AT&T and Apple still playing blame game

Created by hasan.kamal under iPhone

The blame game continues with the AT&T and Apple with statements fired across from both parties blaming the poor service and issues that arise with AT&T’s network and Apple’s hardware. The result of much investigating and numerous firestorms from both sides, AT&T is in the limelight again for its network capacity. The problem that AT&T’s network faces is primarily related to the way the network is geared to handle data traffic. Although the network is optimized for voice calls, data traffic moves on a different spectrum. The overall effect is that when data traffic is flowing is that voice spectrum conflicts with the transmission of data. People have often complained about the poor quality of the network causing AT&T due grief about their network.

Nonetheless, AT&T was quick to blame the hardware of Apple’s iPhone. The primary complain was that the radio signal that the iPhone handles switches from active to idle rather than turning itself off. This means that the signal is constantly accessed causing a strain on the network. However, iPhone users in other countries have not complained about similar problems, therefore, it makes little sense that the iPhone is to blame. However, an anonymous tipster has said the following about the way the iPhone OS conserves the power:

“All iPhone apps, including Phone.app, cause the radio to switch from “active” to “idle” mode when accessing the network far more often than traditional phones do. This causes the signaling channel, responsible for such functions as SMS messaging, initiating, maintaining, or ending a phone call, voicemail notifications, and DHCP requests, to become overloaded.” – (Source)

Source - AT&T service app

It seems like both AT&T and Apple are on the spot for their technology infrastructures. AT&T has taken an interesting spin on the issue by releasing an app on the App Store that documents the areas that have poor coverage. It’s an admirable step that shows how AT&T is still continuing to address this issue. The app is a free download from the App Store and a must have if you’re on AT&T’s network.

Critics of AT&T need to realize a few things before they begin to blame the network for their poor coverage of their iPhones. The exclusivity contract and high price of the iPhone means that many people will want contract phones which become significantly cheaper after signing on with AT&T. This means that a vast majority of people will be utilizing AT&T’s network and considering the number of iPhone devices (3.2 million devices this quarter alone) the data traffic on the network was going to be phenomenal. Although AT&T was most likely aware of the traffic that was going to be generated, no one could have predicted the success of the iPhone on this scale. Even Apple was stunned by more than 100,000+ apps that are available at the App Store. It will take time, but the steps taken by AT&T include the erection of additional cell towers in cities. The problem that AT&T faces is that the zoning regulations and hurdles that it has to overcome to erect cell towers in populated areas. These issues take time and money before they are resolved.

There is hope still for iPhone fans that are eagerly looking at the possibility of contract iPhones on other networks. With iPhone prices coming down gradually and the strengthening of service provider networks, usage and service will definitely improve.

Internationally, service providers have opted to keep the iPhone as an unlocked phone. The UK has pushed the iPhone on to Vodafone and O2’s network. As a result, users have been pleased with the service and the sharing of the data traffic means that iPhone users are more likely to sign up for larger data plans. The larger data plans come at a premium and help generate revenues for the company. It’s a win-win situation for the consumers and service providers since costs and revenues are shared across the board with everyone.

Are you on AT&T’s network with an iPhone? Does the troubleshooting app help with the coverage and service? Do you face issues with voice calls and data transfer in metropolitan areas? Would you switch to another service provider if the iPhone was offered on other service providers? Who do you think is a good service provider (Verizon, Sprint, etc)? Leave your thoughts and comments below.