Calling Apple yelds no results.
Essentially, Apple Sr support told me it is the carrier's fault. In addition, the tech told me that he suspects the combined chip in the iPhone5 self-interferes@ :OOO Anyhow, Bells' is not a true LTE so we should not expect actual LTE signal (it being a sooped up HSPA). What is annoying is that I remember reading about this 2-3 yrs ago when Bell was deploying, and a tech world warning that when LTE phones arrive, they will not work with Bell. Same maybe for other carrier. Ideally, dedicated LTE networks work. But I should have paid more attention. Even store staff, after sale, told me "yes, we know LTE does not really work." OR turn it on but your phone will drain at warp speed.
Another theory he had is that my plan and number is part of a select few that get rerouted so badly that signal is messed up. That would explain, in my view, why two Bell iphone 5s were working perfectly near me but not mine. The solution would be to reopen my plan as new... Oh well..
What happened to 'LTE, Canada's fastest network?"
As everyone lese knows, i replaced both SIM and phone, no difference.
Where I froze the Apple Rep is when I asked. Hey, did not Mr Cook tell in front of the world that "We worked with all these carriers " to deploy this magical phone? Bell was listed right there!!! She had nothing to say so passed me immediately to Sr Support where was told that carrier is at fault.
Needless to add, even in 3G overall cal signal strength in Gloucester ON, Dtwon Ottawa-for me- is abyssimal. Calls chop or drop as well.