iPhone users: Difference between AT&T's GSM service and 3G Network?

[Stinasmom]

Hi!

I am a happy MAC user looking into switching to an iPhone after my contract is up with Verizon next month.

But, I live in a rural part of Washington State. From what I can tell, the 3G network that AT&T offers is very, very spotty in this area and in surrounding states where we like to (roadtrip) travel.

How does an iPhone work where there is not 3G service?

Should I consider a smart phone from another carrier who has better coverage?

Thanks for any input! I am sure I could call AT&T but they would just give me the salesperson pitch!

 

[luke]

Not strictly AT&T, but we have o2 as our iPhone carrier in the UK (which will open to two new networks soon), and you can really tell the difference between 3G and non-3G coverage when it comes to using any kind of internet

 

[wdwfreeksince88]

Last night I was with my friend in Orlando and when he didn't have 3g on his Iphone there was a major difference. We were in Universal Studios and his friend and himself have Iphones and they normally have 3g there but yesterday they didn't. I have the Blackberry Storm on Verizon and have yet to go to an area where there isn't 3g. I know there are areas out there I just haven't gotten to them yet.

 

[Stinasmom]

Last night I was with my friend in Orlando and when he didn't have 3g on his Iphone there was a major difference. We were in Universal Studios and his friend and himself have Iphones and they normally have 3g there but yesterday they didn't. I have the Blackberry Storm on Verizon and have yet to go to an area where there isn't 3g. I know there are areas out there I just haven't gotten to them yet.

Wow, to have trouble with AT&T's 3G service in a metropolitan area is troubling. This response is what I was afraid of... (but thankful for!! THANKS!)

I am hoping for an iPhone, but realistically, I may be able to save a lot of $$ by staying with Verizon and get more service for my dollars too...

Huh, Anyone else have experience with this?

Thanks again!

 

[FireDancer]

Without getting overly technical AT&T uses UMTS for their 3G service here in the USA. It has a shorter reach than the competing EV-DO 3G service from Verizon or Sprint. In a rural area you will get much better reception from a 3G signal based on CDMA-2000 (EV-DO) than those based on GSM (UMTS). I am aware this is a complete generalization but I'm sure most people don't care for this to be any more propeller-hat.

I do not use an iPhone so can't speak about it's reliability in rural areas or about how the experience is if you are not getting 3G coverage.

My question to you would be are you looking for the iPhone specifically or a smartphone? If you want the iPhone specificly I would wait for it to come to Verizon, which I am confident will happen most likely end or Q1/beginning of Q2 next year. If you are willing to look at alternatives wait until about the first week of November and see the new phones Verizon is launching. There are some very good ones coming out. If after looking at those phones the iPhone is still the way you want to go you can decide if going now to AT&T or waiting for Verizon is the way to go.

 

[wdwfreeksince88]

Verizon is getting the Blackberry Storm 2 real soon and the new Motorola Android which is getting a lot of hype.

 

[Stinasmom]

Thanks guys for such great information!
It would be so great if the iPhone came to Verizon!

I do have reasons that I want an iPhone over the other smart phones, but I'll admit they aren't strong enough reasons to overcome the reality of getting the best bang for my buck.
I need something simple for my DH, something he can take on the road and have email & internet access. Guess lots of phones can do that!

Again, thanks so much for information!

 

[FireDancer]

Thanks guys for such great information!
It would be so great if the iPhone came to Verizon!

I do have reasons that I want an iPhone over the other smart phones, but I'll admit they aren't strong enough reasons to overcome the reality of getting the best bang for my buck.
I need something simple for my DH, something he can take on the road and have email & internet access. Guess lots of phones can do that!

Again, thanks so much for information!

I would recommend an Android handset if you are looking for the most feater rich phone environment. It is newer than the iPhone ecosystem but more open and available on a multitude of handset (all handsets not available from all providers). If you would like a good site for phone reviews check out the cNet, gdgt, or Engadget.

 

[WDWBlaze]

Without getting overly technical AT&T uses UMTS for their 3G service here in the USA. It has a shorter reach than the competing EV-DO 3G service from Verizon or Sprint. In a rural area you will get much better reception from a 3G signal based on CDMA-2000 (EV-DO) than those based on GSM (UMTS). I am aware this is a complete generalization but I'm sure most people don't care for this to be any more propeller-hat.

I do not use an iPhone so can't speak about it's reliability in rural areas or about how the experience is if you are not getting 3G coverage.

My question to you would be are you looking for the iPhone specifically or a smartphone? If you want the iPhone specificly I would wait for it to come to Verizon, which I am confident will happen most likely end or Q1/beginning of Q2 next year. If you are willing to look at alternatives wait until about the first week of November and see the new phones Verizon is launching. There are some very good ones coming out. If after looking at those phones the iPhone is still the way you want to go you can decide if going now to AT&T or waiting for Verizon is the way to go.

The iPhone will not be coming to Verzion anytime soon. Moslty for the reason you stated above, the type of network. AT&T, T-Mobile and the rest of the world are all on GSM networks. There is little to no incentive for Apple to place the R&D dollars into a CDMA version.

Then there is the problem of Apple signing an 5 year exclusivity contract with AT&T of which only 3.5 years are up.

This is the big reason you are seeing the big attack ads by Verizion against the iPhone and AT&T as of late. They are also pushing the "Droid" phone hard as an iPhone competitor.

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