Computerworld - Apple Inc. updated the iPhone's software Monday afternoon, but according to first reports posted to the company's support forum, the new 2.0.2 firmware has not fixed users' 3G reception problems.

As it did two weeks ago when it released iPhone 2.0.1, Apple gave no details of today's update contents, stating only that it included "bug fixes."

Users expecting to see a fix for long-running 3G reception issues, however, were mostly disappointed. The majority who posted messages on the subject to Apple's support forum after installing iPhone 2.0.2 said that the update had not solved their problems, which included dropped calls, weak signal strength and slow surfing speeds.

"I just finished downloading the new 2.02 software and I do not see a difference," said a user identified as "jay25cent" on the longest thread about 2.0.2 and 3G.

"I can't see any improvements," echoed "curveball," who said he lived in Sweden. "Same crappy signal."

"Still no 3G here (O2 UK) for me," added "musicvan" on the same thread. "Disappointed. So unless the 3G network is down at my so-called 100% coverage area, then nothing has changed."

Users have been complaining about 3G network problems almost since the July 11 debut of the iPhone 3G. More than 2,000 messages have been posted to the phone's support forum since then, detailing difficulties making calls from areas supposedly covered by a 3G network, and griping about weak signals and slower-than-promised data download speeds.

Although Apple has not publicly commented on users' complaints or has said whether it will come up with a software fix, some sources have claimed that the company is working on a firmware update that will solve the problems.

A few of the users who contributed in the support thread said that they believe the 2.0.2 update improved their 3G reception. "Now showing 4 bars, not 0-2, which looks better," said "vegasj."

And at least one user was just unsure. "I think there has been an attempt to correct the 3G issue but not sure if it has," said "whatsinitforme."

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