AT&T is claiming that it has the fastest nationwide 3G network. I’m sure this claim is a way to help entice shoppers to buy the iPhone 3G that launched today. AT&T says that it bases the claim on a variety of tests conducted by third-party researchers and that AT&T had the fastest network by a significant margin.

AT&T says that it has 3G service in 300 cities and expects to expand the service to 350 cities by the end of the year. The catch with that is my city is one of the 3G “covered” areas and the service is so patchy as to be pretty much useless. I can’t even get 3G in my home, but drive a mile down the road and you can get a weak signal.

"We've invested billions of dollars in our 3G network, and now we can proudly claim it as the nation's fastest 3G network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T's wireless unit. "We will continue to expand our 3G network coverage into new areas, grow our lineup of industry-leading devices, such as iPhone 3G, and deliver compelling new 3G services to market like Video Share(SM). And to top it off, only AT&T offers the best global coverage. AT&T's ability to serve its wireless customers is unparalleled in our industry."

Via AT&T