lol that WOULD have helped!

i am having exactly the same problem. it is not a network related issue. do you speak to apple?

Firsty - you sound like you work for Telstra? Is a "full disclaimer" required?

I hope it's a network issue, or a firmware issue that can be fixed via an Apple update, rather than a hardware issue.

I'm doubtful that having seen the discussions of carriers all around the world having 3G reception issues, that Telstra (a late entrant into carrying the iPhone) was able to get things right first go.

Also other brands of mobiles seem to run on these established 3G networks without problem. The constant here seems to be the iPhone itself, not many carriers with the same problem.

I really am loving the iPhone, but when I can't use 3G while sitting in the main city centre (outside, cafe @ lunch) and i'm looking at an iPhone displaying either "No Service" or 1 bar of reception, where previous phones have displayed nothing but full service, I have to question if somethings wrong.

I shouldn't have to move to the Telstra network, and get raped by their data charges. I'm not a travelling salesman, I don't need a network that covers all of Australia. I don't even travel that much. On Virgin/Optus the 3G network has previously served me with excellent reception, and data transfer speeds above 750kb/s.

My concern is simple -
- If it's a hardware issue, then I would rather know NOW, and RETURN the iPhone while I am able to. I can't rely the chance it will be deemed faulty hardware, Apple choosing to be honest about issues with faulty iPhones, and 1-to-1 exchanging them. (Not when it might only be a few thousand iPhones around the world, or a specific batch or model number.) If you were Apple would you risk the reputation of the iPhone by doing a product recall? Or if there was only a small percentage of the iPhones effected, would you deny, deny, deny any problems to avoid bad PR, and costly replacements?
- If it's a firmware, or carrier issue that is likely to be fixed in a timely fashion (several weeks - 2 months) then I'll hold onto the iPhone. If i KNOW it's going to be fixed.

i rang my carrier, Optus (direct dial to iphone team somewhere above in this thread) who claimed to have not heard about this problem.

so the first step is to let your carrier know that you are having issues. will also help that there is a note on your account if you decide to return the iphone at a later date (will show that you reported an "issue" on x date.)

i would also encourage people to ring apple, i think i will be doing this tomorrow. i predict that they will again deny any knowledge of such problems, and refer you to your carrier. if you have already called your carrier at this point, it might be harder for them to get rid of you.

seriously though, if you are having problems, let your carrier and apple know. it's the only hope we have of getting anything done.

I'm wondering if there's an issue with the signal meter display? Some people are saying they have great reception but it only shows one bar.

I bought it outright from Telstra but use my 3 sim. I can't really call Telstra. Also I am an employee of 3 and i know there are no network issues. It is the phone.

The phone is faulty.

mitty i wouldn't disagree with this at all!

i've found that even with 1 3G bar call quality is quite good (8-9/10)
(though sometimes I notice that during the call i've been kicked back to 2G, and this can be hard to determine visually, if you have wireless on and connected.)

however other issues still remain (in MY experience) -
- slow data rate.
- lots of "No Service" in an area of good coverage, and 1.2km line of sight to the tower.
- slow to change between 2G/3G networks, and to find service after losing it

I don't work for Telstra mate, I am 53 and have been a Telstra customer since about 1974, as a result I get handled by what they call "Customer Loyalty specialists", and I have no complaints.

the more it does that 'flickering' from 3g to 2g to no service the less battery life you will have. The least bars means the phone is using more battery.

this is pathetic - it shouldnt be doing this

So what do you do at 3?

There is far to much rubbishing of Apple product at the moment, all unjustified within 10 days of a product launch.

I believe, if you choose, as I have, to purchase a new product, you have to accept the teething problems, that is part and parcel of techno life.

Apple have a solid history of successful products, let that guide you, and throw the negatitivity in the bin on your way out.

Cheers

i only have the issue that it changes from 2g to 3g slow.

i get excellent signal on either 2g or 3g, it gets way better signal then my htc diamond

agreed!

how good is your information that the "iphone is faulty?"

I'm with Vodafone, and live in Perth, and have awesome coverage and good speeds. I have one blackspot, but that is well known amongst all networks.

Lot's of techno wannabees bagging the product, give it to someone worthy I say. Smells of Telco CS Reps flaming others to encourage business, and that happens heaps, just ask a Pollie.

madone, if there are enough people with issues, then we are entitled to "make some noise," it might be the only way something gets done.

i don't know where the issues that i have arise from, if its an Apple/iPhone problem, or a carrier issue.

but i'm really keen to find out if it's a hardware, software or carrier issue, so I can make a better decision regarding whether to return thi iphone or not.

but it's great to know you are lucky enough not to have any problems! (if you still doubt the validity of this thread, please check out the links in the fist post, to apple discussions and howard forums.)

Edit - and i do understand what life is like living on the bleeding edge of tech purchases, especially with apple (1st gen pb g4 12", 1st gen macbook, iphone etc) and i certainly understand we can't expect smooth sailing all the time. again, if i know it's a hardware thing, ill return it, and get one when things are sorted. if it's software/firmware/carrier, i'm more that happy to wait it out till things settle.

Yep i've read them, absorbed the info, and moved on. As previously stated, a new product will always have teething problems, if your not patient enough to support this product through them, and just want to blame, complain or explain, that's fine, return the item.

I for one, even if it was a dog, would hold out, Apple have a great track record, no point jumping a ship that ain't sinking.