Robert Scoble published a post yesterday that raised 85,000 reasons why the iPhone will continue to dominate smart mobile sales. But, there’s one giant reason that Scoble skipped.
The network.
Yes, the topic was been raised and covered multiple times before, but the fact remains that AT&T’s voice and data networks are struggling to keep up with iPhone users. For a lot of people, especially those whose locations are well covered by AT&T, the number of applications available in the iTunes store will keep them on the iPhone or persuade them onto the platform.
It’s the Network, Stupid
But, for a lot of other people who currently don’t have an iPhone or are becoming exceedingly frustrated with:
- Dropped calls
- Delayed voicemails/text messages
- Dropped internet
- Slow internet
- Useful app rejection
the new open platform Android 2.0 phones that are being hyped right now seem quite tantalizing. There’s really a bare minimum of apps that I use on my iPhone (and a crucial one that isn’t available, unless you hack it, yes Terminal please). The network frustrations puts a damper on the excitement of having 85,000 applications in my pocket, especially since many of them rely on a solid network to work properly.
There’s No App For That
Out of the 85,000 apps on the iPhone, there’s not a single app that will improve AT&T’s clogged network. Having Yelp in my pocket is great, but if it doesn’t load or takes 5 minutes to return results it becomes relatively useless. Give me something that is 80% as good as the iPhone on a network that is reliable and consistent and I’m there.
Yes, the Motorola Droid is looking mighty tempting. I’m holding off until I can get my grubby hands on it to decide if it’s close enough to jump ship, but the 75,000 fewer apps won’t have any real impact on my decision. On an open platform, new apps can be written and guaranteed to be allowed. The network, on the other hand, is completely out of our hands. Deliver a strong network with a great mobile phone and the users and apps will come.
Photo credit: Stéfan | cc-nc-sa 2.0
I absolutely love that photo.
Props.
Yeah I saw that and immediately stopped looking for any others.
[…] no secret that AT&T has some issues when it comes to their services. I would constantly get calls that would drop, even when standing […]
I think the biggest downfall of the Iphone is the fact that I can't openly develop on it. I did just get an iphone, because I feel like it's going to be a while before anyone catches up to it in terms of apps, but the barrier to entry for the iphone apps is so high for a developer. That's why if i had the ability to quickly whip something up for another phone I would do it in a hearbeat. So as soon as developers see how easy to develop for the droid it's going to get real real interesting.
The photo is super cute. And I have to agree with you. AT&T is over priced and drops a lot of calls. I wonder why apple hasn't switched over to other carriers. They must have a contract or something with exclusive rights. But for some the crappy service with AT&T is worth it for the iphone.
Agreed. It's a bit ridiculous that you have to pay for the right to develop and publish apps for it, and then Apple can still reject your app for no good reason.
Now that the Android platform is past its initial stages, it's going to become a very exciting place for developers and consumers.
I don't even think they're overpriced for what they claim to offer. They are overpriced for what they actually offer, but if their network didn't suck the prices are on par with the rest of the industry (the $20 unlimited internet was incredible for the time).
I think most people haven't switched because they wanted an iPhone and are now stuck. Luckily for me, my contract ran out recently and now I'm free! I'm still on an iPhone, waiting to see if Droid lives up to the hype. If it does, I'm switched. If it doesn't I'm just going cell-phone less for a while.
P.S. Check back in tomorrow for a post about how I get a monthly partial refund on my AT&T bill.
good photo ?? nice one !!
yes ofcourse there are several problems with the AT&T network services in the remote areas. But that wont effect the large use of iPhones.
bespoke furniture
Since when are Boston Massachusetts or San Francisco California remote?
I liked the photo and the article very much.
Adam
I just got my iphone about a week ago and read your post with great interest. I also popped over to what Robert Scble had to say as well. I think you have hit the nail on the head with the significance of the network
I love my iPhone. But it's true alot of my calls get dropped. But I love the apps for it!
Yeah, it seems each cell provider sucks in some way. It's as if they all colluded behind closed doors and said “OK, Verizon, your network will rock but your customer service will suck, AT&T your customer service will be stellar but your network will suck, T-Mobile, you're the fallback, just make sure you don't expand too much”.
As for Blackberry vs. iPhone, it's all about the right tool for the job. For me, internet/terminal is the most crucial factor. The mail app is good enough for my needs and the browser is best in class.
Very nice! You’re pretty smart, i’ll be keeping up with this blog in the future