Problems with the iPhone 4 in Greece
When 3 week ago I got the iPhone 4 from the UK, I was excited and eager to test all the new features. Here are some of the problems I encountered since:
No Micro-Sim in Greece
My first initiative was to inquire with all mobile phone providers about a micro-sim; as you know, with the iPhone 4, Apple introduced the Micro-Sim, which in theory contains the same information chip as the standard Sim Card, however the dimensions of the chip itself is reduced to about 15 mm x 12 mm. It’s the same size as used in the iPad, however the iPad chip does not work due to different content and configuration.
No provider can provide a Micro-Sim in Greece. Consequently I chopped up a regular Sim to stuff it into the Phone … and the experiment failed. 3 Days later I was in possession of an O2 Micro-Sim my friend Zo Nicholas had sent me from the UK and the device could finally be activated.
Roaming Cost in Greece
In spite the new European legislation trimming roaming cost across Europe I could not see any progress. After a few hours of testing features and links I was 20 Pounds down. What’s actually killing the interest is international data transfer. The next 20 Pounds held for roughly 24 hours whereas I was careful switching off data roaming after each targeted use.
A better experience resulted of course by using local WiFi and Hot spots.
Roaming Services in Greece
Most of the time I have been using Cosmote or Vodafone as local service providers. How surprised was I that it takes up to 24 hours for a sent email to reach the addressee! I don’t actually know if this is inherent to low quality services here in Greece or if there is another cause, fact is, at this level mobile email is useless. Just for the record, I tested the email function in parallel from my desktop where it took just a few seconds to reach destination.
Connectivity — Antenna
While here in Vouliagmeni there is no connection problem as we are well exposed, my experience became a nightmare on Syros Island, the main island of the Cyclades. In the main town the reception was fine while just a few kilometers outside, the iPhone proved to be useless.
iPhone 4 in Greece … Searching …
There I was sitting in the taverna at the beach, sipping an ouzo and proud of the first iPhone 4 in Greece (not verified statement :-)), and the device was just sitting there like a dead duck while all other customers were chatting away on their smart– and other phones. This had nothing to do with the way it was held or handled. We put multiple phones on the table without touching them, the iPhone 4 had no antenna while other Nokia, Samsung or unbranded junk phones were sitting at 3 bars.
Sure the iPhone was the star and from a popularity and communication point of view as good as solid six-packs at the beach — but you look like an idiot when then the hottest device on earth exhales it’s spirit when you need it most.
Apple discriminates Greece
The known antenna problem with the iPhone 4 triggered Apple to update the software and to launch the Free iPhone 4 Case Program. My experience shows that it is not just a matter of how the phone is held or whether it sticks in a case or not: the Apple iPhone 4 Antenna has an engineering problem and any car constructor would have to recall it’s concerned production.
Second: while the free case program is provided through an App, that Application cannot be accessed through the Greek App Store! May be it’s just because the iPhone 4 is not yet available for sale in Greece? In any case: the iPhone is a device for mobile people and the features allow to communicate from anywhere with anyone: why should apple not change it’s attitude to global and provide the same degree of service to all customers, irrespective where they live?
In the case of the case program it’s just a matter of a link and at least 1 case to be shipped to Greece — I am waiting for it :-).
By the way: I went to Apple support online to draw their attention to the iPhone 4 problems existing in Greece. No reaction so far, which is understandable considering the masses of complaints they get from their main markets.
A Positive Note
The iPhone 4 is a great step ahead in many respects and while not an Apple fan, I must admit: I love this device. It shoots nice clips and pictures, lets you organize your contacts, has a brilliant display screen, allows for multitasking, it can mow your lawn, you water-ski on it or you surf the wave at the beach, it gives you a shave in the morning, it pays your bills at the taverna, it plays a Serenade under the balcony of your sweatheart, it fixes your computer and repairs your car, it can even take you to the Moon and the stars …
… but it’s useless as a Phone, at least when you are island hopping in Greece.
PS: I comment on iPhone 4 Photography and Media on http://iphone4photos.net.
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I just got my IPhone 4 from UK. Could you guide me on how to solve the issue of the sim card? Is it possible to cut it?
In theory it should be possible, however I did not succeed. I have cut a Wind SIM carefully to dimensions, but the iPhone did not accept the chip. May be I should try once more.
I then got a micro-sim from O2 (in the UK you can buy them easily — no need to give your name and shoe-size as in Greece) and switched data roaming off.
As in most places now you have free WiFi access, you can do anything you want with your iPhone 4. For phoning I still use my previous phone.
Note however that for as long as you have WiFi you can use Skype, MSN and other communication means.
I will try to cut another sim next week but in any case I would not start the exercise by cutting the sim you are using at present. Just get a 10 Euro sim from any provider.
I just learned that Cosmote and others have now the micro-sim. You may be able to change your sim for a micro-sim and thus keep your phone number.
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