Network Services of Cape Cod

It’s been a few weeks now since the 2.1 update was released for the iPhone. The update restored the main feature I had missed since upgrading to the iPhone 3G. I now have the ability to listen to voicemail messages on my inexpensive Jabra bluetooth headset. I tested call performance using 3G for a few days, and found it to be improved over the last software release, however, I still find that coverage is better, overall, with 3G disabled.

Since I disabled 3G on my iPhone last week, I have experienced very good reception and call performance. I am now able to make calls in remote areas, such as 6A in Yarmouthport, and calls are no longer dropped when driving between towers on route 6. It’s ironic, really, that the feature that the new iPhone is named for pretty much cripples the device. The phone should have been more aptly name, “iPhone 3G Capable.”

Also, if you’re reading this, and are interested in some feedback on bluetooth headsets, stay away from the “jawbone.” That headset is an overpriced piece of crap. I returned it after two weeks of frustrated clients that could not hear me. I’m back to a cheapo Jabra that works just great. I miss being able to listen to voice mails with the bluetooth, but the Jabra is 1/3 the cost and I am able to make calls.

I had actually already updated to iPhone firmware 2.0.2

While this might improve things elsewhere, here on good old Cape Cod, you won’t have a prayer of maintaining a phone call if you are driving on the mid-Cape. Yes folks, if you want to drop 100% of your calls, just buy yourself an iPhone…

Since I don’t know a thing about cellular networks or service, I decided to disable the 3G radio on my phone to see if it would improve my ability to maintain calls. It did not appear to have any affect. Oh well, at least I can listen to my iTunes when I’m out of cell range.

So I’d heard about people that had such an addiction to their Blackberry’s that they sufferred from depression when service was down or they were without them.

I must love my iPhone.

The fact that I drop calls dozens of times a day (seemingly whenever the phone switches between towers) doesn’t bother me in the least.

I am not troubled by the fact that I can kill the battery dead in under 5 hours.

I can no longer listen to voicemail messages on my $20 bluetooth earpiece (it works on an expensive one, though).

I miss a few really good apps that I had on my old jailbroken iPhone (most of the applications found at the App Store are worthless).

However, when I consider all of the smartphones I’ve owned (or configured for clients) the iPhone still reigns supreme given it’s capability and ease of use.

Yesterday, Mac Rumors published a link to what appeared to be the release version of the iPhone 2.0 Firmware. This version of the firmware was successfully installed on a number of original iPhones and readers were able to start using Apps from the iTunes App Store. But this firmware was intended for the iPhone 3g, not the original.

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