iPhone blamed for problems

The connectivity problems surrounding the iPhone 3G are likely a result the device itself, not the carrier, according to a Dow Jones report. Since the phone's launch in July, many customers have complained about dropped calls or poor internet connections. AT&T was the first focus of attention, accused of running a network that was overloaded by iPhone users.

The blame is turning back around to Apple, with claims that a faulty Infineon Technologies chip contained in the phone is unable to cope with the task load. Nomura Securities analyst Richard Windsor researched the phone issues and concluded "the device is at fault."

Although Apple should be able to fix the problems in future versions of the phone, it has not been able to avoid negative press. Other carriers and manufacturers have jumped on the chance to smear the iPhone and AT&T. Verizon is claimed to have sent emails to journalists that point out the problems with the phone and network.

Apple has been served at least four lawsuits, with AT&T also a defendant. The outraged customers are crying foul regarding the dropped calls and Apple's advertising campaign that boasts connection speeds twice as fast as EDGE. The plaintiffs allege that, in reality, their phones typically fall back to the slower 2.5G EDGE network instead of staying connected to the faster 3G.

Many customers were frustrated just trying to get phones activated in the beginning. There have been reports of the back panel showing stress fractures. Apple issued software updates that were supposed to fix the problems, but lawsuits and complaints keep coming.

by MacNN Staff