This may sound ridiculous to some here, but I'm wondering...does 3G simply increase the speed of data downloads on the iPhone, or does it also positively affect phone calls? I ask only because I'm moving to an area with minimal standard ATT cell coverage, but as the map indicates 3G coverage, the new iPhone, when it comes out, may solve all my issues.
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3G question
- Thread starter JPS
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But does it increase the ability to get a cellphone signal? My question (perhaps poorly-phrased) was really about the phone itself, especially as I'm moving to an area with poor standard AT&T coverage.
3G
1. Potentially improves the data speed - YAMMV depending on a number of factors.
2. Allow the phone to work while browsing (you can't receive calls while using data on the existing iPhone - 3G introduces bi-directional data capabilities)
3. Degrades down to Edge when outside a 3G area.
A phone operating on 3G doesn't have the speaker buzz that happens when you're near speakers and your phone gets a text/call. GSM does that because it interacts with the towers on a connect/disconnect basis, while WCDMA is a continuous stream.
Sorry, this is simply not true. A 3G WCDMA signal is totally different from a 2G GSM signal. They are no where even close to the same, and you can only use one at a time. If you are on 3G, then the 3G signal is used for both Voice and Data. 2G GSM signals will not be used at all if on 3G.
As for your question - will 3G improve your reception? Well, it all depends on your location, signal strength, and how the cell towers are built out. Technically speaking, 3G WCDMA signals have some advantage signal wise over older GSM (less multipath errors, better use of spectrum, etc), especially if its running on a full rate codec. However, if you get very poor to no signal in your house under GSM, then the chances of it being much better under 3G are only marginally better. It also depends on the frequencies being used in your area. GSM under AT&T uses both 850mhz and 1900mhz, depending on the area. 850mhz is considered to have better building penetration over higher frequency signals such as 1900mhz PCS.
Now, MOST of AT&T's 3G runs over 1900mhz, with a select few cities in the US running on 850mhz. If the towers near your house run on 850mhz GSM and 1900mhz 3G, then chances are you may even get WORSE performance under 3G.
Realistically speaking, it comes down to a ton of factors. The best thing you can do is either ask a friend with a 3G AT&T phone to see how reception is by your place, or to pick up a cheap 3G Gophone and see how performance is.
