AT&T joins Jobs in saying a 3G iPhone will come next year

Coming in 3G

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

We heard it from Apple CEO Steve Jobs already, but now AT&T also is saying that the carrier will offer a 3G iPhone. According to Bloomberg News, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said yesterday that a 3G version of Apple's cell phone will be available in 2008. Stephenson didn't elaborate on exactly when we'd see it--though Jobs had said late in 2008--nor did he say exactly what features it would offer. And as for a price (currently the iPhone retails for $399), Stephenson said that would be up to Jobs to dictate.

Many reviewers (CNET included) have criticized the iPhone's lack of 3G support, particularly since AT&T has a robust 3G network. But Jobs has defended the omission by saying that the 3G chip sets take up too much space, and thus would make the iPhone larger, and that 3G use would eat up excessive battery life. Stephenson didn't say whether those problems have been solved, but personally, we'd be willing to accept a fatter iPhone for the chance to browse the wireless Web at 3G speeds. And yes, we say, even with the integrated Wi-Fi.

[UKStory1355]

What does it matter?

Most of the country can't get 3g with AT&T anyway. I just bounced from AT&T because they can't roll out their network.

[Levi1337]

I agree, dude.

This is great for those within 3G coverage. A faster network, support for 3rd party apps, and a slider hardware keyboard are what it needs. 2 out of 3 ain't bad, but like you said, it doesn't matter to people outside NYC..

..Is there an accurate, up-to-date map of AT&T's 3G coverage? The only one I've found is from like '05. If anybody knows the latest on their plans to expand the network, let me know @ [e-mail].

I also bet this will give AT&T a reason to expand the network. Perhaps, if Apple jumps on board and supports the crap out of the new 3G model, they will actually follow through. If they did, I'd eBay my 4gb iPhone and front the cash for the new one.

[208GadgetGeek]

3G is in more places then ya think...

Hey folks... If we have AT&T's 3G network here in Boise Idaho, it's pretty safe to say that it's in a lot of areas.

[strongpimphand]

This is BEYOND obvious....

Just like how M$ is finally putting DIVX on the 360's....you gotta give them time! Companies won't throw the whole kit on a product the first time around....they darw up their plans, and scale back on purpose. Get interest up and make people suggest the ideas they already had!

Now, when the new iPhones come out next year, the fans will act like they made a difference in their suggestions, when actually they probably already have the prototype ready to go right now!

[7aji88]

The only time I get 3G coverage icon

in the top of my screen is when I lose the signal. I live around Santa Cruz and the signal isn't that great there on my BlackJack.