The start of 2009 is not looking too bright for 2G iPhones being affected by AT&T's stealthy signal strength downgrade, delivering fewer bars in more places for some owners of Apple's original Jesus phone. The previously robust EDGE/2G 850 MHz band that offers superior indoor signal strength is being replaced by AT&T on transmitters with the weaker 1900 MHz band, according to a detailed report by Timothy Butler at Open for Business.
"Open for Business has learned that AT&T has been quietly sacrificing 2G signal strength in an effort to speed up the build out of its next generation 3G network." Butler reported for OFB.
Apparently the 2G iPhone is not the only handset being affected by the signal drop. Most AT&T offered BlackBerry and RAZR models will also feel the lesser signal pinch. What's the solution? Dump that old relic and upgrade to iPhone 3G of course. It's that simple!
"AT&T’s executive director of analyst relations, Mark Siegel, “categorically” denied to OFB that AT&T was advising customers to dump 2G equipment such as the iPhone for 3G versions."
It's conceivable that AT&T is not encouraging customers to switch to iPhone 3G, but the alternative for many will be to sit back and enjoy a horrible new downgraded level of service at the same old price. You can always upgrade with an increase in monthly fees adding $10 for data and $5 for text messages. In addition the 3G upgrade will include a new two-year hostage plan that AT&T prefers to call a contract.
I'm expecting this bit of bad news to go over with cult of iPhone faithful about as well as a surprise fisting from some guy wearing Hulk Hands.
Read the entire report at Open For Business.
I Have A 2G 4GB And It Works Fine On 3.1.2 And Everything Else. The Only Thing 3g Has Is GPS But I Found A Way To Get That! 3g's Is Ugly, Funny Shaped And Big. I Like My 2G The Only Think I Need To Do Is Get More GB. So Keep Upgrading For Nothing Just Do A Little Research Instead Of Taking Something Someone Gives Or Sale You Or Because You Saw Your Friends With It And Bragging! I Also unlocked 3.1.2 For It in A Few Sec.. To Me All Iphones Are The Same And Will Do Almost The Same Well What I Need!
Posted by: Mobtype | November 10, 2009 at 04:46 PM
I picked up on this story from another source yesterday and noted a rationalization that, since the 3G phone performance wasn't up to par with the original while requiring more for monthly service, the action was jusified. What BS. Since when does over-charging and under performing cause for degrading another's quality of service? I would understand DROPPING edge support but to devolve? What horse crap (if true).
Posted by: Sandifop | January 05, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I pay my iPhone / ATT bill every month. Since ATT has lowered my service with this action, it would seem that my bill should be equally lowered. Since they did this secretly with no notification to me, it would appear that the fundamental dishonesty of the phone companies continues alive and well.
ATTN: ATT! I like my iPhone well but that new Blackberry looks very good.
Let's see now ... just in case the ATT management has forgotten: That is spelled V-E-R-I-Z-O-N.
Posted by: Greg | January 04, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Who still has a 2G iPhone?!!?!
Posted by: Homer | January 03, 2009 at 06:19 PM
If that is true, it would seem to be a nice class action lawsuit.
Posted by: Jim | January 03, 2009 at 04:55 PM
at&t could not possibly deliver fewer bars than they do now. Zero is the lowest number of bars you can get! It doesn't matter whether it's 2G or 3G, or where you are in the country, their network is sh*t! When compared to their European and Asian counterparts, it is clear that at&t are a bunch of amateurs!
Posted by: stevie | January 03, 2009 at 02:29 PM