NY 3G service for iPad 2

[Jazzer]

Hi everyone.

This is my first post as a new member here. I recently purchased an iPad 2. After some thought I opted for the AT&T 3G version. I have only had it for a few days (so I can still exchange it). I love the device, but am wondering if perhaps Verizon would have been a better choice for me. I would like to hear some others opinions/experiences, especially from those who work or live in New York City. As an aside, I determined that 3G service rather than a MiFi makes most sense for me in terms of cost and my use, so there is no need to get into a discussion about that option.

Here is my experience -- I commute from the northern suburbs by train to downtown New York. Sometimes I find AT&T to be extremely fast, but typically during peak times (lunch, rush hours, etc.) the service can grind to a halt so as to be unusable. Using SpeedNet, I got a reading while in Grand Central Station around 10:00p.m. last night of 5.4 mbps download, which was amazing (although very temporary and not typical). During lunchtime there were times I couldn't even get a network connection and got readings as low as 3 kbps.

It seems to me that when the network isn't clogged, I can probably get faster speeds with AT&T, perhaps significantly so. AT&T also gives me the option of international use by swapping out the microsim card (I do travel for work internationally a couple of times a year and occasionally otherwise, but don't really know if I would use this option since I typically would have wifi -- but it's a nice option). I wonder, however, given that most of my 3G use would be while commuting or while at work (and otherwise, mostly in the US), if I wouldn't wind up with a more reliable, consistent and less frustrating experience (even if somewhat slower under optimal conditions) by going with a Verizon unit.
I don't expect to be trying to stream with a 3G connection (except perhaps an occasional short video if something is related to an article I am reading).

Anyway, any user experiences and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

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