Apple’s 3G iPhone Bad Reception Issue Blamed on Infineon RF Receiver Module
Apple Inc’s iPhone has received overwhelming responses after the recent launch in consumer market. However, not all of the users are satisfied with its performance and one of the major complaints from users so far is on the poor 3G network reception that often causes internet connectivity and calls drop. There are few potential root causes speculated around ranging from AT&T 3G network instability, software and hardware and even manufacturing defects. But according to Nomura Securities analyst, Richard Windsor, the reception issue could be due to inferior Infineon 3G receiver module embedded in the iPhone itself.
Apple Inc mentioned that there will be a new firmware to be released to rectify the issue. However, we are doubt if this will able to totally resolve the issue if it was due to the hardware module. Also, it is a bit strange that the problem only happened on Apple’s iPhone but not other manufacturer’s mobile devices, since the receiver module has been implemented on other mobile devices for some times but not seeing any issue.
No word from Apple Inc nor AT&T on this yet and hopefully there will be some firmware updates that are able to fix it without the need to do massive recall or hardware parts replacement that could costs millions of dollars.
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August 25th, 2008 23:58
[...] we mentioned about the Apple’s 3G iPhone reception issue that could potentially due to Infineon receiver module. Nevertheless, those anxious iPhone’s [...]
August 21st, 2008 02:22
Firmware may be the issue indeed. My Gen 1 iPhone has exhibited odd RF sensitivity issues since upgrading to the new software. My WiFi at home goes from Edge to my network and back while I sit in the same spot. Cell strength goes from No Service to 5 bars again, sitting in the same spot. New features since upgrading. Perhaps the display/indicators are more “sensitive” or the phone is MUCH more sensitive to the RF signals. either way, my phone was exchanged by Apple and the new phone is better, but marginally. The jury is out for me.