Apple Thoughts: Can EDGE Get Slower Than It Already Is? Apparently So

"In an act affecting owners of 2G cell phones on AT&T Mobility's network, including the highly visible, and originally highly expensive first generation iPhone, Open for Business has learned that AT&T has been quietly sacrificing 2G signal strength in an effort to speed up the build out of its next generation 3G network."

For those on the border or outside of a 3G area that are forced to use the EDGE Network, this could really be a pain (like me for example). On one hand I can see the need to build out the system, and when I'm on the 3G network I want it as fast as possible. Doing so when over 1/2 of the phones you have out in the market are 2G seems to be a pretty high price to pay in terms of customer service. Granted if you want an iPhone today you are stuck with AT&T, but who knows how long that will last, and consumers have a long memory when it comes to things like this. Luckily for me, most of my access is via Wi-Fi at home or 3G at work, but there are times when I am forced to use the 2G network, slow as it is. Guess I'll have to make sure I'm close to a Starbucks when I'm out on the road.