What happens when you pit the 3G networks run by AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon against each other in a coast-to-coast battle royal? That's exactly what Gizmodo purported to find out as it put the three companies' networks to the test in a variety of locations. Using 3G USB dongles, Gizmodo FedExed its testing package from one staff member to another in eight different cities across the U.S. map, each of which tested the networks in three to five areas, including a suburban spot.

As might be expected, the testing results were mixed. When looking at download speeds, Gizmodo's roundup showed AT&T coming in a distant last place in Boston, but topping the charts in Raleigh and Austin. On average, Sprint put on the best showing, particularly in New York.

When switching gears to upload performance, Sprint pulled a 180 and lagged behind both Verizon and AT&T on average, while AT&T "kicked ass here, winning six cities and barely losing to Sprint in the other two."

According to Gizmodo, AT&T would be the best choice for sending big files or running a mobile torrent service. The site also breaks down its results into fairly detailed summaries by location.

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