The Death Grip
August 3rd, 2010 | by Mobile Data Group |While the infamous “death grip” reception problems caused much controversy in the US, forcing Apple chief executive Steve Jobs to apologise and offer customers free “bumper” cases to fix the issue, it doesn’t seem to be as much of a problem in Australia.
The US issues appear to stem from the poor quality of the AT&T mobile network. Australian mobile networks are far more robust but Telstra, which has conducted its own tests, still advises customers to use the bumper for optimal coverage and network performance.
Users on the popular Australian Apple community website MacTalk say when performing the “death grip” on the device the phone will drop several bars of reception but calls generally do not drop out, in contrast to the US experience. Tests by this website reveal a similar experience.
A few users who are in very weak coverage areas, however, have said they have experienced dropped calls.
Apple has added a page to its Australian website advertising the iPhone 4 free case program. Those who buy the device before September 30 can get a free bumper by downloading the “iPhone 4 Case Program” app from the App Store.