blog.JacobBurke.com

3G finally here to stay…

Posted on: January 18, 2009 at 9:18 pm | Posted under: Technology
Tags: 3G, AT&T, coverage, iPhone | Comments: View Comments

For the past few days I have noticed that my iPhone has not been switching back over to an EDGE connection once I lock it.  It looks as though AT&T has finally upgraded the local cellular towers with a stable 3G data connection.

I have not gone all over town to see how well the coverage is, I work from a home office and it has been downright COLD the past few days for me to venture out.  I will be heading out this week to my normal spots to see if the signal is stable in those places.

All I have to say is that it is about time AT&T.  You promised 3G at the beginning of November, then by the end of 2008.  I am hoping that this is it, no more teasing!

I will be sure to update this post with my findings on the 3G coverage in my area.

Cheers!

Control is out of Apple’s hands

Posted on: July 9, 2008 at 2:50 am | Posted under: Technology
Tags: 3G, Apple, AT&T, iPhone, mobile, Verizon, wireless | Comments: View Comments

Last year when the iPhone was released, a new precedent was set that took control away from the wireless carrier and gave it to the phone manufacturer.  This was something that had never been done before, and many people were singing praises to Apple for making it happen.

One year later: The control is out of Apple’s hands and back with the wireless carrier.

When the iPhone 3G was announced at WWDC 2008, I was a bit intrigued.  The new $199 price point and the 3G data option are big selling points for me.  I am a heavy data user and have always been pleased with the stability and speed of Verizon’s EV-DO 3G network.  I have always carried my smartphone (Motorola Q9) and an iPod, I need to trim this down to one device.

As the details became clear about how things would work with the launch of the second phone from Apple, I got depressed.  AT&T has taken back control of the activation process and is now releasing horribly produced videos to make sure that current and new customers are "iReady".

With all that AT&T is doing to take back control, I am still not sure that I will switch to the iPhone 3G this month.  I would be switching from a reliable network that has provided me with great service for over 7 years to one that has spotty data coverage and horrible customer service.  I wish that Apple never went with AT&T, because it is the one thing holding me back from an amazing phone that has everything I need in one device.

The power is back with the wireless carrier, and they are making sure that we are paying them for the privilege of owning one sexy piece of mobile technology.

Cheers!