I just ran the speedtest app on my iPhone(wifi). Got 5.71mbs dwn, .49mbps uploading, 54 ping. 200 miles from host server. I decided to turn off wifi and test 3G. I got 3mbps dwn(no surprise), 1.3mbs(!) upload(big surprise) with 59 ping. I was amazed at the upload results. 1mbps is fast for broadband, is it not? Anyone else notice this? I'm quite far from a service tower. I currently have 1 bar and my phone jumped 6xs from 3G to E(edge) while I typed this question.

1 mbps is crappy service for broadband. 28 mbps rocks. That is what I have with comcast and my upload is 5 mbps. Secondly, if you are getting 3 mbps on your 3g network, you must be standing under a cell tower. Around here it's about 200 kbps.

3G is often faster upstream than low-end DSL. It is almost never faster downstream.

You are correct though that the upload/purchase is much closer on 3G service. I have seen it often enough on enough devices that I'd expect it. Maybe it's because a voice conversation is generally balanced in each direction so bandwidth is allocated accordingly. I don't know the *real* reason why.

1Mbit is not fast at all for broadband. It's pretty good for 3G with an average signal. The definition for "broadband" is often changed as faster average service is available.

I knew a gamer who lived out in the country who preferred a 3G modem because of the great upstream speed.

My speed test on cable is 20 down and 8 up.

I think it all depends on what's going on in the background. Your DSL connection should be faster than your 3G connection. However, as you just witnessed, real-world results can vary based on many factors. As for .49mbps, your uploading bandwidth might be limited because most normal users have very little needs for uploading speeds, thus minimizing bandwidth usage and lowering the customer costs!

Best of luck