I have the latest HTC/Alltel ROM installed, plus did the 1-2-3 security files and GPS. I usually get quick lock on GPS. I have not tethered to get actual speed test/throughput. My house is right on the edge of EVDO and will switch over to 1X in the house. If I move outside, I usually get EVDO. I tried a couple of the QuickGPS apps, but uninstalled it after a day or two.
Going to
www.dslreports.com/mspeed, I can get reported speeds of 966k from my phone.
I had connection issues this morning as well, called Alltel Customer Service, and they told me their servers were out all morning and came up just before noon EST.