iPhone on XT ... it’s a fail
[UPDATE: Since writing the below, I've been able to insert the Telecom XT SIM into my Nokia Navigator 6210 - a Vodafone-bought handset - and successfully make voice calls over XT. Clarity is fine. Still wrestling with data, though it's not clear if XT has returned to full operation after this morning's filter installation-related downtime.]
I really wanted it to work. For iPhone owners, a choice of two network owners is better than one - even if one is unofficial.
But ... it was a fail.
Lacking an iPhone myself (Apple, are you listening?) I borrowed one from one of NBR’s immediate neighbours: Tomizone founder Steve Simms.
Among other things, Steve is an iPhone whizz and one of the first people in New Zealand to receive an iPhone 3G from Apple, so I figured we were covered against any stupid mistakes.
With a little help from a paper clip, out came the Vodafone SIM, and in went the Telecom XT SIM.
The next step in hopping between networks is to plug your iPhone into a PC (or MacBook, in this case) to download settings for your new carrier.
This is where we hit the wall.
There were no settings for Telecom NZ available on iTunes.
Telecom suggested that XT transmitters in the immediate area (we were in Customs St East, in central Auckland) could be down as the company continues its High Court-ordered, accelerated filter roll-out. [UPDATE: Telecom has just said XT service was down.]
It also suggested the XT SIM card could be faulty.
But with the carrier settings not officially available through iTunes, the immediate state of XT, or the SIM card, was irrelevant.
Until Telecom gets official iPhone distribution rights, maybe it's just not possible to get carrier settings onto iTunes.
Gen-i boss Chris Quin has, famously, been showing his XT-connected iPhone around town for some time.
And indeed software hack can be used to get around the lack of official support on iTunes, but as a regular citizen, Steve doesn’t want to do that. Even assuming they have the requisite technical nous, I don’t think most mainstream users, or certainly business people, would be comfortable with that back-alley solution either.
"We can’t guarantee that all the services on a phone that was not provided by Telecom will be immediately available, as such devices haven’t been optimised for our network.
"We will however have solutions in place for over-the-air reconfiguration so devices that were purchased and brought to Telecom can have access to our portal, content and other XT network specific applications."
Anyhow, there are still a couple of weeks to go until XT’s launch, and I’m going to revisit this one ahead of it. Keep watching this space.
Incidentally, although we got no XT reception, the iPhone did pick up NZ Comms (aka 2degrees). As ever, our third carrier is lurking.
More on the potential for network hopping with iPhone in my original blog post this morning here.
(Correction: Telecom has advised that Geekzone's Mauricio Freitas has not connected to XT via an iPhone. Mr Freitas has connected via an AT&T Pantech Matrix Pro, and has yet to attempt to connect via an Apple handset. For the record, Mauricio connected the Pantech phone to his laptop via USB and achieved 3.28Mbit/s download speed and 0.27Mbit/s upload..)
Back to home
Back to top
Print
Latest
NBR SERVICES
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Sign up for NBR subscriber content or email alerts
Comments and questions32
That's quite quick as on my vodafone iphone 3g the max I can get on the speedtest app for download is 117 kbits and 71 kbits upload.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2283 and change it to internet.telecom.co.nz ?
Or is that menu blocked by Vodafone NZ despite it being unlocked?
Thats wasn't the issue - it just didn't even obtain settings from iTunes as it should. Its easy to change the APN.
Correct: Changing the APN to internet.telecom.co.nz fixes it. (with an XT sim installed of course.)
Well, at least it did with me. No cracking or hacking needed - just the APN change seemed to work fine!
I did this with my iPhone and a borrowed XT SIM - and the iPhone went pretty damn quick. Felt like it'd had a processor upgrade when browsing.
There are plenty of posts here showing how do this - it was dead easy.
Chris K> do this and try again after the network goes live after the filter upgrades at the end of the month and see how ya go.
Oh, and one more thing... some people in this post (including the author of the article) are talking about iTunes not having the settings for the XT network... well that makes sense. If the settings were in there, iPhones would be in Telecom stores - my understanding/assumption is that Apple would only show settings for networks who have signed up to their terms...
All will be easier once iPhone OS 3.0 is released. Unlike previous versions of the iPhone OS, 3.0 allows custom configuration of network settings, including for MMS, internet gateway etc through the iPhone settings menu. I'm currently running the 3.0 beta so can confirm this is the case - I just need an XT SIM so that I can finally get functioning 3G service on my iPhone. Blasted Vodafone and their pathetic claims of interference!
"Blasted Vodafone and their pathetic claims of interference!"
First of all - Telecom were causing significant interference on Vodafone's Network, Telecom tried to avoid the need to install filters on their entire XT Network & they were also told by the Minister of IT 3 weeks prior to Vodafone taking court action, that they should do so, but they didn't.
It's not Vodafone's fault that the XT Network launch date has been delayed - it's 100% Telecom's fault.
Sigh - lets look at your statements here
"First of all - Telecom were causing significant interference on Vodafone's Network, Telecom tried to avoid the need to install filters on their entire XT Network & they were also told by the Minister of IT 3 weeks prior to Vodafone taking court action, that they should do so, but they didn't. It's not Vodafone's fault that the XT Network launch date has been delayed - it's 100% Telecom's fault." [No, sigh, that's not what I wrote. See my comment below or any of my stories. CK]
This is old news - Telecom had already fitted 1,000 filters before any litigation occured. Vodafone did what they thought was right, Telecom did what they thought was right. The ohnly winners on the day were the lawyers.
Mr Keal [sic] - Why didnt you do some homework on running an iPhone on a non vodafone network before setting yourself up to fail?
Its actually vodafones fault for not doing this when they started there network to start with. Telecom are actually doing and paying for what Vodafone should have done when they setup firstly, otherwise what happens when other providers want to start up, they cant because vodafone would bitch "your hurting our network waaaa waaa" Second of all they said for the last 6months thousands of customers couldn't call 111, so if its such a big thing for vodafone for over 6months, why wait till the last 14 days before a huge network release before raising the issue? Its just vodafone delaying a mobile network annihilation.
What a load of blaney. If voda fixed their masthead amps from amplifying every signal near their 900meg band it would be so much easier.
As it is - no one party is to blame.
I suggest, "anonymous", that you don't form opinions based on what little information is in the media, and lay blame, unless you are privy to the actual facts of the situation.
Will vodafones network continue to drop calls and delay sms whilst delivering feeble mobile data performance in amongst their puddles of 3G coverage now that filters are being fitted?
These "network" features have been part of the Vodafone experience well before XT and I'd bet that this'll continue to be the case
In so far as I am aware (now I'm talking like a lawyer), the minister wrote to NZ Comms three weeks prior to Vodafone's High Court action. The minister did not contact Telecom directly. NZ Comms likely relayed his comments.
Why am I trying to run an iPhone on XT? Because there's a lot of curiosity about this possibility and there was a lot people under the (wrong, it turns out) impression it would be easy.
So you have to go to the itunes site to "crack" the phone to get on XT? I've had a cracked (or jailbroken) ph for about 24 mnths (the first model iPhone) to be able to get on the Vodafone NZ network. So will mine work on XT? (I'm not near any of their transmitters at the mo).
My opinions are based on what I have read, especially on NBR, with the accurate & informative information that Chris Keall has provided.
I suggest you read these articles:
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/telecom-knew-xt-interference-november-2008-102355
The above link suggests that:
"Alcatel Lucent - "delivered the telco a report in November 2008 “making it clear that ‘spurious’ emissions would extend beyond Telecom’s frequencies into neighbouring spectrum licensed to NZ Communications and beyond that into Vodafone’s frequencies”.
Also, I suggest you this article:
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/joyce-suggested-telecom-install-filters-3-weeks-vodafone-action-102177
As per what Chris has written - he is basing his information that has been given to him, provided under the Official Information Act.
So, what is your problem? Does the truth hurt?
I have been using the 3G iPhone on the new XT network for just over a week.
The device had no issues in finding Telecom as a carrier and all that was needed was the addition of the above mentioned APN and I was away.
I have experienced no issues with iTunes and i am happily downloading applications, syncing my mail, applications sync and music with great ease. (Previously not an iTunes user)
I have experienced excellent coverage and data connectivity and have truly found this device a gem to use..
There was no need to apply any "crack"..!
I have friends that use the device on the Vodafone network and speed test comparisons have been very impressive! (to the envy of my hardcore Vodafone friends)
There was no need for an unlock to be applied to the device as all this was possible pretty much out of the box..
My only issue now is that I am addicted to $1.29 applications that are not hurting my credit card to much and consuming a large amount of time that could be better used for more productive things.
Get one and ENJOY the XT network!
I've ran a iPhone 3G on the XT network, it isn't hard.
Insert the SIM.
Make sure 3G is on in Settings, General, Network.
If it doesn't connect to telecom, reboot your phone (I've had this happen a few times when swapping vodafone->telecom)
To enable data, go to:
Settings, General, Network, Cellular Data Network.
Set APN to "internet.telecom.co.nz"
Enjoy, etc.
iPhones sold in NZ are not locked.
Original iPhone won't work on XT as it doesn't have 3G, and the XT network is 3G (850/2100) only.
Fact - Chris Keall has yet to write one clear piece of writing on the filter issue.
Fact - He will never know the true story, he is relying on industry contacts who would be fired for revealing the terms of settlement
Fact - You can run an IPhone on the XT network by just changing the SIM, go get a Telstra Clear SIM and roam to XT if you are obsessed by doing so and can't figure it out
Fact - Vodafone should stick to drinking fine wine instead of issuing it as press releases
The person who wrote this article is obviously a moron. I have tested roaming (on a Voda SIM) to the XT network and have tested with an XT SIM and I am glad to say they both worked fine with my IPhone 3G. I think the author probable would have tried on a 1st generation Iphone which cannot pick up the XT network. As I said at the start the author is clearly technology challenged. Needs to get his facts straight.
Why if your mercedes doesnt work would you try bmw parts.. and not go to mercedes direct and ask them what the issues are. The article writer comes across like a geek who doesnt have a clue, and a Telecom Basher .. just the same way incumbant Telcos around the world are treated. Chris remember this ... without Telecom NZ, Telstra , BT, AT&T... the likes of Voda could exist.. why because they dont have much ... they rely on the biggies to get things going then piggy back off them... Ask Telecom for an Iphone that does what you want .. dont build one in your own back yard.
*****Why am I trying to run an iPhone on XT? Because there's a lot of curiosity about this possibility and there was a lot people under the (wrong, it turns out) impression it would be easy.*****
Umm nope wrongo - Judging by the deluge of responses, Getting an iphone working on Telecoms network is in fact dead easy if you do the research first. This iPhone article was clearly a beat up and you should be ashamed of yourself for being so transparently unbalanced.
Anyone with half brain would've known that getting settings of iTunes wasnt going to work and as such would've least asked someone who's already using an iPhone at TeL (you yourself cite several examples) how they did it before writing this bilge. Stop bashing Telecom and get on with some facts.
How about you call Telecom and get your iPhone working and then report about the number of signal bars, the prevalence of 3G coverage and of course datat throughput or is that too difficult??? Thats what we're all waiting for
Possibly flogging a dead horse here, but I've been in NZ for two years and some of my geeky IT friends have been on and off using various iPhones through Voda. They have generally been very dismissive of coverage and download speed, and although they are currently Voda users they have been happy to admit the drop outs, coverage issues, and poor data rates existed long before XT came along. Some of them have moved onto XT. Non of them has had any problems, and all are impressed with the improvement in speed. Their only concern is whether they will continue to get such great service once everyone with any sense has moved over to XT.
Do your homework, Chris, because your article as currently written is nonsense. In this day and age you WILL get pinned by people for it, and it WILL get corrected in posted comments.
A number of the claims made in the above article are incorrect (eg 'court ordered installation) - I'm more inclined to take NBR 'facts' with a grain of salt.
Not sure what you chaps are talknig about - I borrowed an XT SIM from a friend who works at Telecom a few weeks ago - and ive had it in my iphone ever since. It works perfectly.
Ive noticed that the speed is significantly faster on the XT network than on the vodafone network - i get 3G in most areas (although i did notice very poor reception on a recent trip to Dannevirke) - also noticed that in Les Mills in town where i sude to get only one bar on the vodafone network - Im getting 4-5 bars and have no probs making calls or texting...
oh and yeah i had to modify the APN settings to internet.telecom.co.nz - but this took 3 seconds to find with google...
It works, hence - Win
Can anyone help me?? I've tried to change the APN and it is typed in as internet.telecom.co.nz and with no username or password,
i'v plugged it into itunes but nothing happened and when i could finally see telecom as a carrier it wouldn't work, it would say it was a restricted cellular network.... what have i done wrong or will it simply not work? I bought it in nz from vodafone 2weeks ago..... :( let down.
I have changed APN and enabled 3G. Mine is nz new also. Help!
Heard of jailbreak and then yellowsn0w anyone? Yellowsn0w is a 3G baseband unlocker that lets the iPhone be used on ANY network across the world. Try making sure you have tried EVERYTHING before declaring a fail because otherwise YOU fail!
Contact me on chrisclarkson@me.com if you want some lessons on not failing!
... my iPhone is from Canada originally and since I yellowsn0wed the baseband I have had no issues on the XT network!
iPhone sold with in New Zealand is not locked and will work with any GSM/WCDMA telco... as long as you get the APN & MMS settings... For telecom NZ settings... see below
http://www.iphonewzealand.co.nz/2009/all/tip-telecom-xt-carrier-bundle/
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/iphone
APN: internet.telecom.co.nz
Username blank
password blank
MMS
APN: internet.telecom.co.nz
Username blank
password blank
MMSC http://lsmmsc.xtra.co.nz
MMS Proxy 210.55.11.73.8080
MMS message size 614499
XT isnt a fail. Telecom itself is a fail. horrible ISP, horrible customer service, horrible mobile service and high prices for their crappy efforts.
FU telecom
Honestly. How can you even call this a review.
Please learn the basic use of a cellphone or go back to living under a rock.
Changing the APN on an iPhone is simple.
Therefore i would conclude the author of this article is a fail. Not XT.
Telecom bashing is still alive and well then (but apparently only from those who wear blinkers!) Grow up Michaelzzx and do the tests for yourself. In a rural area I get around 3.9Mb/s down and 1.8 Mb/s up on XT. No other carrier comes even close! You sound like you're on another planet mate.