iPad Data speeds – Telstra not as strong as expected

I guess like many, I just assumed Telstra would be the fastest choice when it came to Data plans for the iPad.  I read with interest the very first speed tests published by David Flynn at APC Mag – showing that Vodafone and Optus both performed faster than Telstra.

So over the weekend, I took two iPad’s, side by side and tested for myself.

My own results follow…

Telstra MicroSIM in one iPad, Vodafone MicroSIM in the other.

DESPITE having the for warning from David Flynn, I was still shocked.

Simple fact, Vodafone was faster (downloads) 76% of the time.

Vodafone averaged 2277kbps download, 312kbps upload.

Telstra averaged 2004 kbps download, 216kbps upload.

Vodafone managed a peak of 3278kbps, Telstra 2889kbps.

All this is clear to me, surprising sure – but clear.

How much affect these speeds would have on the average web surfing experience I can’t even say, negligable at most.  However, bragging rights are crucial in this hard fought Telco race, and as it stands, Vodafone wins round 1.

Round 2, I’ll put Optus to the test against Vodafone!