Fix for spotty iPhone 3G reception on tap?

Fri Aug 15, 2008 11:04AM EDT

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Is your iPhone 3G dropping calls left and right? Join the club. Also: Word is that a faulty chip might be the culprit, and that Apple is prepping a software patch to fix the problem.

Both the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek are reporting that Apple will release the patch "in the coming weeks," although Apple—per usual—hasn’t made any official comment. An AT&T spokesman declined to tell a Journal reporter whether the new iPhone had more reception issues that other phones in its lineup.

I used my iPhone 3G pretty heavily in the past week during my (already over?!?) vacation in California, and while I suffered a couple of dropped calls, I didn’t notice any serious problems. Actually, let me clarify that: My iPhone 3G call quality and reception has been about as bad as every other cell phone I've ever owned or tested.

That said, other iPhone users have been lighting up Apple's support forums with angry posts, and an informal survey at CNET News.com found that 87 percent of respondents complained of sub-par cell service. And naturally, AT&T and Apple support reps are pointing their fingers at each other.

So, what's the trouble? According to BusinessWeek, the problem lies primarily with the iPhone 3G's custom-made Infineon chip, which is apparently having trouble switching between AT&T's speedy 3G and slower EDGE networks.

Symptoms include failure to get full 3G reception in areas where AT&T's HSDPA network should be readily available, as well as dropped calls when the iPhone 3G attempts to switch between 3G and EDGE, the BusinessWeek story says.

While the iPhone 3G's Infineon chip is, obviously, a hardware feature of the iPhone 3G, insiders are telling the WSJ and BusinessWeek that Apple believes a software patch will do the trick.

But wait—how could a software patch fix a hardware probem? Well, one BusinessWeek tipster claims that the Infineon chip has been programmed to "demand a more powerful 3G signal than the iPhone really requires." That means the chip could theoretically be reprogrammed to stick with a less-powerful, but still adequate 3G signal, thus keeping the 3G-EDGE switching to a minimum. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

So, anyone out there plagued with iPhone 3G reception problems? Sound off below.

Related:
What's Behind the iPhone 3G Glitches [BusinessWeek]
Apple Moves to Fix Problem of Dropped Calls on iPhone [WSJ]

 

Comments on Fix for spotty iPhone 3G reception on tap?

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  • 46 Posted by tlo22 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    I purchased the 8G for my wife and the 16G for myself and i agree with most of comments posted here that it's "NO GOOD". I contacted AT&T and asked for a credit on my account due to the larger number of dropped calls and they responded with "It's a hardware problem , not our network" and suggested that i download the most update software. I sync my phone almost everyday and it really didn't make a difference until i read online that you needed to turn off the 3G to avoid or should i say minimize dropped calls. I have been an AT&T / Cingular customer since 2004 and i really hate that i bought in to the iPhone hype because it has been a huge disappointment to say the least. I'm going to wait until the end of September to see if they can fix the problem if not i will end my iPhone experiment.

  • 47 Posted by beyoncefanone on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:06PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am soo happy that I didn't upgrade just yet. I still have the first generation iPhone and it works splendidly!

  • 48 Posted by raylightt on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    In Wisconsin, Drop calls at least 3 times a day

  • 49 Posted by starlitsk1es on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    There are always bugs when something new gets introduced. The people who rush to buy up the new gadgets are the ones who get to enjoy that ride. I'm not jumping to conclusions about the iPhone just yet. I think they'll get it straightened out pretty soon.

  • 50 Posted by ariellesoussan on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    my network doesn't work at all, it's been saying no service for a few days and i got the phone like a week ago

  • 51 Posted by denoiphone on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:41PM EDT Report Abuse

    poor signal in area where everybody else is full strength not even enough to recieve a call that really sucks ( my wife is pissed that she can't call me while I am at work. But I have turned off 3G and signal is full strength what do you know who would thunk it ...

  • 52 Posted by dontgamble99 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    Using iPhone 3g for 3 weeks now. Dropped calls are no worse than any other cell phone I have used ( Motorola, Samsung, Sony). 3g service is like any cell phone; works here not there. Battery life is good but takes a hit if you do a lot of internet. Turn features on and off as you need them and battery life is quite good. Makes BB and Windows mobile interface look crude. Using iTunes for syncing and content and music and video is great.

  • 53 Posted by nonougalde on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:40PM EDT Report Abuse

    I got my 16gb iphone on July 17th and did not have any problems with dropped calls until yesterday, September 7th. I could not receive any calls without being dropped seconds into the conversation, I tried in three different locations (miles from each other ) and it was the same, I finally turned off the 3g and no more dropped calls, but it worked flawlessly before that with the 3g on, I think the update ruined it.

  • 54 Posted by brian.kirrane on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:13PM EDT Report Abuse

    Was looking to show off my superfast browser to all the lads at the bar looking for Fantasy Football scores this weekend. My iPhone was not only slow, but the battery died after an hour. What a waste of my money.

  • 55 Posted by swifty6811 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've had the 3G iPhone since the end of July and have not had any more dropped calls than I had with my 3G Treo 750 or my 3G Blackjack or even my 3G Sync! The only issue seems to be when the phone switches from wi-fi to 3G to Edge and even then, it's been no worse than any of the aforementioned phones! It's not perfect by any means(Hello! Still no MMS! Are you kidding me?), but this owner in Indiana is ok with what I'm getting!

  • 56 Posted by duinbb on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Guess I have just been lucky.... Got mine the day they came out and have not had one single dropped call, not even in the rural area that I live in. Best phone I have ever owned!

  • 57 Posted by willorr410 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am on my third 3G phone in a period of 10 days!!! Battery and coverage issues. I had the first version and had coverage everywhere (Phx. AZ) now with new 3G I generally on have 1-2 bars of service and the phone goes back and forth between EDGE and 3G. I hope the create another progarm to fix or else I am turning it in before my 30 days are up!!!!

  • 58 Posted by camaro_thunder on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have had no problems with my iphone either, guess I was also lucky as I surf the web and watch youtube like noones business on it.

  • 59 Posted by shootdraxxus on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    My iphone 3g makes me sad :( The people I never get good reception to are others with AT&T carrier. I guess AT&T doesnt want me to use free mobile to mobile.

  • 60 Posted by bdleffler on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:04PM EDT Report Abuse

    Had major issues w dropped calls when on 3G for first 2 weeks I had the phone. Apple even sent me a new phone when I called and complained. Seems better but signal bounces so much when you change between 3G and Edge, it's amazing. Edge gets way better reception. Phone is amazing compared to my Palm 700wx but needs edit feature on email, take video, and few other things. APPS will be there soon, I am sure. Only tried a few free ones so far.

  • 61 Posted by andrew_hua on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    all of you #&*%#@ drank too much apple coolaid.

  • 62 Posted by mattacuff21 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:11PM EDT Report Abuse

    Yea I have problems switching back and forth between 3G and EDGE esp in low signal areas...Surfing can be a real pain in the butt!! But more annoying is the lack of picture messaging!!! Any word on getting this Steve??? HELLO Also, some sort of copy and paste ability would be a nice addition to the text editor. esp in emails and such. Again HELLO!!

  • 63 Posted by cmac5989 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    I switched from Verizon to AT&T to get the iPhone--big mistake. The iPhone doesn't work in my NYC apt. unless I stand by the window, and even then it drops calls all the time. Never had any reception problems with Verizon--this phone is terrible.

  • 64 Posted by heel4unc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    Also, no problems here in the Twin Cities with my 3G that I have noticed and I've had it since the first week it came out. No dropped calls, no dropped data. The only thing I've had is that if I'm in a parking garage (since there is no reception under the building under ground), it takes a few moments when getting to the surface in order to get a signal. I've been lucky and love my 3G.

  • 65 Posted by mothership81 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    Just bought it yesterday. The phone doesn't get reception in My apartment or in my office and both are in Manhattan. What is the point of all these gadgets if i can't make/recieve phone calls on MY PHONE??!!! I'll stop by the Apple store after work and see if they can fix it. If not, so Long Iphone and So long AT&T. My friend has Verizon and he NEVER has to deal with this nonesence.

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