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AT&T 3G Network Issues in Chicago, IL (Lake View)
I live in Chicago and have had problems with 3G data connectivity in two locations over the past two days. I own an iPhone 3G.
The first location is at Wrigley Field on both Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3 during a Chicago Cubs game (noon to 4:00pm). I had no internet connectivity at all, despite my iPhone showing a full-bar notice with 3G. I had two phone calls that went straight to voicemail without ringing on Sunday.
Coordinates:
Degrees Minutes Seconds:
Latitude: 41-56'53'' N
Longitude: 087-39'19'' W
Decimal Degrees:
Latitude: 41.9480878
Longitude: -87.655333
The second location is at 3252 N Clifton Ave 3W, Chicago, IL 60657 where phone connectivity is spotty at best. This was not always a problem, but the strength of the cell connection has deteriorated over the last six months.
Coordinates:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3252+n+...
Is there a better way to contact AT&T about connectivity issues
The first location is at Wrigley Field on both Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3 during a Chicago Cubs game (noon to 4:00pm). I had no internet connectivity at all, despite my iPhone showing a full-bar notice with 3G. I had two phone calls that went straight to voicemail without ringing on Sunday.
Coordinates:
Degrees Minutes Seconds:
Latitude: 41-56'53'' N
Longitude: 087-39'19'' W
Decimal Degrees:
Latitude: 41.9480878
Longitude: -87.655333
The second location is at 3252 N Clifton Ave 3W, Chicago, IL 60657 where phone connectivity is spotty at best. This was not always a problem, but the strength of the cell connection has deteriorated over the last six months.
Coordinates:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3252+n+...
Is there a better way to contact AT&T about connectivity issues
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?Any event with a large number of people gathering together will overwhelm any voice or data network, especially since a large portion of spectrum is still devoted to GSM [2G GRPS/EDGE]. When you're stuck in that situation, try to turn 3G off. If you need to place a call and can't, keep trying, I was able to place a call one time by trying to dial my voicemail over and over, and when I finally got a line, I then added a call while I was already connected. AT&T says they add mobile towers to locations for special events, but it seems like they don't do it very often. The 3G issue should be helped later this year when AT&T devotes more spectrum from 2G to 3G. For now, switching to GSM may be your best option whenever you're having problems.
Coverage on that are of Belmont is poor, not sure why, although I usually always have to move to a window if I'm in a building. New construction nearby may have affected your coverage. If other AT&T 3G phones aren't affected like yours, it may indicate an equipment issue. You can try to reset your network settings, which seems to fix some call issues. Also, I've had to get a new SIM card before when I had call quality problems in 3G since my old SIM didn't have some specific updates for the iPhone.
You can try calling 611 to open a case with technical support to diagnose and troubleshoot your call quality problems. You can also try writing into the corporate headquarters and they may consider adding a new tower nearby.
I've been having major problems with data near my home address at Irving Park and Ashland. For the past couple of months, 3G service has been slower than GPRS with high latency and very slow speeds. Thankfully I'm in WiFi at home, but when I leave and start Pandora or something, I have to switch to GSM until I get a mile or two away, and then 3G is fine. The issue resolved itself a few days before the 3Gs launch, but now it's back. It's becoming quite annoying. -
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Inappropriate?The large event I was referring to was the Cubs game.
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Inappropriate?Anytime you notice something going on I generally recommend going into your local AT&T COR store (if you can) usually they can get in touch with their network engineers.. they can also check on the status of their towers.1 Comment
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This answers the question
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I would recommend calling AT&T all the time to complain. Let them know that Chicago is a problem area. I'd also file (like I did) a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Note the numerous complaints on these type of sites (just Google search AT&T coverage in Chicago) and the media reports by Fox News and the Chicago Tribune (again a Google search will help). The BBB should be able to help. -
Inappropriate?I saw on Fox News Chicago in late June or early July that AT&T has coverage problems in high traffic areas like Lakeview especially around Wrigley Field during games. AT&T told Fox that the area is oversold to begin with, but that during games they realize it's impossible to get service. One solution AT&T claims to be using is the Cellular on Wheels (COW) that drives around to areas needing increased capacity. Apparently the COW is in the area and trying to help.
Oddly, I'm having the same capacity/coverage issues up in Rogers Park. When I called AT&T's customer service, the representative - while claiming to be looking at a coverage map - said "wow, Chicago is a mess!" He said that my area (1 mile radius) had 3 towers that were severely degraded and 1 tower that was degraded (by AT&T's notations on this map). This would explain why I can't get service in my area.
It's sad that AT&T can't properly cover the Nation's third largest city. So much for more bars in more places. <sigh>
</sigh>
I’m sad
