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Some Customers with iPhone 3G Connection Issues
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I dunno I have some issues but not the ones that you guys are having. I sometimes get an issue when it drops, but the drops are not often and happen only when i call my friend on her 2G. Otherwise the service has been great, i wish i was getting bitrates higher than 300kb but hey its better than the 25-50kb i got on my 2G. The issue with it transitioning from 2G to 3G i have not noticed and i have received calls on 3G and ended on edge with no issues. I think there is an issue and apple DOES have a solution, if you take your phone to ATT try swapping the sim with a new one, if that doesn't work take it to apple and as for a new phone, they will replace it if you get more than 10% drops, then can check the phone's logs to see this.
For anyone who's still in doubt that this IS a problem I recommend entering "3G reception" into Google:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=3g+reception&btnG=Search
Most hits are on iPain 3G problems ...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=3g+reception&btnG=Search
Most hits are on iPain 3G problems ...
No problems for me!
In fact, my iPhone, on 3G, gets better reception and in more places than my old non-3G Sony Ericsson phone. (Though I did notice a slight drop in bars in certain locations after the 2.0.1 update, but I think it's just more accurately reflecting the reception I'm actually getting)
On Fido, in Toronto Canada.
In fact, my iPhone, on 3G, gets better reception and in more places than my old non-3G Sony Ericsson phone. (Though I did notice a slight drop in bars in certain locations after the 2.0.1 update, but I think it's just more accurately reflecting the reception I'm actually getting)
On Fido, in Toronto Canada.
I don't doubt that it may be a problem for some, but it is not a problem for everyone. I would venture to say the majority of iPhone 3G users are happy. This reminds of the polka-dot screen issue of the first iPhone. People were complaining about it, trying to swap out phones, deciding which screen model was problematic etc. A software update came along and fixed this issue rather nicely. My 4Gb had the screen and was fixed, but I can't remember the update number off the top of my head.
News Flash:
1) Apple releases newest, coolest gizmo
2) The "it's already been done better by x" posts appear
3) Followed up by the "Apple is still better" replies
3) Glitches for some, no problems for others
4) People with the glitches complain, some sensibly, others as if their very existence depends on the gizmo working properl-- demanding arrests, refunds, and limousine service back to store where the glitchy product was purchased
5) The "it's your fault" the glitch is happening posts
6) The "no it isn't, you dumba*s" replies
7) Apple sends out a fix that usually deals with the problem
8) Repeat infinitely
What did I miss?
1) Apple releases newest, coolest gizmo
2) The "it's already been done better by x" posts appear
3) Followed up by the "Apple is still better" replies
3) Glitches for some, no problems for others
4) People with the glitches complain, some sensibly, others as if their very existence depends on the gizmo working properl-- demanding arrests, refunds, and limousine service back to store where the glitchy product was purchased
5) The "it's your fault" the glitch is happening posts
6) The "no it isn't, you dumba*s" replies
7) Apple sends out a fix that usually deals with the problem
8) Repeat infinitely
What did I miss?
The Sydney Morning Herald article where the Vodaphone Aust person was quoted also mentioned that Apple in its desire to keep everything hush hush didn't provide iPhone 3G samples to the carriers (it would appear at least in Australia) until the day before the launch, which meant the carriers had in effect had not time to test and report findings to Apple until it was too late.
It is quite possible that even if they did get devices tested earlier the problem(s) may not have been found until in the device was in wider use, but at the same time, it certainly would not have harmed them in anyway to get proper testing done, though being Apple, keeping a secret seems to be more important than providing a quality experience to the customer some times.
I have to chime in, this really is different from the screen issue - that was somewhat loud, but this is much bigger. I had an original iPhone and had great reception. With the 3G, I get dropped calls consistantly - just now I was on a conference call for 45 mins, dropped it 3 times. The last time it dropped, the phone went to "no service" had to turn it off and back on for it to pick up again.
And by the way, this is my second phone, the first one was the same way (it also had a faulty home button, hence the return).
I can almost guarantee that its how it's switching from 3G to EDGE. Yes, I can turn off 3G and just use EDGE, but why am I paying $10 more a month to have to do that? Also, when I'm on EDGE and on a call, I can't get e-mail updates - so again $10 more a month for no real benefit.
I'm laying blame at Apple, and I don't think it will be fixed until we all start calling in to report it.
I am in the CA bay area which is supposedly covered in "best" 3G service but I've had huge connectivity issues since July 11 and have now had my iphone 3G replaced at the apple store TWICE and been through all the tech support escalation at AT&T and still I have awful voice quality, tons of dropped calls, and many periods of "no service". Sitting in one place, the screens dance from no bars to 3 to 5 to 1 and jump between networks (remember, I've had 3 now just like this!) and then when you attempt to dial out, it takes 2-4 attempts.
My iphone is great, but I can't call people on it and I can't actually get 3G data speeds, not even in downtown Berkeley and SF.
My iphone is great, but I can't call people on it and I can't actually get 3G data speeds, not even in downtown Berkeley and SF.
The Age is definitely calling it like it is: a device issue, not a network issue:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/iphon...1218306957900.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Vodafone already said it is a device-specific issue, not a network issue.
Telstra refused to comment, saying that if it is a device issue, Apple should be commenting.
T-Mobile Netherlands is blaming Apple.
But here is what gets me.
On a company blog it said the problem was a "hardware/software issue" specific to the iPhone itself.
So blaming GSM for being at fault, ATT for being at fault..? Somehow, I reeeaallllyyy don't think it is a network issue...
BL.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/iphon...1218306957900.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Vodafone already said it is a device-specific issue, not a network issue.
Telstra refused to comment, saying that if it is a device issue, Apple should be commenting.
T-Mobile Netherlands is blaming Apple.
But here is what gets me.
On a company blog it said the problem was a "hardware/software issue" specific to the iPhone itself.
So blaming GSM for being at fault, ATT for being at fault..? Somehow, I reeeaallllyyy don't think it is a network issue...
BL.
Just got off with AT&T
Thought I would update - just got off the phone with AT&T, just dropped a conference call 3 times. Their solution - take it back to Apple for an exchange.
Problem is, that's not really going to fix it now is it - unless they've made changes, which they haven't.
I really like the device, but come on Apple, say something!
I'm starting to think it's going to take the threat of a lawsuit or some consumer group to get them to move.
Thought I would update - just got off the phone with AT&T, just dropped a conference call 3 times. Their solution - take it back to Apple for an exchange.
Problem is, that's not really going to fix it now is it - unless they've made changes, which they haven't.
I really like the device, but come on Apple, say something!
I'm starting to think it's going to take the threat of a lawsuit or some consumer group to get them to move.
I am not arguing that it isn't an issue. I had worse reception with my 2.5G iPhone than I do with my 3G.
I would agree that there is a problem with switching between 3G and Edge.
Relating it to the screen issue is somewhat relevant, and this issue is bigger, mainly do to the fact more 3G iPhones were sold initially than the original (roughly 4x as many).
I think that the problem lies in both software and hardware (specifically the build quality). I believe the problem switching between 3G and Edge is a software problem. The fact that this is not a problem on all 3G iPhones would suggest that the build quality of the phone varies, which is not surprising for something that is mass produced.
Just my 2 cents.
This story now has legs, and will start spreading to larger and larger news outlets if Apple keeps dragging their feet and staying silent. Their overzealous desire for secrecy is going to bite them in the arse on this issue.
I just hope this can be fixed with a firmware update. Apple will be royally screwed if they have to recall all iPhones due to faulty chips.
I just hope this can be fixed with a firmware update. Apple will be royally screwed if they have to recall all iPhones due to faulty chips.
Well if the issue is with a bad chip run then bringing it back could potentially solve the problem.
If it's a bad chip run, the near million 3G iPhones currently out there would all have to come back, let alone everything software wise and personals swapped off.
Hellish for handling at the Apple store. Worst for handling at ATT/T-Mobile/Vodafone/Telstra/Softbank/Rogers/O2/etc.
BL.
I absolutely regret selling my original iPhone for the 3G.
Weak 3G reception everywhere I go in Washington DC/Northern Virginia. I get a call on a very weak 3G signal, answer it, immediately loses 3G signal, switches to 2G, call drops. Every time.
Now I have to keep 3G off so I don't miss/drop phone calls. Very frustrating.
So, I have an iPhone 3G with no 3G and a more expensive 3G data plan.
Weak 3G reception everywhere I go in Washington DC/Northern Virginia. I get a call on a very weak 3G signal, answer it, immediately loses 3G signal, switches to 2G, call drops. Every time.
Now I have to keep 3G off so I don't miss/drop phone calls. Very frustrating.
So, I have an iPhone 3G with no 3G and a more expensive 3G data plan.
The story might have legs but it does not mean that it is true.
I'm seeing a lot of AT&T complaints but I've yet to see any UK or Canadian Fido/Rogers complaints after the initial network problem Fido and Rogers had coincidentally around the time the 2.01 firmware update was released. That issue was resolved on the wireless provider end for most people by the end of that week.
I'm also seeing some Australian customer complaining but I hear that phone service in Australia has always been a bit hit and miss.
It is possible that a combination of a firmware update and some reconfiguration of the new 3G AT&T networks might fix the issues for the most part for Americans and other international customers.
What could possibly be happening is that the algorithm for handing off from one tower to another on the iPhone 3G may not be as robust as the one used for 2G and a firmware could potentially help here. It is also possible that it might be caused by how AT&T configured the 3G cell towers in the US.
There is another possibility that the cell towers have to be reconfigured to block access beyond a certain limit to prevent an overload and force the iPhone onto other towers.
My iPhone experience has been great except for that one half of a week where the 3G network in Canada was basically down.
I drove home from work today and felt like calling ATT about this issue. I wanted to register my complaint. I ended up getting transferred to the Apple support people. I was very nice and told them I am having decent reception with the phone but that while driving the phone can't switch from 3g to edge while in call without dropping me. He asked if I did all of the reboots, hard restarts etc. I did. So I asked if others are having this same issue, as i have seen it online and throughout the media. He wouldn't acknowledge there was a problem until I said I have been reading about it a lot. And even then he didn't come out and say anything dramatic. I asked him if he felt it was a software problem and he said yes it most likely is and to keep my phone up to date with the latest software and all future updates. I said I do. I then asked him if it were a hardware issue would this be covered under my warranty and he said yes.
So take it as you will. Hopefully Apple gets the point. I have a feeling they already have it is just they are weighing all their options before they do something.
So take it as you will. Hopefully Apple gets the point. I have a feeling they already have it is just they are weighing all their options before they do something.
Can you please check which batches are good and which are bad?
You can see the production date in the serial number. It is the 4th and the 5th number. This is a serialnumber (123XX678A9B) where XX is the week. Today is week 33.
Would appreciate an answer.
3G works very differently to 2G, and perhaps the following is where the issue:
* 2G uses 'time slices' during transmission. A phone uses the frequency required on the closest tower in the time slot given by the tower. The power of transmission isn't important, as long as the tower can make out the digital signal. When the phone needs to switch it makes a leap to another tower on another frequency.
* 3G uses "code division" during transmission. As an analogy - a tower needs all the connected phones to speak at a volume that allows it to hear them equally loudly. For close phones it's easy, they can whisper - but for far away phones they need to yell so that the tower hears them equally loud to the nearby whispers. The neighbouring towers actually transmit on the same frequency so as your phone gets closer to the 2nd tower it starts off with a volume too low to be heard (but perfect for the 1st tower), it's volume gradually increases as it yells louder for the 1st tower until the 2nd tower can hear the phone with equal loudness to its other phones, and then the phone starts obeying the loudness instructions from the 2nd tower and stops using the 1st.
The transmission power of 3G needs to significantly and dynamically vary to achieve a good connection. We've seen 4 bar reception drop to 1 bar and back to 4 - this makes NO DIFFERENCE to 2G as long as there is atleast 1 bar.... but for 3G it needs to change transmission power instantly to maintain a stable connection.
Sound like a viable reason?
ps. On the other side, if the iPhone has a high power transmission and doesn't drop it quickly enough when reception improves, it would drown out all the other 3G phones on the tower temporarily. The whole network would suffer.
Its not a problem on all phones because not everyone has to deal with a low signal.
The primary problem is the 3G iphone cannot handle a low signal appropriately. And Apple's solution thus far has been to make the phone drop down to EDGE more frequently... thus pissing off all the people paying $10+taxes more a month for absolutely nothing.
Let me say it again now,
we paying $10 more a month for
Absolutely nothing.
I have mentioned that I feel that switching between 3G and Edge is not handled properly. I can understand why people would be upset. You are correct that not everyone one has to deal with a low signal, but given AT&T's coverage map, how is one to tell how good the 3G signal is? The break down the give for Edge is a great help.
