How fast is your iPhone?

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

We're not sure how Apple managed to make such a fuss out of putting a common 3G radio in a mobile phone, but it did.

If you were excited about the getting your hands on a 3G iPhone, then you're probably also interested in finding out just how fast your phone is pulling down data. Enter CheckTubes, a funky new free tool developed by our very own tech geniuses here at CBS Interactive Australia. It is available now through the Apple App Store.

CheckTubes is a simple app that checks the throughput speed of your iPhone by downloading a small packet of data and measuring the time it takes to complete this task. The app first determines whether you are using cellular data or are connected to a wireless LAN. It will then download either a 300kb packet for 3G or a 1MB packet over Wi-Fi before displaying the test results.

Of course, throughput speeds are only partially attributable to the phone itself and they can be severely impaired by a weak network signal. Bearing this in mind, when you first start CheckTubes, the app asks for access to location data via the iPhone's GPS receiver and then associates your current location with the result of the test using Google Maps.

At this time, we're anonymously collecting the location data, so with your help, we should shortly be able to compile enough information to show you the best and worst places in Australia for 3G network coverage. Jump onto the App Store now and download CheckTubes.