Wednesday, 20 August 2008

iPhone Update Unclear of Fixing Concerns Over Connectivity

Apple has posted an update to address problems with the iPhone 3G. The software update for the iPhone partly fixes the connection snags that have caused a global firestorm for the new iPhone 3G.

T-Mobile, owned by Deutsche Telekom AG, said the software was available for users to download to their iPhones, but that it was uncertain if the upgrade would fix all the connection problems. "We have had complaints about connectivity in the Netherlands but have not had more complaints than usual for a 3G phone in Germany. Our technicians said today Apple has issued a software update but it is too early to tell if the problems are solved," a T-Mobile spokesman said.

Details on the update were nebulous. AT&T, the only U.S. network operator carrying the iPhone, confirmed that Apple had provided a software update but declined to give details about what it was aimed at fixing.

In recent days, customers around the globe have complained about dropped calls and other connection issues with the latest iPhone. Such drops apparently occur when calls are handed off from the 3G network to a slower network, such as AT&T's Edge, when 3G isn't available. According to analyst and media reports, the problem is due to the faulty 3G hardware from Infineon, which supplies antennas for the iPhone.