Message boards question AT&T Mobility’s network
Carrier stands behind network performance post-iPhone launch
July 21 2008 - 12:13 pm ET | Allie Winter | RCR Wireless News
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Apple Inc.’s 3G iPhone is making its way across the world, with reportedly more than 1 million sold in the first weekend, and AT&T Mobility spokesman Mark Siegel said the carrier couldn’t be more thrilled. However, it doesn’t look as though all AT&T Mobility customers feel the same way. Word on the street (well actually, on Internet message boards) is that the release of the latest iPhone has taken a toll on AT&T Mobility’s network. User frustrations range from signal strength and reception to slow speeds. AT&T Mobility however, said its received no complaints and stayed firm that there are no network problems.
“I don’t know what you’re seeing, but our network has worked superbly well,” Siegel said.
Peanut gallery
Some people disagree. Unsure of whether the problems are because of the phone or the network, customers have begun posting comments about their issues. Here are some examples from an Apple discussion board:
“Seems the reception is really unsteady (even in Manhattan) and today the signal disappeared entirely, stating “no network” for over an hour (I was walking around during this time in an area where I know I always get reception).”
“I have the same problem here in Los Angeles. Very low 3G signal going to no service sometimes, then service a minute or two later.
“I actually swapped it out on Sunday thinking it was my phone. It’s not. Still crummy reception, albeit AT&T showing great 3G service.”
“Hi there. I live in Philadelphia, PA in the USA and having the exact same problem! It is terrible. The moment I turn off 3G on the iPhone, my service defaults to EDGE and I get 5 bars like I was used to getting on my 2G iPhone.”
Complaints are not only with signal strength. Multiple postings on the HowardForums Web site displayed customers’ annoyances with network speed, iPhone or no iPhone. Some examples include:
“I was only getting 200 kbps today, then up to 500 kbps. I always get 1.2 Mbps daily here, so it’s definitely slower. However I went up about 15 miles in the middle of nowhere on 3G and hit 1.1 Mbps. Maybe I’ll move up there in the desert.”
“I was here in San Antonio … and I did notice the 3G network seem a little slower than usual still today. This was in town in places where it is usually consistently fast.”
“Now at 12 a.m., I am getting a constant 450 kbps on my iPhone 3G. But during the day I get nothing but 50-100 kbps. Hope it is better tomorrow.”
“3G data is sucking rather hard in the Boston area for me … fluctuating speeds ranging from 55 kbits/s to 500 kbits/s while mostly staying at 100-200 kbits/s range. I hope this is temporary.”
AT&T Mobility steadfast
Siegel said problems could be based on a variety of causes including area, the device, etc.
“After all, wireless is a shared network,” he said.
Bill Ho, of Current Analysis, agreed.
“I’d hope and expect that AT&T planners would have engineered the network robustly for surges in demand,” Ho said. “Additionally, like all wireless data networks, I’d have to think it depends on the signal strength and the usage that a user is getting from a cell tower/sector.”
The 3G iPhone experienced stalled activations in many stores. AT&T Mobility said the activation headaches were caused from the devices not synching to Apple’s iTunes in retail outlets, which is a final and necessary step of the activation process. AT&T Mobility and Apple advised customers having trouble activating the phone in stores to do so at home, even though in-store activation was important to AT&T Mobility this year.
September 3, 2008 08:22 am
I have the exact same problem as David G's posting (July 21, 2008). AT&t Mobility screwed over us with claims of 3G. In Fort Lauderdale (west side) it showed coverage everywhere. Too bad the map doesn't show signal strength. AT&T should be sued for false advertisement. I filed a complaint with FCC.
July 24, 2008 12:49 pm
You guys should have gone with Sprint Instinct. The EVDO network is AWESOME and I never have problems. I can use my phone, laptop, whatever and I get great service in Atlanta GA
July 22, 2008 04:08 pm
come to tmobile
July 22, 2008 08:45 am
HAHAHA Right...Verizon loses to AT&T? RIGHT. I HIGHLY doubt that it is a great service...iphone or no i phone, Verizon is not called the most reliable wireless for nothing people. WAKE UP
July 22, 2008 04:08 pm
All i have to say is that Randy needs to take a chill pill. this blog is nothing more then a way for people to express the type of service they are getting ever since they purchased the new iphone. They are not personally attacking you so relax KID.
July 22, 2008 08:45 am
Sorry, Randy. Don't tell me I'm wrong. I've seen it for myself. Do I need to give out an address for you to inspect their hanywork personally? Don't try to cover up the mess! Good for you that your phone works good in 1 low use, clean RF location. But a lot of other people seem to disagree with you. I was only trying to point out some behind the scenes reasons as to why. Lets just say their 3G network isn't optimized for... anything.
July 22, 2008 08:45 am
The Real Story doesn't know fact. The two systems are on two different antennas. I don't know where you got your information, but your are wrong. I don't have any issues with AT&T's 3G network. I've tried Verizon's and AT&T's wins hands down. I think there are a bunch of discruntely customers taking out thier frustrations on the net, by posting bad PR's on message boards. Learn how to use the devices first and see what happens.
July 22, 2008 06:26 am
AT&T, the ripoff kings! This is what I predicted would happen! You can't have a patched together 3G network sharing the same antennas as the 2G (GSM) network and expect it to work! They are very different animals, and require different design approaches. You load up a bad CDMA based network, it is going to breathe & work badly, as described by many others. All of the problems with pilot pollution & overshoot will also rear their ugly heads. I am just waiting for them to finally figure this out & start throwing money at it to fix it. But they are talking major changes & expense due to their horrible foresight. They are going to have to change antennas, downtilts, heights & azimuths, separating it from GSM, if they ever hope to get ahead of the problems they are already having. No other 3G wireless provider has made such a bad move, not even Sprint. Maybe by the time your 2 year contract is up, the thing might actually have decent throughput? 100-200k is pathetic. EDGE can do up to 200k under the right conditions anyway! Where is the advantage? Don't waste your money right now.
July 21, 2008 06:52 pm
I was another follower (idiot) who left a solid network experience with Verizon here in West Hollywood and gunned for the iPhone. I never had AT&T before. I heard a lot of bad things about them, but assumed since it was 2008 and since I lived in an urban area that I'd have no problem.I checked the AT&T coverage map tool and my entire area was shaded dark blue covered with 3G. There is no way to tell if the 3G coverage is good or bad.Well, I was one of the lucky ones who was able to get my new iPhone activated quickly at the store. On my way home, not even 3 minutes into my first call with AT&T my call dropped. I had Verizon for years and I can't honestly remember the last time I dropped a call with them.Bad luck? Well, I got a bad feeling but didn't think much of it. I get home and guess what? No 3G as soon as I walk inside my house. All I get was EDGE and the signal was weak. Calls indoors were choppy, garbly and the data speeds were poor. After 4 days of experiencing the worst wireless network ever, I had to return my shiny new toy. I was sad because that was probably the best phone I've ever used sans the network.I wish I could use it with Verizon but the Verizon lady I talked to says it's not compatible with their advanced network.
July 21, 2008 06:52 pm
@ Unknown:Los Angeles users in certain areas are receiving the "emergency only," RF status for reasons not limited to bad SIM cards.AT&T has (within the past 4 months) cut out some of the last in-market roaming ability off the T-Mobile network which has created holes in coverage. In particular, customers who live in Westwood, Beverly Hills and other parts of West LA have experienced this. Since AT&T blocks domestic alpha roaming tags other than their own, customers don't know if they are roaming off of another local GSM network. They just assume they are on AT&T the entire time.You can find related posts on this subject by visiting HowardForums