[speced]

I was just wondering if the new iPhone will be able to use EDGE for those times when you have to venture out of a 3G area? Which will probably happen a lot for those who travel.

Thanks

[Ahambone]

Yes; 3G is backwards-compatible.

[Ahambone]

Forgot to mention- it also sounds like the new iPhone may have an option to turn off 3G, since 3G will be more taxing on the phone's battery. When the 3G is off, EDGE would go into effect.

[caseychan]

Hopefully, Apple would determine a way to automatically shut the 3G feature off. You should take a look at AT&T's 3G coverage maps to see if it is available in your area.

[speced]

Thanks for all your responses. I'm glad that it's backwards compatible. Luckily the DC area seems pretty well covered for 3G. However my office mates still don't get reception once they step inside the office I'm interested to see how strong the 3G signal will be.

[inertialnav]

It's going to have to use Edge. Not that many AT&T customers live under the 3G umbrella. I know I don't. While I would LOVE to have the new iPhone I don't see spending the money when all it offers is 3G and GPS, the very same features I won't use very often.

It's the new phone OS providing the pipeline to the App Store that will have everyone hot, including me.

[xtreker15]

I believe so, why would it not?

[mpfrink]

I live in Austin, TX and we seem to have some great 3G coverage, I'm also really glad to hear that Madison, WI recently got it as well since I visit my parents up there often. Any other Madison or Austin natives?

[tschertz01]

My understanding is that the phones will default to Edge whenever 3G or Wi-Fi are not available.

[volsfan0911]

I had seen several rumors and posts showing that 3G would be user selectable (i.e. you can turn it off) which I would consider a great idea. EDGE is slow, but it works and Lord knows it's not a battery pig as my BB Curve 8310 can go all day hard and still not exhaust the battery. But many times, I want the faster data (I live in Ellicott City, MD between DC & Baltimore so we're completely 3G all over the place here) and will gladly give up some battery to get it. AT&T has allegedly finished rollout on their 3G upgrades so by the end of this month, there should be a lot less markets not covered.

[speced]

According to AT&T's 3G map I'm near the edge of the coverage. I'm just wondering how much speed decreases as your signal strength decreases? Does anyone have any experience with their 3G network yet, on another device?

[SLVR6]

Of course it will be able to use EDGE. Otherwise once you leave the major city you would have no data!

[whmurray]

I was just wondering if the new iPhone will be able to use EDGE for those times when you have to venture out of a 3G area? Which will probably happen a lot for those who travel.

Thanks

It better. At&T 3G coverage is still very limited. Still none in many dense markets.

[whmurray]

Thanks for all your responses. I'm glad that it's backwards compatible. Luckily the DC area seems pretty well covered for 3G. However my office mates still don't get reception once they step inside the office I'm interested to see how strong the 3G signal will be.

DC was the first 3G market for AT&T. They have gotten to low hundreds of markets by counting every little town in Texas as a "market."