Reply to: by patxi

According to PcMag research, average download speeds in New York and Los Angeles are as follows:
New York:
AT&T 3G (HSPA+21) 1.5 Mbps
AT&T LTE 16.02
Sprint 4G 4.83
T-Mobile (HSPA+42) 6.70
Verizon LTE 6.51

Los Angeles:
AT&T 3G 1.31
AT&T 4G 4.58
Sprint 4G 3.67
T-Mobile (HSPA+42) 5.88
Verizon LTE 8.06

The Nexus 7 can use either AT&T or T-Mo HSPA+42 technology. In the fast HSPA+ network, the Nexus 7 can handle anything except, perhaps, internet streaming of 1080p HD video.

If your phone contract is about to expire, my recommendation is the following:
1. Buy an unlocked international phone such as the LG Nexus 4
2. Dump your $100 a month contract with carriers such as AT&T or Verizon
3. Purchase a $50 a month pre-paid service in one of the fast HSPA+42 for unlimited voice, text and data. There are several phone companies if you look.
4. Tether all you want with your Nexus 7 and
5. Start saving hundreds of dollars
6. With the savings, go on vacation and visit my hometown (Donostia/San Sebastián). We have the best food.