I have been posting in Spotty 3G Part 2 but I honestly don't feel like the problem everyone is experiencing has anything to do with 3G. The problem, as I have identified it, is due to the RF signal strength taking a major nose dive any time the phone is touched.
As most people might know, someone released a video on youtube that showed how the phone loses 3G connection and flips to EDGE whenever the back of the phone is covered. I can consistently replicate this test myself, but only when in an area where 3G is already weak. So I think the issue is really more serious than this.
If you go to Settings -> About Phone -> Status you will see a display for "Signal strength". When my phone is sitting on the desk, the signal stays consistent. However, the second I touch my phone, the signal drops up to as much as -20 dBm. I am able to replicate this test every single time, whether the signal is incredibly strong or weak.
So, I implore all of you, please perform this simple test yourself and report back your findings.
1. Go to the "Status" screen mentioned above and make sure your phone is sitting on a flat surface. Allow it 30 seconds or so, just to make sure the signal strength stays pretty stable (it may fluxuate a couple dBm's due to T-Mobile's signal).
2. Pick up the phone straight off the flat surface with one hand by only holding the edges of the phone. For myself using my right hand, I place my thumb on the left edge and 2-3 fingers on the right edge.
3. Within a few seconds, if not instantly, you should see your phone jump anywhere from -10 to -30 dBm.
4. Place the phone back on the flat surface and watch the signal strength increase and stabalize.
I can pretty confidently say that this behavior should NOT be happening, as I also own a myTouch 3G and it absolutely did not, and DOES not exhibit this behavior.
In all fairness, the phone is pretty usuable unless you're in an area with weak 3G coverage. However, the signal jump is absolutely unacceptable and it's time Google or HTC acknowledges everyone seeing this same problem.
