Your Andriod phone runs on UMTS which supports simultaneous voice and data. Verizon's Android phones will not support this (nor will any of AT&T or T-Mobile's phones when used outside of a 3G coverage area; EDGE/GPRS [2.5/2g] do not support simultaneous use of voice and data either).
And yet people STILL don't get why Apple chose AT&T over Verizon.
Verizon has a very long history of crippling the best features of the phones they brand and sell. Sometimes it is via software, other times its pure system limitations.
Yes, but not a part that had anything to do with Bell Labs. SBC, today's AT&T, had essentially nothing to do with any of the things Bell Labs accomplished.
I am not sure about that. They were one whole organic unit, until the local service providers were split up into Baby Bells and ATT remained as a long-distance player. A part of Bell Labs (I think it was called BellCore) was also split up and handed over to the Baby Bells. ATT stuck with Bell Labs thru the mid 1990s (although they kept starving it of resources), then they handed it off to Lucent (now semi-dead Alcatel-Lucent) which basically stuck a knife through its heart.
Btw, I think Bell Labs under ATT was not only responsible for inventing lasers, but also created radio astronomy!
Having no 3G service in my town, I too wish AT&T would spend there money on extending their service then to sue the other guy. If you don?t like the maps then do something to increase your service AT&T.
I think AT&T's argument is a stretch, the graphs are clearly labeled and the entire ad is about 3G.
Perhaps instead of suing people they could put more effort into improving their network. What are they doing with all that money they've gotten from the iPhone?? Their network sucks, and their support sucks. And their plans suck. I'm sure I'm forgetting something too. :-p
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
Where's AT&T's tethering? Is there a lawsuit for that?
Why would there be a lawsuit about that? They never gave a specific timeframe on when we would get it and are under no legal obligation to offer it anytime soon.
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
This is an interesting observation. Edge where I live (there's no 3G) feels as fast as the 3G networks in most places I travel to. I wonder if ATT can fairly claim that 2.5G should be included in the map.
Perhaps ATT should update its map to include that.
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
Nice observation. I’m so use to hearing EDGE is 2.5G, even though I know it’s a 3G tech, that I often escapes me.
This is an interesting observation. Edge where I live (there's no 3G) feels as fast as the 3G networks in most places I travel to. I wonder if ATT can fairly claim that 2.5G should be included in the map.
Perhaps ATT should update its map to include that.
Now does AT&T list EDGE and UMTS on their site (can’t look right now) as 3G? If they specifically list ‘3G’ as including EDGE then I think AT&T has a leg up. If AT&T doesn’t mention EDGE as 3G in any way then I think Verizon would have a leg up.
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
Maybe, but I don't think that works, at least it doesn't on me, I hope they don't try that. They shouldn't market 3G as different from EDGE and then also say that EDGE is 3G. That would be trying to have things both ways.
ow does AT&T list EDGE and UMTS on their site (can?t look right now)? If they specifically list ?3G? as now including EDGE then I think Verizon has the leg up. If it doesn?t mention 3G, only has a voice and data map, or if AT&T lists EDGE as ?3G? (though I don?t recall that), ten AT&T would likely have the leg up.
They do not list EDGE as 3G.
AT&T's map is not easy to get to. Google ATT coverage viewer, the first hit should be it. Click "Show 3G coverage", click any city and zoom out to nationwide. Anything in blue is what they call 3G.
I'll try to look up comparable maps for VZW tomorrow.
AT&T's map is not easy to get to. Google ATT coverage viewer, the first hit should be it. Click "Show 3G coverage", click any city and zoom out to nationwide. Anything in blue is what they call 3G.
I'll try to look up comparable maps for VZW tomorrow.
Not good for AT&T’s case…
Quote:
Data Coverage Legend
. . . • 3G/Mobile Broadband (in select areas)
. . . • Partner EDGE
. . . • Partner GPRS
. . . • No Service Available
Quote:
3G/Mobile Broadband: 3G coverage is available in select metropolitan areas. 3G capable device and eligible rate plan required. However like all coverage it can and will be adversely affected by distance from cell site, weather, foliage, tower congestion and other factors. You'll know you're in our 3G coverage area when the 3G network indicator appears beside the signal bars on your phone. If you are outside our 3G coverage area, you can still access services using our EDGE network
And the iPhone has an (E) for EDGE and 3G for UMTS. I don’t see a courting accepting their position since they clearly haven’t been representing EDGE as 3G, even they technically could have.
AT&T is in the wrong here. Verizon?s ad clearly states that ?3G' has more coverage and shows (what I assume) is the same 3G coverage area that you find in AT&T stores. If the customer is unaware that ?2G? coverage is different and more spread out then AT&T needs to educate.
True, but this is a a feature that I can?t live without. I didn?t know that when I first got the iPhone but it seems every time I?m on a call I?m using the internet at some point, even if it?s just entertaining myself while on hold. I would never even consider Verizon or Sprint unless they get EVDO Rev. B or LTE going.
Also the reason I think AT&T's service sucks. Until I realized that it was going from 3G to 2G that was dropping my calls, I thought it was a defective iPhone. My iPhone still does that, and I still think it (the network) sucks. Verizon's network doesn't drop you going from 1xRTT to EVDO on voice. 3G to Edge does drop the call.
Also the reason I think AT&T's service sucks. Until I realized that it was going from 3G to 2G that was dropping my calls, I thought it was a defective iPhone. My iPhone still does that, and I still think it (the network) sucks. Verizon's network doesn't drop you going from 1xRTT to EVDO on voice. 3G to Edge does drop the call.
There are technological reasons why that happens. It’s not an AT&T is worse than Verizon as a company things. Each network type has pros and cons, and GSM’s inability for a soft handshake is one of them.
It?s not an AT&T is worse than Verizon as a company things.
It is, if you are constantly in EVDO territory and spotty-ass 3G. It means you have to turn 3G off in order to use your phone, or you drop calls constantly.
It is, if you are constantly in EVDO territory and spotty-ass 3G. It means you have to turn 3G off in order to use your phone, or you drop calls constantly.
So you are saying that problem is unique to AT&T and that other CDMA-based network could have call drops from network switching? Of course not, the problem is inherent with the network design, the same way EVDO Rev. A can?t do simultaneous voice and data but EVDO Rev. B can.
An outrageous act by ATT. Verizon clearly and honestly states that it is "3G" capability the map refers to. So what if ATTs crappy network provides antiquated 2 g coverage. ATT needs to spend money upgrading its technically inadequate 1900 Mhz crap network rather than filing lawsuits that attempt to muddy the truth. I will never forgive Apple letting the nations best smartphone operate only on its most inadequate 3g network.
I was in advertising for years. The suit is not a stretch by any means.
Verizon, and their agency, is taking advantage of the fact that most people won't listen to what is being said, and will just concentrate on the pictures. The pictures clearly show a better coverage for Verizon, and that's all people will think about.
Since we're more involved, we notice the details, but the average consumer, the ones Verizon is targeting, won't.
Yeah, I know it?s easy to bash AT&T for a number of recent issues. However, remember that AT&T supports far more smart phones than any other US based carrier. Network upgrades take time, money, equipment, and advanced engineering. I?m not an apologist; I realize, too, that AT&T should have planned better.
As for all the recent comments about how AT&T could not survive without Apple, I recently ran across this website that show cased all of the accomplishments and inventions by AT&T over the last 130 years. (I was researching the origins of the cell phone for a project that I am working on.) It?s quite impressive.
1947: The first Transistor. This was one of the biggest inventions of the 20th century. This is the foundation of every single electronics device.
1954: The first (usable) modern Solar Cell.
1960: The first Communications Satellites.
1969: UNIX and the foundation of the Internet.
1969 The CCD (Charge-Coupled Device that transfers light into electric signals) Every one of the digital images you ? and millions of others ? take every day is made possible thanks to work done by two Bell Labs researchers in the late 1960s. Their ground-breaking work was recently recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics.
1983: Cell Phones and the Cell Phone Network.
1983: C (1972) and C++. You may not know this, but just about every digital device runs some form of C++ generated code.
1989: HDTV Technology?..and first demonstration to the FCC.
1997: a2b secure digital transmission of Music (compression, authorization). This cleared the way for online music resellers to distribute digital music over the Internet.
There are plenty more out there?..these are just a few as they relate to Apple.
So, yes AT&T is benefitting from Apple?s iPhone??but I would argue that Apple has also benefitted from AT&T?s accomplishments as well. AT&T has invented many of the critical components that are at the core of the most popular products that Apple sells today.
Apple?s strength is the ability to integrate and enhance previously developed technologies into desirable consumer products. Here are some examples:
Mac OS X: The foundation of this OS is UNIX??UNIX was created by AT&T.
iPod/iTunes: AT&T developed stereo recordings, compression, secure digital transfers, C++, and of course the transistor. The latest iPods now have CCDs (picture/video)?all developed by AT&T.
iPhone: AT&T invented the Cell Phone Network. Apple?s recent growth (iPhone) is reliant upon this technology that AT&T invented.
So, yes, AT&T is benefiting from the iPhone?.but Apple has also benefitted from AT&T?s inventions as well.
I am offering this to inspire intelligent discussion, debate, and comments.
Doesnt matter. AT&T has become dependant on Apple for the mobile side of their business. Theyve gone all or nothing for the Iphone. I worked for AT&T mobility, and internally they quote that the Iphone is more than 40% of the phones currently on the AT&T network... and the sales for the Iphone ranged between 50-90% (depending on store), out of about 25 lines i would set up a week, 20 would be iphones... also keep in mind these are by far the most profitable phone plans they sell. I ask, could any company afford to lose exclusivity on a product which makes up over 40% of their business and is their most profitable item? The number of people dying to switch to verizon, but keep their iphones is not small either.
Do i think AT&T would go under? No. But mobility would be BADLY crippled if something happened with the Iphone against AT&T's favor.
This is an interesting observation. Edge where I live (there's no 3G) feels as fast as the 3G networks in most places I travel to. I wonder if ATT can fairly claim that 2.5G should be included in the map.
Perhaps ATT should update its map to include that.
Ballparking the numbers, Edge is something like 50-100 Kbps, and 3G networks are 350-700 Kbps
How do you figure its 2.5G... and how do you figure its nearly as fast?
Now does AT&T list EDGE and UMTS on their site (can?t look right now) as 3G? If they specifically list ?3G? as including EDGE then I think AT&T has a leg up. If AT&T doesn?t mention EDGE as 3G in any way then I think Verizon would have a leg up.
This has just got interesting.
Edge isnt 3G... and if they called it 3G, it would be like calling dialup the same as DSL/Cable/T1. Edge is slow (again ballparking, 50-100kbps, while the current 3G including AT&Ts are like 300-750).
Calling Edge 3G would be pretty laughable, though I suppose it would give AT&T an edge with their maps though.
Edge isnt 3G... and if they called it 3G, it would be like calling dialup the same as DSL/Cable/T1. Edge is slow (again ballparking, 50-100kbps, while the current 3G including AT&Ts are like 300-750).
Calling Edge 3G would be pretty laughable, though I suppose it would give AT&T an edge with their maps though.
The PDF I linked to explains very clearly that EDGE can technically be defined as 3G. I think AT&T is SOL as they don’t list it as such, but that is not your argument. This Wikipage may be easier to absorb…
What you get out of a service doesn’t define the generation it’s classified as. The classification come from a standards body. Ultimately they are arbitrary but they are defined.
EDGE has a maximum theoretical throughput of 473.6Kbps. That is well past the minimum given for AT&T’s 3G. Note that AT&T’s 3G has the future potential to have 84.4Mbps with Evolved HSPA. That isn’t even into the 3GPP LTE 4G yet.
There is this site I came across. AT&T will likely use this as a proof that they thing EDGE is 3G, if that is the path they wish to take with this. If so, I don’t think they should have used 3G to refer to their UMTS network. Again, I think that is why they are screwed. Note: this page’s text looks to have been carried over verbatim from the Cingular days.
Quote:
EDGE is a third-generation, high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology. It's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services including video and music clips, full picture & video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the move.
Prevalence
In areas where the 3G network is not available, customers will continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, when coverage is available.
The AT&T EDGE network is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along 40,000 miles of highways. It provides average data speeds between 75-135Kbps.
PS: It’s not the same as calling dial-up the same as DSL/Cable/T1. Those are distinct technologies with distinct names. the "xG” nomanclature refers to Generation and it’s not static. 3GPP defined EDGE as 3G. That is a fact.
PPS: Expect for this type discussion, you’ll never see me express EDGE as 3G.
Comments
Your Andriod phone runs on UMTS which supports simultaneous voice and data. Verizon's Android phones will not support this (nor will any of AT&T or T-Mobile's phones when used outside of a 3G coverage area; EDGE/GPRS [2.5/2g] do not support simultaneous use of voice and data either).
And yet people STILL don't get why Apple chose AT&T over Verizon.
Verizon has a very long history of crippling the best features of the phones they brand and sell. Sometimes it is via software, other times its pure system limitations.
Yes, but not a part that had anything to do with Bell Labs. SBC, today's AT&T, had essentially nothing to do with any of the things Bell Labs accomplished.
I am not sure about that. They were one whole organic unit, until the local service providers were split up into Baby Bells and ATT remained as a long-distance player. A part of Bell Labs (I think it was called BellCore) was also split up and handed over to the Baby Bells. ATT stuck with Bell Labs thru the mid 1990s (although they kept starving it of resources), then they handed it off to Lucent (now semi-dead Alcatel-Lucent) which basically stuck a knife through its heart.
Btw, I think Bell Labs under ATT was not only responsible for inventing lasers, but also created radio astronomy!
+1!
I think AT&T's argument is a stretch, the graphs are clearly labeled and the entire ad is about 3G.
Perhaps instead of suing people they could put more effort into improving their network. What are they doing with all that money they've gotten from the iPhone?? Their network sucks, and their support sucks. And their plans suck. I'm sure I'm forgetting something too. :-p
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
Where's AT&T's tethering? Is there a lawsuit for that?
Why would there be a lawsuit about that? They never gave a specific timeframe on when we would get it and are under no legal obligation to offer it anytime soon.
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
This is an interesting observation. Edge where I live (there's no 3G) feels as fast as the 3G networks in most places I travel to. I wonder if ATT can fairly claim that 2.5G should be included in the map.
Perhaps ATT should update its map to include that.
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
Nice observation. I’m so use to hearing EDGE is 2.5G, even though I know it’s a 3G tech, that I often escapes me.
This is an interesting observation. Edge where I live (there's no 3G) feels as fast as the 3G networks in most places I travel to. I wonder if ATT can fairly claim that 2.5G should be included in the map.
Perhaps ATT should update its map to include that.
Now does AT&T list EDGE and UMTS on their site (can’t look right now) as 3G? If they specifically list ‘3G’ as including EDGE then I think AT&T has a leg up. If AT&T doesn’t mention EDGE as 3G in any way then I think Verizon would have a leg up.
This has just got interesting.
Not a fan of the ATT network although it works great in my area but I believe 2.5G Edge was part of the IMT 2000 standard better know as 3G so depending on what Verizon is meaning ATT could argue that Edge be included in the map.
Maybe, but I don't think that works, at least it doesn't on me, I hope they don't try that. They shouldn't market 3G as different from EDGE and then also say that EDGE is 3G. That would be trying to have things both ways.
ow does AT&T list EDGE and UMTS on their site (can?t look right now)? If they specifically list ?3G? as now including EDGE then I think Verizon has the leg up. If it doesn?t mention 3G, only has a voice and data map, or if AT&T lists EDGE as ?3G? (though I don?t recall that), ten AT&T would likely have the leg up.
They do not list EDGE as 3G.
AT&T's map is not easy to get to. Google ATT coverage viewer, the first hit should be it. Click "Show 3G coverage", click any city and zoom out to nationwide. Anything in blue is what they call 3G.
I'll try to look up comparable maps for VZW tomorrow.
They do not list EDGE as 3G.
AT&T's map is not easy to get to. Google ATT coverage viewer, the first hit should be it. Click "Show 3G coverage", click any city and zoom out to nationwide. Anything in blue is what they call 3G.
I'll try to look up comparable maps for VZW tomorrow.
Not good for AT&T’s case…
Data Coverage Legend
. . . • 3G/Mobile Broadband (in select areas)
. . . • Partner EDGE
. . . • Partner GPRS
. . . • No Service Available
3G/Mobile Broadband: 3G coverage is available in select metropolitan areas. 3G capable device and eligible rate plan required. However like all coverage it can and will be adversely affected by distance from cell site, weather, foliage, tower congestion and other factors. You'll know you're in our 3G coverage area when the 3G network indicator appears beside the signal bars on your phone. If you are outside our 3G coverage area, you can still access services using our EDGE network
And the iPhone has an (E) for EDGE and 3G for UMTS. I don’t see a courting accepting their position since they clearly haven’t been representing EDGE as 3G, even they technically could have.
AT&T is in the wrong here. Verizon?s ad clearly states that ?3G' has more coverage and shows (what I assume) is the same 3G coverage area that you find in AT&T stores. If the customer is unaware that ?2G? coverage is different and more spread out then AT&T needs to educate.
True, but this is a a feature that I can?t live without. I didn?t know that when I first got the iPhone but it seems every time I?m on a call I?m using the internet at some point, even if it?s just entertaining myself while on hold. I would never even consider Verizon or Sprint unless they get EVDO Rev. B or LTE going.
Also the reason I think AT&T's service sucks. Until I realized that it was going from 3G to 2G that was dropping my calls, I thought it was a defective iPhone. My iPhone still does that, and I still think it (the network) sucks. Verizon's network doesn't drop you going from 1xRTT to EVDO on voice. 3G to Edge does drop the call.
Also the reason I think AT&T's service sucks. Until I realized that it was going from 3G to 2G that was dropping my calls, I thought it was a defective iPhone. My iPhone still does that, and I still think it (the network) sucks. Verizon's network doesn't drop you going from 1xRTT to EVDO on voice. 3G to Edge does drop the call.
There are technological reasons why that happens. It’s not an AT&T is worse than Verizon as a company things. Each network type has pros and cons, and GSM’s inability for a soft handshake is one of them.
It?s not an AT&T is worse than Verizon as a company things.
It is, if you are constantly in EVDO territory and spotty-ass 3G. It means you have to turn 3G off in order to use your phone, or you drop calls constantly.
It is, if you are constantly in EVDO territory and spotty-ass 3G. It means you have to turn 3G off in order to use your phone, or you drop calls constantly.
So you are saying that problem is unique to AT&T and that other CDMA-based network could have call drops from network switching? Of course not, the problem is inherent with the network design, the same way EVDO Rev. A can?t do simultaneous voice and data but EVDO Rev. B can.
An outrageous act by ATT. Verizon clearly and honestly states that it is "3G" capability the map refers to. So what if ATTs crappy network provides antiquated 2 g coverage. ATT needs to spend money upgrading its technically inadequate 1900 Mhz crap network rather than filing lawsuits that attempt to muddy the truth. I will never forgive Apple letting the nations best smartphone operate only on its most inadequate 3g network.
I was in advertising for years. The suit is not a stretch by any means.
Verizon, and their agency, is taking advantage of the fact that most people won't listen to what is being said, and will just concentrate on the pictures. The pictures clearly show a better coverage for Verizon, and that's all people will think about.
Since we're more involved, we notice the details, but the average consumer, the ones Verizon is targeting, won't.
Yeah, I know it?s easy to bash AT&T for a number of recent issues. However, remember that AT&T supports far more smart phones than any other US based carrier. Network upgrades take time, money, equipment, and advanced engineering. I?m not an apologist; I realize, too, that AT&T should have planned better.
As for all the recent comments about how AT&T could not survive without Apple, I recently ran across this website that show cased all of the accomplishments and inventions by AT&T over the last 130 years. (I was researching the origins of the cell phone for a project that I am working on.) It?s quite impressive.
http://www.corp.att.com/attlabs/reputation/timeline/
Some highlights:
1876: The first telephone.
1924: The first Electrical Sound Recordings.
1926: The first Sound in Motion Pictures.
1939: The first Digital Computer.
1946: The first Mobile Call.
1947: The first Transistor. This was one of the biggest inventions of the 20th century. This is the foundation of every single electronics device.
1954: The first (usable) modern Solar Cell.
1960: The first Communications Satellites.
1969: UNIX and the foundation of the Internet.
1969 The CCD (Charge-Coupled Device that transfers light into electric signals) Every one of the digital images you ? and millions of others ? take every day is made possible thanks to work done by two Bell Labs researchers in the late 1960s. Their ground-breaking work was recently recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics.
1983: Cell Phones and the Cell Phone Network.
1983: C (1972) and C++. You may not know this, but just about every digital device runs some form of C++ generated code.
1989: HDTV Technology?..and first demonstration to the FCC.
1997: a2b secure digital transmission of Music (compression, authorization). This cleared the way for online music resellers to distribute digital music over the Internet.
There are plenty more out there?..these are just a few as they relate to Apple.
So, yes AT&T is benefitting from Apple?s iPhone??but I would argue that Apple has also benefitted from AT&T?s accomplishments as well. AT&T has invented many of the critical components that are at the core of the most popular products that Apple sells today.
Apple?s strength is the ability to integrate and enhance previously developed technologies into desirable consumer products. Here are some examples:
Mac OS X: The foundation of this OS is UNIX??UNIX was created by AT&T.
iPod/iTunes: AT&T developed stereo recordings, compression, secure digital transfers, C++, and of course the transistor. The latest iPods now have CCDs (picture/video)?all developed by AT&T.
iPhone: AT&T invented the Cell Phone Network. Apple?s recent growth (iPhone) is reliant upon this technology that AT&T invented.
So, yes, AT&T is benefiting from the iPhone?.but Apple has also benefitted from AT&T?s inventions as well.
I am offering this to inspire intelligent discussion, debate, and comments.
Doesnt matter. AT&T has become dependant on Apple for the mobile side of their business. Theyve gone all or nothing for the Iphone. I worked for AT&T mobility, and internally they quote that the Iphone is more than 40% of the phones currently on the AT&T network... and the sales for the Iphone ranged between 50-90% (depending on store), out of about 25 lines i would set up a week, 20 would be iphones... also keep in mind these are by far the most profitable phone plans they sell. I ask, could any company afford to lose exclusivity on a product which makes up over 40% of their business and is their most profitable item? The number of people dying to switch to verizon, but keep their iphones is not small either.
Do i think AT&T would go under? No. But mobility would be BADLY crippled if something happened with the Iphone against AT&T's favor.
This is an interesting observation. Edge where I live (there's no 3G) feels as fast as the 3G networks in most places I travel to. I wonder if ATT can fairly claim that 2.5G should be included in the map.
Perhaps ATT should update its map to include that.
Ballparking the numbers, Edge is something like 50-100 Kbps, and 3G networks are 350-700 Kbps
How do you figure its 2.5G... and how do you figure its nearly as fast?
Am i missing something?
Nice observation. I?m so use to hearing EDGE is 2.5G, even though I know it?s a 3G tech, that I often escapes me.
Now does AT&T list EDGE and UMTS on their site (can?t look right now) as 3G? If they specifically list ?3G? as including EDGE then I think AT&T has a leg up. If AT&T doesn?t mention EDGE as 3G in any way then I think Verizon would have a leg up.
This has just got interesting.
Edge isnt 3G... and if they called it 3G, it would be like calling dialup the same as DSL/Cable/T1. Edge is slow (again ballparking, 50-100kbps, while the current 3G including AT&Ts are like 300-750).
Calling Edge 3G would be pretty laughable, though I suppose it would give AT&T an edge with their maps though.
Edge isnt 3G... and if they called it 3G, it would be like calling dialup the same as DSL/Cable/T1. Edge is slow (again ballparking, 50-100kbps, while the current 3G including AT&Ts are like 300-750).
Calling Edge 3G would be pretty laughable, though I suppose it would give AT&T an edge with their maps though.
The PDF I linked to explains very clearly that EDGE can technically be defined as 3G. I think AT&T is SOL as they don’t list it as such, but that is not your argument. This Wikipage may be easier to absorb…What you get out of a service doesn’t define the generation it’s classified as. The classification come from a standards body. Ultimately they are arbitrary but they are defined.
EDGE has a maximum theoretical throughput of 473.6Kbps. That is well past the minimum given for AT&T’s 3G. Note that AT&T’s 3G has the future potential to have 84.4Mbps with Evolved HSPA. That isn’t even into the 3GPP LTE 4G yet.
There is this site I came across. AT&T will likely use this as a proof that they thing EDGE is 3G, if that is the path they wish to take with this. If so, I don’t think they should have used 3G to refer to their UMTS network. Again, I think that is why they are screwed. Note: this page’s text looks to have been carried over verbatim from the Cingular days.
EDGE is a third-generation, high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology. It's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services including video and music clips, full picture & video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the move.
Prevalence
In areas where the 3G network is not available, customers will continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, when coverage is available.
The AT&T EDGE network is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along 40,000 miles of highways. It provides average data speeds between 75-135Kbps.
PPS: Expect for this type discussion, you’ll never see me express EDGE as 3G.
I wonder if anyone will take the Droid multitasking statement to task.
No simultaneous voice and data = no multitasking like the iPhone is capable of.
You do know that when the iPhone is running on edge you can't talk and browse right?
Peace