Hope you didn't plan to actually make calls on iPhone 2.0.2

Hope you didn't plan to actually make calls on iPhone 2.0.2


Yesterday's release of iPhone 2.0.2 has been mostly welcomed by the ever-critical iPhone-using contingency, but as usual, the firmware is not without its problems. We were able to confirm that the update addresses a few 3G-related issues (but not some of the major 3G problems people are having quite yet), and overall, users are reporting apparent improvements to signal level and the ability to make calls. It's that last part?the ability to make calls?that is tanking for some other users, however, thanks to the iPhone 2.0.2 update.

Originally brought to our attention by the grand poobah of all grand poobahs (at least here at Ars), EIC Ken Fisher, a number of iPhone are finding themselves completely unable to make phone calls over the 3G network after performing the update. Ken informed us?via SMS, since his iPhone wasn't working?that every call results in a "call failed" error despite the device showing him full signal under 3G. Needless to say, this is kind of a problem, especially while on the road. He also reports having issues with deleting e-mail and moving messages to different folders within the mail application.

A quick Google search shows us that he's not the only one having these problems. A thread has been started at Apple's support discussions board about the issue, wherein the user ended up taking the problematic iPhone to an AT&T store for evaluation. The AT&T employee verified the issue and swapped out the SIM, which apparently worked in remedying the problem.

A commenter at iPhone Atlas (scroll to the first comment by climbbike1) is also experiencing the "call failed" issue after updating, and says he can no longer use the 3G network whatsoever?switching to EDGE allows him to make calls again. (Ken confirms that switching to EDGE restores his ability to make phone calls as well.) A user named drzeus at the MacTalk forums also reports having experienced failed calls despite having full 3G signal. The same with oscar5453 (and his girlfriend) at Engadget. The same with furrina at MacRumors.

While it doesn't seem like the issue is very widespread, it's a pretty major one, even if it only affects a handful of users. The inability to make phone calls over the 3G network kind of negates the entire benefit of having 3G available in the first place. Especially for those who upgraded to an iPhone 3G from an iPhone, it's making the new purchase look like a huge, $200+ waste of money.

Buzz up!