[kman42]

I don't know squat about cellular networks, but I'm wondering if the addition of 3G to the new iPhone will change voice reception. I currently get decent reception, except it is spotty in my house, so I am hoping for some improvement.

Does the 3G network have anything to do with voice, or just data? Could the new chipset possible improve voice reception? Or is my only hope that maybe Apple will include a better antenna, change the case or move the chips?

Thanks!
kman

[chabig]

On a digital network, voice and data are the same thing. 3G will not improve your voice quality unless the carrier increases the bit rate, which isn't going to happen.

[alex_kac]

No, 3G is just data.

[kman42]

Hmmm...you two just contradicted each other.

Chabig says that voice and data are the same thing and alex_kac says 3G is just data.

What about the spectrum frequency?

[chabig]

We said the same thing. I said voice and data are the same thing (meaning that voice audio is digital data), and Alex is saying that everything is just data...same thing.

[Randman]

3g will not have anything to do with voice. Data only.

[kman42]

chabig: So did Randman just say that as well?!

[kman42]

I found a much more compelling answer after a few google searches:
"Sorry, this is simply not true. A 3G WCDMA signal is totally different from a 2G GSM signal. They are no where even close to the same, and you can only use one at a time. If you are on 3G, then the 3G signal is used for both Voice and Data. 2G GSM signals will not be used at all if on 3G.

As for your question - will 3G improve your reception? Well, it all depends on your location, signal strength, and how the cell towers are built out. Technically speaking, 3G WCDMA signals have some advantage signal wise over older GSM (less multipath errors, better use of spectrum, etc), especially if its running on a full rate codec. However, if you get very poor to no signal in your house under GSM, then the chances of it being much better under 3G are only marginally better. It also depends on the frequencies being used in your area. GSM under AT&T uses both 850mhz and 1900mhz, depending on the area. 850mhz is considered to have better building penetration over higher frequency signals such as 1900mhz PCS.
Now, MOST of AT&T's 3G runs over 1900mhz, with a select few cities in the US running on 850mhz. If the towers near your house run on 850mhz GSM and 1900mhz 3G, then chances are you may even get WORSE performance under 3G.

Realistically speaking, it comes down to a ton of factors. The best thing you can do is either ask a friend with a 3G AT&T phone to see how reception is by your place, or to pick up a cheap 3G Gophone and see how performance is."



So, actually, it sounds like 3G has a lot to do with voice, as well as data.

[chabig]

The fact is that the voice quality has everything to do with the coding and data rate, and nothing to do with the channel. The channel only matters to the point that it must be able to support the data rate.

[kman42]

I'm not really concerned with voice 'quality', but rather with voice reception. Does your statement about coding and data rate apply to reception as well? Or just quality?

[Cold Warrior]

Get an indoor repeater. They're not really expensive.

[Cold Warrior]

All analog should be off by now.

[imitchellg5]

Reception is a different story. Some areas have better 3G reception then analog, and some areas are the other way around. At my house I have great 3G but barely any analog.

[imitchellg5]

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior 

All analog should be off by now.

It's not though. I haven't been anywhere in the US even this year that doesn't have analog.