In a word, no.  Here’s why…

While dramatic, this 3G map is accurate…

In short, "there’s a map for that."

I’ve been busting AT&T’s chops over their network for a long time (The iPhone 3G as a Business Tool Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3).  I bought an iPhone 3G on iPhone 3G Day back in 2008.  It was an awesome time and a cool ride, but I ended up selling my iPhone 3G.  Its a decision I am still ok with, though I do miss the camera phone and photo capabilities more than anything else.  If my iPod Touch had a camera, I’d be ok with everything; but that’s another rant for another day…

I sold my iPhone 3G because of AT&T’s network problems.  In Chicago, a LARGE Mid-West market, you would think that the network would be pretty solid.  It isn’t; and that fact that it isn’t is really troubling.  Notice, the articles that I wrote and referencing are well over a year old.  There’s a reason for this – the fact remains that AT&T’s network is still very weak when it comes to 3G coverage.

Yes.  They have nationwide data coverage that matches VzW’s; but on their EDGE network, not their 3G network.  Those that have an iPhone or any other modern Smartphone) and live in a 3G coverage area know what I am referring to.  3G speeds are needed and (nearly) required for a device of this type.  Without it, the devices, while working, are difficult to work with and provide a less than desirable experience.

While AT&T is said to be investing $2B USD in their network this year (the HSU/DPA upgrade), its not NEARLY enough to bring it up to par with Verizon’s network; or enough to make the iPhone (or again, any other 3G capable device) experience as ubiquitous as they make it appear.

Now, Enter the iPad…

AT&T is again Apple’s partner for data on their latest device, and in my opinion, its likely the worst choice they could have made for a cellular data partner. The iPad is a data only device, and is (obviously) data centric.  While the Wi-Fi only devices won’t necessarily have this problem, the 3G enabled devices certainly will.  The 3G coverage isn’t nearly adequate enough to support the iPhone.  What makes either company think that the current network, or even the network with the current, planned upgrades will be adequate enough to support JUST the iPhone, let alone the iPhone AND the iPad? 

AT&T’s network has enough problems at it is.  Even last night here in Chicago, the voice AND data network fell down here near the house.  We couldn’t make calls, surf the net, send text messages… NOTHING for a period of about 2.5 hours.  AT&T was aware of the problem, though they were less than helpful in getting it resolved or even explaining what the problem was over the phone.  At least one person I know of was given a new phone during this time, as retail stores struggled to understand why some phones in the area were effected and others either were not or were not as severely effected.

I have no idea how the iPad has a snowball’s chance of being successful on a network like this.  All its going to do is highlight existing and bring out additional problems in AT&T’s network. 

I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’…

However, I’d love to hear what you have to say.  Why not use the comment section below and let us know what you think.

Related posts:

1. Not So Fast, iPad
2. Updated: The iPad Apple Event – Live on the Internet
3. The iPad…Should I or Shouldn’t I?
4. Why I Preordered the iPad Today
5. AT&T Declining Spending on Network Maintenance and Expansion