HSDPA in Connecticut, revisited

I was able to get a 3G phone recently. I have to say, that the coverage maps that Cingular is showing in CT are probably a little exaggerated. The only place in North Central CT I’ve been able to get a 3G signal is where I work, near the airport (BDL). Around there, I get a “U” for UMTS on the phone, and I am getting “broadband-like” speeds, appx. 500-600kbs/sec. However, everywhere else, I’m on the EDGE network. Hope the coverage improves.

For instance, Cingular’s maps show coverage up I-91 N until about exit 46. I have to get real close to the airport before the indicator switches to UMTS. Maybe I need to shut the phone off and turn it back on to re-register to get a UMTS signal quicker, but I have a feeling that there may just be one 3G tower near the airport, and that is it.

I’ll post updates as more 3G sites light up around here. But for now, you might want to hold off buying a 3G phone if you aren’t near Hartford. Supposedly there is coverage there, but I haven’t been down that way.