By Stevie Smith Nov 30, 2007, 9:59 GMT
While the Apple iPhone has received plenty of critical plaudits and certainly been a hit with consumers in the United States since its release at the end of June, one point of detraction has remained evident in contrast to the strength of its feature rich functionality and touch-screen design: its network speed.
AT&T CEO lets slips that 3G iPhone is inbound for 2008. EPA/ROLF NVENNENBERND
Running on AT&T’s ‘EDGE’ technology, which is considerably slower than the superior 3G connectivity option, many iPhone users have complained about being forced to use the handset’s Wi-Fi capabilities in order to peruse the Web with any sense of immediacy.
Although 3G runs more than twice as fast as EDGE, Apple CEO Steve Jobs explained that the California-based computer company had opted not to incorporate the technology into the iPhone because of the excessive drain it would impose on the handset’s battery. Also, the 3G network is much more widespread in Europe, and has a somewhat patchy blanket of coverage in the United States.
Ironically, Apple has remained with EDGE during the European launch of the iPhone, despite 3G being prevalent throughout the region; holding firm to its battery-based reasoning.
However, there may be light at the end of the stuttering network tunnel, reports the San Jose Mercury News following news that AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson has let slip that a 3G-equipped iPhone is in development and should arrive in the very near future.
When asked about the likelihood of a 3G iPhone after an appearance at a Churchill Club dinner in Santa Clara, Stephenson said: "Has [Steve] Jobs announced that? I don’t think he’s announced that, but you’ll have it next year."
While Apple has offered no official comment in answer to Stephenson’s claim, and it remains unconfirmed as to whether existing users will be able to upgrade from EDGE to 3G, it is worth noting that AT&T is actively expanding its 3G coverage, and 3G is much more commonplace in markets such as Europe and especially Asia, where Apple is yet to gain secure footing.
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