An internal source at AT&T discussed the problems fixed by the 2.0.2 update, explaining, in no uncomplicated terms, that the update controlled the UMTS power control in the phone. Each iPhone requires a small amount of power from the transmitter and that power is requested by the phone itself. If too many phones ask for too much power at once, the transmitter starts shutting down, resulting in dropped calls. The iPhone 3G was asking for too much power and, in 2.0.2, has been fixed to stop requesting that power so often.
The result is a net effect: if everyone upgraded, we’d all be OK. But since folks are slow to update, the problem persists. The only way to fix this once and for all would be to push an over the air update to the phones, something I’m not sure Apple can or will do.
Cellular transmission is a hairy problem. Sadly, Apple’s internal policy of “be totally freaking quiet on everything until people’s hands explode from fiery batteries” doesn’t help matters much. The only “official” comment on this problem? Apple’s PR person Jennifer Bowcock telling Ed Baig that “”the software update improves communication with 3G networks.” We’re a smart bunch, I think. We can all understand “the iPhone was TOO POWERFUL for the G.S.M. networks.”
LOL!!
What is this “power” they speak of? CPU, energy, bandwidth, and or ‘the force?”
UMTS is a standard network technology. The iPhone shouldn’t be much different than any other device using the technology. That why I’m interested in this “power” they are referencing. I’m guessing, but taking too much CPU “power” per connection would make some sense. Overloading the cell might cause it to reset. But saying that the iPhone connection, using the international network standard, takes more power than any other device just sounds like a joke to me. Any thoughts?
Wow I just reread my comment then the article again. It makes even less sense to me now.
“Too many phones ask for too much power at once, the transmitter starts shutting down, resulting in dropped calls.”
I know a guy that has the iPhone connection issue. When it happens, other AT&T phones stay connected, which would mean the cell is still running. That would mean that the iPhones have dedicated transmitters? Or do they really mean some sort of UMTS v-lan variation. I somewhat doubt that, but I could be wrong.
“The result is a net effect: if everyone upgraded, we’d all be OK. But since folks are slow to update, the problem persists. The only way to fix this once and for all would be to push an over the air update to the phones, something I’m not sure Apple can or will do.”
They tried. AT&T sent out a bulk text — I got it, at least — noting that an “important” software update was on iTunes, and that I should download it.
You all should read http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/08/28/the-inside-deets-on-iphone-202-and-dropped-calls/#more-2230 and you will get a very good explaination on what the issue was (transmitter power) and the solution (receiver asking only for what it needs).
Ron is correct. Roughly Drafted is the source of this info, and rather than linking to a site that links to them, why not just give them the credit directly?
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/08/28/the-inside-deets-on-iphone-202-and-dropped-calls/
Sorry. didn’t see that story.
No worries, it’s who DailyTech is linking to when they talk about the source of the info…
(In the sentence “With such a hazy picture, a new inside source from AT&T steps in to try to *clarify exactly what the fix did*.”
Would that also explain super slow data speed?
I don’t see why but maybe someone has an explanation?
Good day! purim 2008