Sometimes small, independent studies yield the most telling results. We already talked about Wired’s testing of 3G networks across the world, but it seems GP, a Swedish tech site has also conducted a few tests of their own. And when the results are compared to that of Wired’s, one conclusion could seemingly be drawn: the iPhone 3G connection issues are not due to a faulty antenna; rather, the networks are failing the phone.
The GP test involved taking the iPhone 3G to an antenna test chamber at a company called Bluetest. The results showed the iPhone 3G’s antenna performs just as it should and as well as any other 3G phone on the market.
Combine that with Wired’s test that showed the 3G networks are, as greghughes.net says, “woefully underperforming.” So what does this all mean? 3G coverage needs to be improved. And though Apple could do something about the switch off when 3G is performing poorly and EDGE is performing well to conserve battery life and to perhaps stifle app crashes, the reception won’t improve until the networks are bolstered.
[via greg hughes - dot net]
Less bars in more places! Bought the iphone 3G and I pretty much just keep the 3G off due to how shity the service is. It’s always been AT&T. They sucked when I had them 6 years ago and they suck now. Im only 30 minutes outside of Los Angeles. Shouldn’t be that bad. Even when using just EDGE the service isn’t very good. There are 2 or 3 drop zones just on my way to and from work. 20 miles… TOWARDS Los Angeles. The phone is amazing and Apple is known for quality products (even though the phone was a little buggy at first). Too bad AT&T wasn’t ready and doesn’t seem to be doing much to improve things. I hope all the negative press AT&T gets about their network kicks them into gear.