Is the iPhone hurting AT&T's rep?

According to a hotly-contested claim, design flaws in Apple's smartphone are slowing down AT&T's wireless network.

In the wake of a Consumer Reports survey that ranks AT&T dead last among cellular providers, there is speculation that the iPhone may be responsible for the network's subpar performance. According to a recent NY Times story, poor engineering in Apple's popular handheld device — for which AT&T is the exclusive provider — could be slowing down AT&T's otherwise high-quality network. Could the iPhone really be at fault for AT&T's widespread customer dissatisfaction?

A bum rap for Apple: The iPhone certainly has its shortcomings, says tech blogger John Gruber on Daring Fireball. But are they enough to "explain the horrendous service iPhone customers on AT&T are seeing?" Not likely. On other networks around the world, the iPhone works better than it does on AT&T's network here in the U.S.

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