Fastest Mobile Networks 2014: testing your data across the USA

Each year a test is done across the nation by everyday users like you. The test is part of "Fastest Mobile Networks 2014," ultimately showing how mobile device networks (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon) are delivering on the data speeds they present every day. PCMag heads this test, and this year SlashGear is joining in to create the most expansive Fastest Mobile Networks test since its inception.

During the entire month of May, smartphone and tablet users are being asked to check out a special version of Sensorly. There's a Sensorly app on the Google Play app store as well as in the iTunes app store for iPhones and iPads. Users are encouraged to run speed tests through the month of May – after that, do as you please.

At the end of the month, the data your device has provided is collected. This includes speed tests and locations, as well as any other odd info you'd like to share. While you can include your identity in the app, you can also run it completely anonymously.

This testing sequence will also include driving. A set of three Ford cars will be driving through and between 30 metro areas with eight LG G2 smartphones inside. The driver inside each car makes certain the devices report their results and that they're running constantly.

These cars will be moving through Denver, Detroit, Boston, Chicago, New York, Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Las Angeles, Washington, New Orleans, Dallas, and more. The entire test's results will be collected by the end of the month, and we'll have so much network data to let you know about that you won't know how to handle it.

Once again, network speed has become a competitive metric. Even so recent as T-Mobile's claims over AT&T for LTE speeds, we're seeing the competition continue. This study is your chance to bring crowdsourced truth to the matter.

This data is used by mobile networks, shouted and whispered about. If you're particularly excited about your networks' speed – or just want to make sure people know how horrible it is – by all means, participate. This test series has begun – have at it.

MORE: PCMag