iPhone 3G Reception Problems? You're Not Alone - Continued
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iPhone 3G Reception Problems? You're Not Alone, which has been locked. The thread was too long and some browsers were timing out. The above link goes back to the original thread.
IF this is a network problem, maybe Apple will wise up and use AT&T's failure to deliver a useable service as a means to void their agreement and start offering the iPhone on the other FUNCTIONAL networks. (I assume their contract has some performance standards.)
My Sprint Sierra Wireless USB works great with very acceptable speeds.
However, all that said, I still lean toward the iPhone being the culprit, mainly because so many other brands are able to utilize the AT&T 3G network successfully. I am not referring to the number of signal strength bars, I am referring to actual usability.
I have seen a lot of messages from Japan where they have
only 3G (not able to purposely degrade to Edge) and they are as frustrated as the other users posting in this and other threads and sites.
Even it the problem was simply lack of building penetration, AT&T made a choice. Choices have consequences.
Yes, AT&T has lousy coverage, but the iPhone 3G's ability to lock on and maintain decent 3G signal strength is very poor. At the very least, a significant batch of iPhones are defective (although I have yet to actually meet anyone here in NY who has a iPhone 3G that performs as well as their prior 3G phones on the same AT&T network)
So, frankly, there is much to be gained in returning the iPhone 3G when using one's mobile as one' primary communication device.
The N95 is not as "cool" as the iPhone 3G, and certainly nowhere near as fun, but it just works. My calls don't drop anymore (on the same AT&T 3G network) in Manhattan, and now calls can be placed and received everywhere in my apartment building. What use is a phone when you can't place or receive a call inside your own apartment?
The iPhone 3G is a very fun device, but in my opinion it fails miserably in its primary function as a phone. However, each to their own. Nobody is forcing anyone to use a particular phone, and the 5 of us in my circle who have returned the iPhone 3G do not regret it.
Care to sent me your N95 for a couple of days? I'm trying to do some side by side signal tests around town (I believe I have an iPhone that works great, and want to see how it holds up next to the Nokia), but no one I know has one. 😀
The "On-The-Go" playlist at the top of the iPhone playlists menu is permanent. It's the only way to create playlists while you're, well, on the go.
If you had previously created some and they're showing up as "On-The-Go 1" or "On-The-Go 2" etc, those can be deleted in iTunes and removed in your next sync.
Sorry, but I STRONGLY beg to differ. My two-plus year experience with Verizon in Portland, OR was lukewarm at best. Horrible reception from my office location and somewhat stronger at home. However, just moving a few feet while walking around either location could break the call.
I have yet to have any of those problems with AT&T ( no, I am NOT an AT&T fan at all ) and my iPhone 3G 16G Black. I had OK signal strength with 2.0 and now very strong signal strength and call clarity with 2.01. I also have the "newer" SIM installed - 71234O4022.
So maybe I'm the anomaly, but I don't think so. It's a tech problem, but I do believe one that can be solved as you would any tech issue on a new product.
I agree with you. I live in Seattle on the top of Capitol Hill (lots of cell towers up here). My reception with AT&T has been better than Verizon. My friends always complained about the voice quality when I was on my cellphone. Now with AT&T, I don't get those complaints.
Yes, inside my house I don't get many bars with 3G, but I live in a semi-basement\ground level condo facing north away from the towers. Edge reception is always full bars but 3G is just as good with only 1 or 2 bars.
This pertains to poor voice, and no 3G, in and near my home in San Francisco (Duboce Triangle).
I've had a couple other posts to this thread, but feel like a pattern is emerging that is worth sharing — but first, I should disclaimer this by saying nobody should have to go through this process to get the quality of service they've been promised, but for those of you who are intent on keeping your phones and working through crappy service, there might be some useful info.
In summary, I've swapped out SIM cards and been given a new phone with no improvement in service quality. Apple is now saying that it's likely an AT&T issue, and AT&T agrees (although weren't doing anything to resolve the problem except giving me extra minutes that I can't use at home). I still haven't seen 3G near my home (despite the maps), and can barely have a phone conversation (despite the maps). My last call with an Apple Senior Support Specialist resulted in a 3-way call with his counterpart at AT&T, who agreed, that telling customers they could get out of their contract wasn't an acceptable corporate message, and that the problem should be resolved rather than passing the buck.
What I've found is that in general, Apple is very responsive to customer complaint (and quickly escalates repeat calls — AT&T however isn't (at the lowest level of customer service and tech support). On 4 occasions I was told by AT&T that I could cancel my service within 30 days. I believe, however, that this is not one of AT&T's central brand messages, and that it's simply a matter of getting past that first line of tech support.
I believe now, that my reception issues are specifically related to poor, or malfunctioning AT&T coverage. I live in the geographic center of San Francisco, about a mile from an AT&T store (which has great reception due to their microcell in the basement, I'm sure). In talking with the AT&T specialist, none of my prior service complaints were ever delivered to the engineers who presumably deal with these issues, and I was told one needs to make sure a "Clarified Network Ticket" is being submitted. I have been given a date for resolution (of course resolution COULD still mean they can't fix it) and direct contacts for any related issues.
While it's in no way made up for poor (and misrepresented service), and there's certainly every possibility that nothing will change, I wanted to share with all you die-hards that persistence pays off, and at the very least, get's you in touch with people who are genuinely interested in solving your problem rather than reading responses off of a card. Finding someone to own the problem is the name of the game — I'll post again on the 8th (when I should have my response).
great, kbeat. you are a scientist! 😉 maybe you could also ask someone with a low signal iPhone to join you. personally i'd love to come but germany is somewhat far away.
I've tried the new 2.0.1 today: first thing i got was no signal. no joke. so nothing improved - at best.
@DougRidgway - Doug I live in the same neighborhood - I will try to get a Clarified Network Ticket issued as well and we can compare notes. Having same issues as everyone else. Verizon by the way works great. (Still have my RAZR.)
there's somthing else I would like to add: I noticed now several times that when i have about 2 bars 3G and a call comes in, it will do a handover to 2G during the call, and then 2-5 seconds after the call the signal changes again to 3G. I don't move though during the call.
so I believe the signal becomes especially unstable during a call.
Ted - that's another thing that's been mentioned (the more screaming, the more fixin'), I also gave them some intersections in the area that I more or less marked the boundaries (areas where I don't receive coverage) - these were specifically noted on the ticket.
Also, if you're not able to get to a Senior Support person at AT&T, get one at Apple then have them get their AT&T contact on the line.... best of luck
If this were building penetration alone, I might understand. But as stated before, my friends and coworkers have non-iPhone 3G AT&T phones and experience no problems with AT&T's 3G network.
Additionally, I can drive or walk all over the city outside buildings and not get more than 1-2 bars at best, while usually in 2G. My friends with non-iPhone 3G AT&T phones are in 3G the entire time.
On South Congress within 2 miles of the Capitol of the State of Texas (it's in plain sight) I am on 2G (EDGE). This is downtown Austin, people.... My frient's Nokia N75 is in 3G with full reception right next to mine....
