So sorry you spent $650 on that first iPhone

But too bad:

http://gizmodo.com/5122738/att-downg...ding-older-pho
nes-with-lesser-service


Timothy Butler over at OFB did some sleuthing and found that AT&T is
downgrading its EDGE/2G service to the weaker 1900 MHz band. Their
response to those with newly-lousy service? Buy a new phone.

EDGE/2G was previously using the 850 MHz band, which compared to the new
1900 MHz offered superior coverage, especially indoors. The switch, as
confirmed by AT&T sources, is designed to boost the network's 3G
coverage, but that leaves many users of previously functioning phones,
including the original iPhone, with worse service, especially in rural
areas. An AT&T PR representative, as well as several customer service
reps, offered the same solution: buy a new 3G phone, at the customer's
expense.

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in news:elmop-
BDB767.17140003012009@mara100-84.onlink.net:

> EDGE/2G was previously using the 850 MHz band, which compared to the new
> 1900 MHz offered superior coverage, especially indoors. The switch, as
> confirmed by AT&T sources, is designed to boost the network's 3G
> coverage, but that leaves many users of previously functioning phones,
>

That's a real trick, here. All ATT/Cingular is PCS ONLY across SC.
They've never been on 850 Mhz.