One thing I’ve noticed since getting my Nexus One is that the 3G coverage inexplicably cuts out from time to time. It doesn’t happen often, and it seems to come back in due time. It also doesn’t heavily impact my usage unless I’m watching a streaming video — with audio I’ve experienced no issues. Google tried to solve the problem a few months ago with a software update, but, considering I got mine just a few weeks ago, it’s pretty clear that it didn’t work. The issue, it appears, relates more to the hardware than the software.
Engadget points us to a Google support forums thread in which a Google employee addresses the issue. Nexus One owners might not like the implication.
Hey guys,
I’ve seen some recent speculation on this thread about an OTA to improve 3G connectivity and I want to give you an update on the situation.
While we are continuing to monitor user feedback regarding the 3G performance on the Nexus One, we are no longer investigating further engineering improvements at this time.
If you are still experiencing 3G issues, we recommend that you try changing your location or even the orientation of your phone, as this may help in areas with weaker coverage.
Engadget takes it as a “pretty conclusive sign” that this issue relates to the Nexus One’s hardware rather than some software quirk. Another forum user notes that it could be an HTC thing. In its review of the Droid Incredible, Boy Genius Report notes a similar problem:
Unfortunately, there is one area of the device’s phone performance that is a little troubling, though probably not the end of the world. We noticed the Incredible gets a slightly lower signal than the Motorola DROID and other Verizon Wireless phones. The Incredible seems to be a bit finicky bouncing around from 2 bars to say 4 bars randomly while other devices are steadily on 4 or 5 bars consistently. We are not sure if the signal is just not being represented properly due to a software issue or the phone is actually receiving a lower signal due to other reasons.
It appears, then, that Nexus One users are stuck with this problem. Could an update to Android 2.2 solve the issue? It’s possible, I suppose, but I’m not at all optimistic at this point. Still, I prefer the HTC Android devices to Motorola despite the hardware issue. It might be a bit obnoxious at times, but as Ry Guy notes, there are little tweaks that can improve signal. For instance, I moved to a treadmill at the gym closer to the window. That has made all the difference. I haven’t had video cut out since.
