Daily Debrief: Apple's iPhone apps sell, 3G network flails

It's been a month of mixed reviews for Apple's iPhone 3G. One on hand, millions of users have clearly given the Apps Store a vote of approval by downloading 60 million applications to their phones in the first month. Even though many of them are free, Apple CEO Steve Jobs tells The Wall Street Journal that translates into roughly $30 million in sales, or 1 million bucks per day.

The bad news for Apple is the constant stream of complaints coming in about the phones' 3G connectivity. In Monday's edition of the Daily Debrief, I sit down with CNET News reporter Tom Krazit to discuss the grief he's heard over dropped calls, flaky network signals, and unreliability of service. Tom says this is the most feedback he's ever gotten about an Apple product flaw. Of course, AT&T points its finger at Apple and Apple point it right back at AT&T. Regardless, it adds up to one big consumer service snafu, on the heels of MobileMe's glitches. Apple execs will likely be happy to put the summer behind them.

[pjhenry1216]

I can attest to the issues with the 3G network connectivity. When I first got it, it'd at least switch over to the Edge network reliably when 3G connection wasn't available. However, now it just seems to say "No Service" until I turn 3G off. I usually have it off a majority of the time anyway unless i'm using something data intensive (maps, app store, or web browsing are the only things i really use it for). i rarely use it for calling, however, i found an interesting issue, at least with my phone. i *can't* call my brother's cell phone unless 3G is turned ON. i left some messages on the forum and apparently i'm one of the only people having an issue with 3g turned off =P Its the craziest problem. I can receive calls from him with it on or off, other people can call him (though not sure what networks they're on), but i can only call him while using 3G or else i get a number can't be reached as dialed error. definitely dialing it correctly too. Wonder if any other iPhone users are having an issue similar to this. Its kinda specific too which is even stranger (so far, it only happens when i try to call my brother, no one else).

[BNPoulos]

After using my new iPhone 3G on car trip on the US east coast on I-95 in cities with 3G coverage from Washington, DC to Miami, FL, and I-40 (the entire width of NC), I can testify about to the lousy coverage by AT&T.

Over 50% of my voice calls drop. Frustrating. AT&T is not delivering even minimal quality and availability of service.

Bad news for Apple and AT&T if this does not get fixed... quick!

I gave up a reliable Verizon cell phone for this lousy service!

[Lance Jones]

Common, I had faith that Apple and AT&T would do the right thing. They product is cool, the connectivity is crap. I can have three bars with the phone sitting in "just the right place" and 10 minutes later is shows "no service." The phone heats up when trying to negotiate between 3G and the edge and drains the battery in less than an hour. The phone has problems Steve. Stop the commercials and fix your product. I am a household of two Macs and two iPhones but my loyalties can change and trust me they will. When people ask how I like the phone (which is plenty) I tell everyone of them the truth; stay away until Apple can prove the technology. I don't care who's fault it is but Apple and AT&T have a ton of pissed off customers and I am one.

[quinnt01]

Add me to the list of dissatisfied iPhone 3G users. Never had dropped calls with Verizon, but they are constant with ATT/iPhone. My partner's ATT non-iPhone doesn't drop at work, but my iPhone does, so it must be the phone.

The iPhone is a great PDA, but terrible phone. I regret the purchase.