iPhone 3G chipset to blame for reception problems, claims analyst

The ongoing reception issues faced by many iPhone 3G users may be due to its Infineon 3G chipset and the protocol stack that it uses, according to Nomura Securities analyst Richard Windsor.  In a research note released today, Windsor pointed the blame at Infineon as presumed 3G chipset supplier and suggested that their "immature" protocol software was key to the Apple cellphone's woes:

"We believe that these issues are typical of an immature chipset and radio protocol stack where we are almost certain Infineon is the 3G supplier" Richard Windsor, analyst, Nomura Securities

It's the second comment on the iPhone 3G's reception today, after US carrier AT&T spoke to our network site SlashGear today about the criticism their network has faced.  Stopping short of taking blame for the handset's 3G shortcomings, the suggestion seemed to be that a firmware update would be the most likely fix for any signal problems:

"Customer experience on iPhone 3G or any device can vary based on a number of factors including proximity to the cell site, buildings, trees, terrain, and the number of people on the network at a given time.  We and Apple are working continuously to ensure people have a great experience on the iPhone, and we urge our customers to synch iPhone 3G to iTunes frequently to ensure they have the latest software updates” AT&T representative

However Windsor paints a much more serious picture, claiming that the issue is unlikely to be rectified with changes in firmware.  Instead, according to the analyst, Apple would have to actually replace the 3G chipset in question in order to avoid consumers claiming they are not getting the performance they paid for.

Apple has generally remained silent on the issue, and is yet to comment (or more likely say "no comment") on these latest Infineon rumors.  There is also no word from the chipset company themselves, who were first rumored to be supplying Apple with their S-GOLD3 back in April.

[via GigaOM] Image via iFixit