It’s bad enough I had to buy an AT&T MicroCell so I would stop dropping calls in my apartment, but to add insult to injury, whenever connected to the mini-fake-3G network the carrier text on the iPhone becomes this huge monstrosity that takes up the whole left side of the status bar. Why can’t it say “AT&T MC” or simply “M-Cell”?
The fact that this device uses my internet connection—which I pay for—to create a fake 3G network so I can avoid using AT&T’s shitty service, and yet I have to pay AT&T to get one is a slap in the face. But if I want to make phone calls with my iPhone in my living room these days, I don’t have much choice.
On a related note, while I was at the AT&T store today the salesperson casually said, “Bad coverage in your apartment, eh? That’s a shame.” To which I replied, “Yes, AT&T sucks. If I didn’t have an iPhone, I wouldn’t use you guys.” He thought on this for a moment and then said, simply, “Yeah.”
Minutes later, I walked into the Apple Store to pick up a Magic Trackpad (verdict: excellent). While the salesperson was ringing me up, he glanced at the AT&T bag and asked if I had purchased anything fun. I told him no, I had to buy a MicroCell because AT&T has a shitty network. He said, “I’m sorry you’re having problems. Did you ask them to look into network issues in your area?” I said no. “Do you want me to take you upstairs to have a Genius check your phone?” I said no. “I’m sorry to hear about this. AT&T coverage in New York City is generally good, but there are weak spots. Where do you live?” At this point, I thanked him politely for offering his help but assured him it wasn’t his problem to deal with.
AT&T store: Yeah, we suck. Go screw.
Apple Store: What can we do to help you, even if your problem is with AT&T?
