+1, exactly what I'm hoping for. A software statement, or some kind of confimation either way that either there is issues, or there isn't.

Hmm.
Me thinks its more like a network (yeah I'm thinking of Otpus) issue.

as long as they can determine if that's the case, and fix it, then i'm ok with that! just strange no other 3g phones seem to have much of an issue on the same network.

Optus, like most other carriers have exclusive handsets, so it stands to reason they would be tested on their own networks, and customised for best performance for their own network standards.

I'd say its a hardware issue, not network based problem. Yeah, hopefully a software update will fix it!

so your saying that its likely (or unlikely?) that furthur "tweaking" by optus and other carriers may result in better service?

another member mentioned that telstra/voda/3's equipment was hutchinson, while nokia supplies optus. maybe there is an issue there that can be tweaked. just an example!

think im saying its too early to rule out the carriers improving the situation, and this would be a much better resoultion than a batch of underperforming handsets going around

Well, my new iPhone arrived today, same issue as the old one.
I spoke with Corporate Relations at Cupertino today, James was very helpful, within 20 minutes he had the hold reversed on my credit card. Now I need to get this thing unlocked so I can try another network. I'm just wondering if it's a case of the particular type of network that Optus/AT&T/Softbank/Telia etc.. use.

If no Telstra customers are having issues then what's it about this phone being able to utilize the Optus 2100MHz network.

how far away is your unlock macrich? mine should be a couple of days

10 Days is what I've been told. After speaking to Optus again today, they assured me that they tested the iPhone thoroughly before allowing it to be used on their network. It worked perfectly for them. I told them that I intended to buy a Telstra pre-paid usim and a Vodafone pre-paid usim and try all three networks to see if I get the same result. They again re-iterated that they had not heard of anyone else having issues with service and the iPhone on Optus.
I find it hard to believe that the Optus network is at issue here, seeing that I don't get call dropouts on my V3XX, also I get perfect full coverage with 3G on it. I also live within 300m of one tower, 500m of another tower and the third tower is about 900m away. Technically speaking, I'm in a fully covered area, the only known blackspot is just over 1.6km away and is very small, so small that if you drive through, your phone call won't drop out (my experience with the V3XX). I have a feeling that there is one hell of a big bad batch floating around the world at the moment, and I was unlucky enough to get (now) three of them.

I hope the network unlock comes through sooner rather than later.

I have a feeling that the problems with 3G reception are a handset issue. I'm on Optus as well and I get about half the reception on 3G most of the time than I get if I turn it off.

I've left 3G turned off for now, hoping that Apple will either fix this in software or replace all of the first batch of phones that are faulty.

Maybe I should report the issue in case they're not willing to admit that it is a design flaw in all phones and only replace those that have complained.

Is anyone who is having these issues, NOT connected to Optus?

if we are talking worldwide, then yes plenty of carriers/countries seem to be effected, plenty of people NOT connected to Optus

however in australia, out of the reports i have had so far (39 people have done the survey) -

4/30 Optus users report no problems (13.3%)
6/9 Other carriers (Voda+Telstra+"Other") report no problems (66.6%)

add 2 more optus users reporting issues from todays survey entries.

Perhaps re naming the thread Optus 3G reception problems, Australia, would be more appropriate,
and accurate as to the content.

i think it's plenty accurate the way it reads...

plenty of similar issues being repored WORLDWIDE.

anyway, it's more emotive and will hopefully get more views.