...

In addition to your lack of sources, you are inventing an imaginary "position" which you assume I am taking with regards to the service. I have never stated your delusional EG: "Sprint runs a tight ship, money is no object- network has spare capacity, towers are being added everyday in existing markets to fill in dead spots, reduce distance between towers/ optimize tower positioning for high data connect speeds." (at least provide a link to that)

"From the research I've done..." please, provide just one source of credible information to support your rant..