Both Sprint and Verizon utilize EV-DO Rev A (Evolution Data Optimized) as their wireless broadband data standard, while Cingular uses UMTS and HSDPA frequencies.  In theory, EV-DO promises a data rate less than half of HSDPA, 3.2 Mbps, versus 7.2 Mbps for HSDPA.  But what do real world users actually see?

Real world testing found that neither actually reached their theoretical speeds.  However, while HSDPA is far faster than Sprint’s EV-DO, Cingular doesn’t have nearly as much coverage as Sprint.  If you travel, you may find that Sprint may be the better choice for you.  Even though it is slower, Sprint has more coverage throughout the US.

But Sprint is also developing WiMAX, a standard that will be far faster than Cingular’s HSDPA.  They expect it out in about one year.  HSDPA is the leading standard now, but Cingular is slow to roll it out.  Sprint has greater overall coverage and a faster standard on the way.  Cingular needs to get its act together.

Read more at the Boy Genius Report

[tags]WiMax, hsdpa, hsdpa, ev-do, sprint, cingular[/tags]