2.1 update available now.

List of fixes - iPhone 2.1 Firmware Now Available - Mac Rumors

First mentioned fix - decrease in call set-up failures and call drops

Vandozza, has this fixed the issues you were having?

I'm now getting four solid bars of 3G. I used to only get 1 or maybe 2.

the phone is definitely reporting more "bars" from 1, to 2-4 now. BUT the reported -db's in the field test havn't changed (I don't think!), so I believe this is a cosmetic change only.

however if this means that the iphone will hold onto a signal a little longer/better, then it will certainly fix one of my major complaints. the other major issue that i was having was the phone not going 2G --> 3G without me prompting it (and not picking up service following "no service") i need to leave the house tomorrow to check this out.

the other gripe ive always had was the slow download speeds, which im certainly willing to agree that this is more of a carrier problem, than an iphone issue (even though my nokia beats the iphone consistently by 200kbps? - which really isn't that much - 160Kb/s vs 185Kb/s is probably not worth worrying about.)

so far optimistic, but need to test it out over the weekend

After the update mine was on GSM (oh no!) but I turned 3g off, and then on. Now it's sitting there looking at me with 4 bars of solid 3g

This shit's me to tears as well... I hope this has been fixed...

Great News!!! Will you be keeping your iPhone now?

Let us know how you went over the weekend. My fingers are crossed for you. Keep us updated.

switching between 2G & 3G is non existent again, I feel like I'm back on 2.0

There should be no reason for the phone to sit on No Signal for 5 - 10 minutes when there is full 2G reception available... won't even let me make a phone call.

What happened, I thought they fixed this in 2.0.2
Can I downgrade?

im sure that's frustrating. my only suggestion is to try the old restore, instead of an upgrade routine? not sure if that is known to help, but it might be worth a shot?

2.1 has been pretty much the opposite experience for me.
i'm getting a 3g signal now in locations where i wasn't previously (but my nokia/moto would.)
phone also seems to pick up / prioritise a 3G signal much better.

i feel as though 2.1 is what 2.0 should have been! but as they say, better late than never.

Ok, I went out the Shorncliffe for the afternoon yesterday as I often do. For those that don't know the area, that's 17k north of Brisbane by the sea. It's a seaside suburb with lots of population. I spend my afternoons flying up on the hill out there. I was demoing the iphone for someone and kept getting "could not activate cellular data network" errors. It constantly bounced from 3g to GSM. I tried to make two calls, and both took more than one attempt to get out. I plugged my wifes Telstra sim in and we went straight to full 3g.

I'm afraid I'm never going to be happy with this thing the way it is now. I've told Optus they can shove it under the coverage guarantee. I'll buy a optus prepaid 16 and put it on a Telstra business plan.

I am at a friends place five k west of the Brisbane cbd in a suburb called Bardon. And knock me over with a feather - no Optus 3G covrage. It has been on gsm for the whole visit except when I put the wifes Telsta sim in and it sat on full signal until I put the optus sim back in.

I have to say so far - and touch wood - the 2.1 update has been good for me in Glenwood (NW Sydney). Its hard to judge battery at the moment as I have been playing with the phone a lot more over the last couple of days. Its certainly much more stable, snappier response and fast app install, backup and sync as promised. In my house where I was lucky to get a bar I now get 3 to 5 bars routinely.

2.1 fixed all my problems, improved reception as my previous N95. Apple, bravo!

2.1 seems to be like a new phone for me. Reception in my house has gone from 1 bar on 3G to full or just under, contacts is alot quicker - one thing I also noticed in an SMS is the little magnifying glass is also alot more responsive to act when wanting to make a change to a word - before it was quite stubborn to come up, so well done Apple you have done a great update

All is working perfectly for me except 3G. Nothing has changed on the bars for me. Still sitting 1 bar at home. And I remember I used to get 3g in my room but now I can't. Pure GPRS.