Alcatel Lucent Tackling iPhone 4 Glitch

AT&T and Alcatel Lucent reported that they have identified the software problem that has been causing many iPhone 4 handsets to slow down drastically. Alcatel Lucent is working to fix the problem, which came to light over the weekend.

The problem comes close on the heels of complaints by iPhone owners over antenna problems with the latest iPhone model.

The software problem has slowed the handset's data speeds dramatically but apparently has had no negative impact on voice calling. AT&T said the glitch is centered on devices using the company's HSUPA spectrum in certain markets that rely on Alcatel Lucent equipment.

Alcatel Lucent said it is working to fix the problem and expressed hope the problem can be fixed internally so no work on cell towers will be required.

The difficulty came to light when iPhone and AT&T users complained their data usage was slowing dramatically. Data speeds were cut back from a theoretical maximum of 5.67 Gbps to 384 Kbps. AT&T has said just 2% of its mobile subscribers have been affected by the Alcatel Lucent glitch.

Many iPhone users were relieved that no new problem with their phones had surfaced. Unveiled last month, the iPhone 4 has been a hot seller, particularly among users of older iPhones who have rushed to acquire the handset. AT&T has the exclusive marketing right to sell the iPhone in the United States, although there have been unconfirmed reports that Verizon Wireless is planning to unveil an iPhone model in the coming months.