iPhone 3G Reception to Improve in September --- or Not

xphunt3r

There's something definitely wrong with the iPhone's 3G reception. The evidence is undeniable, and as it's scattered across the globe, it sure can't be completely blamed on AT&T, much as we might want to.

Rumors are that Apple is working on a firmware fix to correct the issue, which more than one source has said is related to the iPhone 3G's Infinenon chipset. On Friday, in fact, Business Week said that the firmware update is due in September.

However, the question is: how can a chipset problem be fixed by a firmware upgrade? Or can it, at all?

If the chipset itself is programmed by portions of the iPhone firmware, and that's what's causing the problem, it could in fact be fixed this way. But if that's the case, if in fact it's simply Apple programing the chipset to require too strong a signal, it should be a pretty quick fix. What's the hold-up?

After all, if that was the case, the iPhone should switch to EDGE and be OK there. Users report iPhones switching back and forth between 3G and EDGE while sitting still, or even having no 3G signal and still not switching.

On the other hand, it's possible the chipset has a hardware issue, and if so, then there may be no fix --- short of replacing the chipset --- available at all.

In fact, as Jack Gold, an analyst with Strategic Consulting told Computerworld via email,

"I'd be surprised if it is as simple as a firmware upgrade of the chip, so it is more likely that existing devices will have this defect forever."

If that's the case, it would expect there to be a huge backlash. After all, iPhone 3G users are paying $10 more per month for their data plans than original iPhone users. After all, it's 3G, right?

But if users are not getting 3G, how is that fair? Answer: it's not. Possible result: class-action lawsuit.

It would be nice if Apple gave some sort of indication as to what's going on, as well as some sort of real solution for iPhone 3G owners, even a recall, if necessary. If they don't, it would be the first real customer support failure since the company's resurgence, and it could destroy the inroads Apple has made with mainstream buyers, apart from the cult audience it used to be restricted to.

Steve Jobs would be able to see that possibility, and do the right thing if a recall is necessary.

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