Any mobile phone user that travels knows that the mobile network is not created equal in all areas. A network that is great in large cities can be woefully inadequate in rural areas. It also seems like all networks make similar clams of being the best so it’s hard for consumers to know which network is truly the best.

PC World has announced the results of its independent study of the top wireless networks pitting Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T together. PC World tested the networks in 13 different markets including Boston, Baltimore, New York, Orlando, Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and San Jose.

Tests to measure download and upload speed as well as reliability were conducted in each location. The results put Sprint on top for reliability in every market with a strong connection 90.5% of the time. I wonder how things would stack up if you ran these tests outside of major cities.

[via PC world]