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February 27, 2008 12:00 AM PST

iPhone 1.1.4 boosts cell signal strength

by Ben Wilson
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A number of users are reporting that iPhone software/firmware 1.1.4 does indeed provide a healthy boost in cell signal strength, which was severely degraded for some users under the 1.1.3 software/firmware revision (prompting a series of boosting methods including one that involves scotch tape). This enhancement stands in addition to a series of other undocumented fixes in 1.1.4.

Some positive reports from iPhone Atlas readers:

  • "I am getting 2-3 bars and solid edge in the Chicago Union Station north bound Tunnels. Normally would be no bars and EDGE would be sketchy. Leaving the tunnel I get instant signal. Before it would be 5-10 min before I got even bad connectivity. Loving it!" -- Jeff Rowe
  • "I used to have an intermittent weak signal in my condo.  No more since 1.1.4." -- Paul Barunas

Apple updated the iPhone modem firmware with release 1.1.4, bringing it from version 4.03.13_G to version 4.0.4.05_G. The refined firmware is likely the cause of boosted signal strength.

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.

Topics:

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Troubleshooting

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iphone,

Troubleshooting,

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by dhirajpiste1 February 26, 2008 9:34 PM PST
Wow, it seems sometimes the first or 2nd consecutive click on the Maps locate me feature, will get way closer -- within the few surrounding streets of my location -- never used to get so accurate! This is probably something that will continue improving...
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by kaykhanittha February 27, 2008 12:57 AM PST
At least they improved something...
http://www.buythismobile.com/APPLE-IPHONE/New-iPhone-Firmware-1-1-4-improvements-cell-phone-signal-strengthen
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by jasmer February 27, 2008 3:12 AM PST
60% improvement in cell phone strength! No one I mean no one has service in my condo - No AT&T, no Verizon, No T-Mobile, No Sprint - unless you press your face against my sliding glass door or go on my balcony. Now since updating to Firmware 1.1.4 I can talk in my living room, bedroom and halfway into my bathroom. This was not possible on 1.1.3. I even tried a cell booster some time ago at no avail. Apparently the iPhone is the only cell phone in existence that will now work in my apartment. No Blackberrys, Treos, Razors etc. will get service. I should mention that I did the tape on the back of the SIM card trick a week ago and didn't notice much difference. Update to 1.1.4 as soon as iJailbreak comes out with a update in a few days if you have a Jailbroken or Unlocked iPhone.
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by nickman55 February 27, 2008 8:10 AM PST
I don't know how Apple did it, but I have noticed an increase in my iPhone's signal strength. My house was filled with dead spots. I would have my phone in one spot and have full signal, then move it over a few inches and the signal would be dropped completely. After I upgraded to 1.1.4, I have constant signal all over, including the places in my house where I used to have none.
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by daniel4510_dotmac February 27, 2008 4:56 PM PST
I'm seeing only a minor improvement. Still need. Y zBoost in the basement office of my home. On the other hand, I'm posting this now from my local bar where previously it would have been impractical to even try because of a slow edge network. But I'm not seeing any bars, either.
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by daniel4510_dotmac February 27, 2008 4:59 PM PST
Signal bars, that is. I'm in an area with LOTS of bars and I'm seeing those just fine. :)
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