Sprint, Verizon pimping their 3G networks

Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless are upgrading their 3G wireless networks to increase internet upload speeds.

Verizon Wireless has announced it is upgrading its third-generation wireless network using a CDMA-based technology called EV-DO (Rev. A) in six markets, including Boston, Chicago, Salt Lake City and parts of Florida.

Sprint Nextel has also been upgrading its 3G network with EV-DO (Rev. A) since October 2006. It now offers the service in 24 markets, including some in which Verizon says it will operate.

The main benefit of upgrading to EV-DO (Rev. A) is an increase in upload speeds.

EV-DO Revision Zero, the first version deployed, offers downloads between 400kbps and 700kbps with upload speeds of about 50kbps to 70kbps.

The new version of the technology is likely to offer average speeds from 450kbps to 800kbps for downloads and 300kbps to 400kbps for uploads, according to the companies. This means customers on their network could use their laptops or PDAs to download a 1MB email attachment, the equivalent of a small PowerPoint presentation or a large PDF file, in less than 15 seconds, and upload a file of the same size in less than 25 seconds. Verizon said this is a marked improvement over earlier generations of technology.

AT&T's Cingular Wireless has also made several announcements over the past week highlighting the expansion of its 3G wireless network, which is based on HSDPA technology - including major enhancements to its service on the campus of Louisiana State University.

The company also announced an $86m investment to upgrade its network around Las Vegas. And it is launching the new 3G service in Connecticut.

Marguerite Reardon writes for CNET News.com